Hunter Museum of American Art

In the 1960s the Hunter Museum ushered in the holiday season by showcasing trees inspired by traditions from around the world. Although the showcase of trees was discontinued in the late 1970s, many Chattanooga residents fondly remember visiting the Hunter during the holidays.

In 2007, the Hunter brought back the tradition of trees in the Museum, but with a modern twist—instead of trees from around the world, visitors can admire fantasy trees decorated by local designers. This year, Hunter guests can see a variety of trees with different themes, from a “Home for the Holidays” tree that features everyday household items to an all-American tree that celebrates the spirit of our country.

One of the things I love about this time of year is that visitors share their holiday memories of the Hunter with me. During our December FREE First Sunday, I met Randy Wade and his mother, Janice. During our chat, I learned that Mrs. Wade grew up in the Bluff View district and spent time at the Hunter mansion long before it was a museum. Her description of the mansion and its residents helped me envision life in the house before it became a museum.

Her son, Randy, also told me how much he enjoyed visiting the Hunter during the holidays as a 3rd grader at the Senter School.

“As a child the trees just looked so huge to me,” he said. “It’s been nice to come back here and relive some of those memories.”

And the holiday memories aren’t limited to visitors. Connie Carpenter, who works in the Museum Store, has a long history of volunteering with the Hunter. She spotted herself in a holiday photograph from the 1960s, hanging a wreath on the front door of the Hunter mansion. She shared some great stories about the local garden clubs and the fun they had decorating the Museum.

Do you have a memory of the Hunter that you would like to share? Login or register below and leave a comment. I’d love to read your stories.

-Katrina Craven, Public Relations and Marketing Director