Founder of Museum of Appalachia Dies at 91

Founder of Museum of Appalachia Dies at 91

The Museum of Appalachia founder, John Rice Irwin, died Sunday at the age of 91. The announcement was made on the museum’s Facebook page. Irwin who founded the museum in 1969, collected over 250,000 authentic Appalachian artifacts that were gathered over half a century.
Donations made in memory of John Rice Irwin may be made to the Museum of Appalachia. A celebration of the life of John Rice Irwin will be held at the Museum of Appalachia on Sunday, April 24 at 2:00 p.m.

Headlines

What's happening

Fanboy Expo July 11th-13th- Knoxville Convention Center

Fanboy Expo July 11th-13th- Knoxville Convention Center

Don’t miss Tennessee’s Largest Pop Culture Event, Fanboy Expo on July 11th-13th, 2025 at the Knoxville Convention Center. Come see why over 30,000 fans have attended our Summer events featuring Celebrity Guests, Comic Industry Pros, Cosplay, Vendors, Live Entertainment and much more!

Painting with a Purpose! (with McLain’s Painting Service)

Painting with a Purpose! (with McLain’s Painting Service)

Update: Congratulations to Childhelp Tennessee (Knoxville Services)! They have won a fresh coat of paint up $10,000 from Sherman Williams and McLain’s Painting! Thanks to all those who nominated their favorite Non-profits as yet again it was an extremely tough decision with many great candidates! Painting of the Childhelp Knoxville location will take place on July 19th by McLain’s Painting.