W.D. Sykes Museum

02/10/2026

Our February 2026 Newsletter...

Our first meeting for 2026 is Tuesday, February 24th, 6:00 pm, at W.D. Sykes Museum.

02/08/2026

Thank you to everyone who attended the 1860s Style Worship Service this morning at W.D. Sykes Museum.

02/04/2026

President Geraldine Sykes wanted a reminder posted about the 1860s Style Worship Service.

Where: W.D. Sykes Museum 178 Street Dover, Tennessee 37058
Date: Sunday, February 8, 2026
Time: 10:00 am
Reverend Don E. Bailey will officiate the service.

The parking area in the rear of the building, off Cedar Street, is very slick with ice and snow so use extreme caution if you plan to attend.

02/02/2026

01/24/2026

W.D. Sykes Museum at 10:45 am, January 24, 2026.

01/21/2026

For information about events and programs pertaining to the 164th anniversary of the Battle of Forts Henry and Donelson and the 163rd anniversary of the Second Battle of Dover please contact Fort Donelson National Battlefield at (931) 232-5706 or at https://www.nps.gov/fodo/index.htm.

01/13/2026

W.D. Sykes Museum Receives Grant for Repairs

(From the January 13, 2026, edition of The Stewart County Standard.)

01/10/2026

What: 1860s Style Worship Service
Where: W.D. Sykes Museum 178 Church Street Dover, TN 37058
Date: Sunday February 8, 2026
Time: 10:00 am

Rev. Don Bailey will be officiating.

(Note: 1860s period attire is optional.)

01/02/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Stewart County Historical Society Receives $31,500 State Grant for Critical Repairs at W.D. Sykes Museum

Dover, Tenn. — January 2, 2026 — The Stewart County Historical Society has been awarded $31,500 in grant funding through the Tennessee State Museum, made possible by an appropriation from the State of Tennessee, to support critical capital repairs at the W.D. Sykes Museum in Dover.

The grant funding will be used exclusively for roof repair, chimney repair, and driveway and parking lot asphalt improvements, ensuring the long-term preservation, safety, and accessibility of the historic museum facility. All project work funded by this grant must be completed by June 30, 2026.

“This investment is incredibly meaningful for our organization and our community,” said Geraldine Sykes, President of the Stewart County Historical Society. “These repairs address essential infrastructure needs and help ensure that the W.D. Sykes Museum can continue serving the public for generations to come.”

The funding was awarded as part of a $5 million nonrecurring allocation approved by the Tennessee General Assembly for capital maintenance and improvement grants to nonprofit museums across the state. The program is administered by the Tennessee State Museum and is intended to preserve Tennessee’s cultural and historical assets.

About the W.D. Sykes Museum

The W.D. Sykes Museum, operated by the Stewart County Historical Society, is dedicated to preserving and interpreting the history and heritage of Stewart County and the surrounding region. The museum houses collections, exhibits, and artifacts that reflect the area’s cultural, military, and community history, serving as an educational resource for residents, students, and visitors alike.

Through exhibits, programs, and community engagement, the museum works to safeguard local history while making it accessible and meaningful to the public. Ongoing maintenance and preservation of the facility are essential to continuing this mission.

Media Contact
Geraldine Sykes
President, Stewart County Historical Society
731-363-6280
[email protected]