Join the Jackson Purchase Historical Society for a special program celebrating UT Martin’s 125th anniversary (quasquicentennial) at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, July 18, 2026, in the Paul Meek Library 10 Wayne Fisher Drive) Presenters Sam Richardson and Karen Elmore from the Meek Library’s Special Collections department, along with Nathan Morgan from University Relations, will share insights from their research for the anniversary book and exhibit. 
Their work took them deep into the University Archives, campus administrative files, and local community collections to uncover rare photos, historic documents, and personal stories that trace UT Martin’s roots back to 1900 and the founding of the Hall-Moody Institute. The exhibit highlights captivating moments from the University’s history, featuring vintage campus photographs, cherished artifacts, and memorabilia from notable alumni—including legendary basketball coach Pat Head Summitt—as well as original costumes of beloved mascots Pacer Pete and Pace-Her Polly.
Attendees will have the opportunity to tour a special exhibit of photos and artifacts from the University’s history. A richly illustrated book, The University of Tennessee at Martin, will be available for purchase at the event, with a portion of proceeds benefiting the Special Collections department.
“Anniversaries are occasions for reflection and assessment and in this case celebration as well. I am very pleased that the Jackson Purchase Historical Society (JPHS) can join in celebrating the long service of UT Martin (UTM) to West Tennessee and beyond over many years. Faculty from UTM were among the founders of JPHS and over the years many have spoken at our meetings and published in our Journal – as well as being officers and active members. So, it seems appropriate to devote one of our programs to celebrating this major milestone.” JPHS president Bill Mulligan said.
