State Museum exhibition looks at history of THP

Friday, June 19, 2015, Vol. 39, No. 25

NASHVILLE (AP) — The Tennessee State Museum says an exhibition detailing the history of the state Highway Patrol is set to open.

The free exhibit, called "Servants of Safety: 85 Years of the Tennessee Highway Patrol," is scheduled to open July 3 at the museum in Nashville.

The exhibition explores the history and the expansion of the THP since it was created more than 80 years ago. The museum holds hundreds of Highway Patrol artifacts, which were transferred to the museum's permanent collection.

In 1929, the General Assembly approved the creation of the Tennessee Highway Patrol for the primary purpose of enforcing laws applicable to state highways.

The exhibit, which runs through Oct. 4, includes historic Highway Patrol uniforms and 1986 Ford Crown Victoria branded as a Tennessee Highway Patrol car.