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News Updates
Andrew Johnson's First Book On Display At Visitor's Center
Sun Photo by Phil Gentry "The American Speaker," the first book Andrew Johnson owned and an impetus for his choice to join the political field, is on display at the Andrew Johnson Visitors Center.
Source: The Greeneville Sun
by Staff
Date: 2008-11-24
A new exhibit at Andrew Johnson Visitor Center offers fresh perspectives on the life of the 17th president.
The center display case of the museum, which has previously held mementos of the 17th president's life, has been supplemented with many pieces never before on display.
The new artifacts expand the story of Johnson as a young man, as a politician in the United States, as an international figure, and as a family man.
One item of note is The American Speaker, the first book Andrew Johnson owned and an impetus for his choice to join the political field.
He said, "There was one (book) in particular that I believe formed a turning point in my life; that is, it caused my thoughts to take a channel which they might not and probably would not have otherwise taken ... When I was learning my trade at Raleigh, N.C., a gentleman used to come into the shop and read aloud, and seeing that we tailors enjoyed it so much, he used frequently to come, and finally gave me the book, which was the first property I ever owned.
"How many times I have read the book I am unable to say, but I am satisfied it caused my life to take a different turn from what it otherwise would."
Lizzie Watts, superintendent of the Andrew Johnson National Historic Site, said that The American Speaker symbolizes the power of education and the realization of the American dream for Andrew Johnson. He was able to achieve success through his own determination after reading these inspiring words from the book, "It has been our aim, in making this selection, to endeavor to fire the minds of our young men, by placing in their view some of the brightest examples of Genius; to enable them 'With lips of fire to plead their Country's cause!' "
Andrew Johnson achieved not only national acclaim during his lifetime, but as president, international recognition as well.
International gifts include a carved wooden barrel match-holder that came from Jerusalem and was presented to Andrew Johnson with an inscription in Hebrew, and an ornament from Japan said to have been presented to Commodore Perry in 1857, as once belonging to the Mikado of Japan.
To fill out the story of the Johnson family life, a pair of eyeglasses and a cross necklace once belonging to Mrs. Johnson have been added.
There also are two commemorative plates to represent the ongoing legacy and interpretive strength of the 17th President of the United States.
This expanded exhibit coincides with the bicentennial celebration of Andrew Johnson's birth. The public is invited to view the display in the Andrew Johnson Visitor Center museum.
The center is located on the corner of College and Depot Streets, and is open seven days a week, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. It is closed only on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day.
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