The Rhea County Historical Society's mission is to discover, collect, preserve and display materials which will help illustrate the rich history and heritage of Rhea County, Tennessee.

A big part of that is restoring the Scopes Trial Museum in Dayton.

In 1979, a more than $1 million courthouse renovation included restoring the second floor of the courthouse to its 1920’s glory. A museum showcasing the Scopes Trial of 1925 was built in the courthouse's basement.

That museum was refurbished, remodeled and renovated in 2018. New flooring and new exhibits like story boards and an interactive touch screen helped update the museum for a new generation.

Click through the gallery below to see what awaits you at the newly remodeled Rhea County Heritage and Scopes Trial Museum.

Museum hours are Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. For more information please contact the county executive’s office at 423-775-7801.