Our history

About the Tipton County Museum

In 1993, the Tipton County Veterans Council began studying the feasibility of constructing a memorial facility to commemorate those who served our country in time of need and to tell the story of the Tipton County veteran and their experience through the display of historical artifacts. Concurrently, the Parks and Recreation Department for the City of Covington acquired 20 acres of bottomland hardwood forest that expanded Cobb-Parr Park, creating the first designated nature area and wildlife sanctuary in Tipton County. The sanctuary was to be a vast outdoor classroom for all citizens to enjoy and experience. The vision for the future was to create an indoor nature center on the site to support the learning of the natural sciences.

Both striving to enrich the quality of life for all citizens of Tipton County and West Tennessee, the Tipton County Veterans Council and the City of Covington Parks and Recreation Department combined their efforts to create the Tipton County Museum, Veterans Memorial, and  Nature Center. The dream became a reality on November 11, 1998, when the Tipton County Museum opened its doors to the public.

The Tipton County Museum, Veteran's Memorial, and Nature Center is located in the largest urban park in Tipton County and includes a twenty-acre wildlife sanctuary, a half-mile nature trail through a woodland forest, and a wetland study area. The two-acre Museum grounds are beautifully landscaped and showcase the Tipton County Veterans Memorial Monument, a garden courtyard leading to the pond area, shady space for picnics, and flora that produces year-round color.

The 5,000 sq. ft. museum houses changing exhibits featuring artifacts from Tipton County’s rich heritage and a nature center depicting the unique ecosystem of West Tennessee. The historical exhibits provide a fascinating account of the cultural and patriotic history of this area while the natural history exhibits are designed to teach elements of ecology, botany, zoology, and geology through interaction and discovery. Numerous programs for students and adults are available year-round.

The Museum Conference Center is an excellent place to host a corporate meeting during normal business hours and can seat up to 55 individuals. A projector and screen are also available for use. An outside door leads directly into the Conference Center or it can be accessed through the Museum. A bank of floor-to-ceiling picture windows looks outside to the beautiful garden area of the Museum grounds. The conference area also houses the Museum's Genealogy Lab in partnership with FamilySearch.org and the Family History Library Center. Researchers can bring their own computer devices, or use one of the two computers available for research use. A staff genealogist is available to assist on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and occasionally on Saturdays for research assistance. There is also a wonderful library of military history books for visitors to use for research or to just read when the conference area is not booked. Coffee is also available... stop in for a visit or come to just get away and relax.

The Tipton County Museum operates through funding from the Tipton County government, the City of Covington, corporate sponsors, and Museum members. For membership information, call the Museum at (901) 476-0242 during regular business hours or stop by and pick up a membership form.

The Tipton County Museum is a place for learning, a place for discovering, and a place for exploring.  Admission is free.

Our mission

Tipton County Museum

The Tipton County Museum, Veterans Memorial, and Nature Center is a multi-faceted facility that exists to enrich our historical, cultural, and environmental legacy. Serving the entire community of Tipton County, the Museum is a state-of-the-art center for historical preservation, veterans' history, and environmental education.