If you’ve ever walked through the doors of the Sumner County Museum, you know it’s more than just a building full of artifacts. It’s a place where stories live, where the past whispers its lessons, and where connections to our roots grow deeper. And this year, the museum is celebrating an incredible milestone—50 years of preserving Sumner County’s rich history.
I sat down with Ryan Baker, the museum’s director, to talk about the big anniversary, the importance of local history, and some of the unexpected treasures he’s discovered over the years. And let me tell you—if you think history is just dates and dusty books, Ryan will prove you wrong in about five minutes.
A Passion for History and Home
Ryan’s love for history didn’t start in a classroom. In fact, he admits that growing up in Sumner County, he didn’t realize just how much history had taken place right here. “They didn’t teach us a lot of this in school,” he said. “I had no idea how cool our history was until I started working at the museum.”
A Sumner County native (10th generation, to be exact!), Ryan first thought he’d become a history teacher. But after studying tourism and taking on the museum director role, he found himself bringing history to life in a way that felt like a perfect fit. Now, nearly a decade into the job, he’s still learning something new every day. “I’ll come across an artifact or a story I hadn’t seen before, and it’s like discovering a whole new piece of our past,” he said.
The Buffalo Balloon: A Hidden Gem in Sumner’s History
Speaking of discoveries—Ryan shared one of his favorite “hidden history” moments from the museum. One day, while digging through storage, he stumbled across a box labeled “Buffalo Balloon.” Inside were newspaper articles and artifacts connected to the world’s first air mail delivery, which happened in 1877… from Nashville to Gallatin… via hot air balloon.
Yes, you read that right.
For reasons still unknown (but likely as a publicity stunt), a balloon crafted in Buffalo, New York, was flown to Nashville, where it carried mail to Gallatin. Letters were tucked inside larger envelopes labeled “A message from the Buffalo Balloon. If found, please deliver to the nearest telegraph station.” Ryan’s still piecing together the full story, but it’s one of those fascinating tidbits that reminds us history is full of surprises.
Why History Matters
So why does any of this matter? Why should we take the time to learn about the past?
Ryan put it simply: “How can you know where you’re going if you don’t know where you’ve been?”
History isn’t just about avoiding past mistakes—it’s about connection. It’s about understanding the names on our street signs, the stories behind historic homes, and the way families shaped the community we live in today. “A lot of people don’t realize how interconnected these families were,” Ryan explained. “They traveled between homes, conducted business together—it all weaves into one big story.”
Bringing History to Life
The Sumner County Museum isn’t just about looking at artifacts behind glass. Ryan and his team work hard to create events that bring history to life. One of the most popular? Night at the Museum, where guests walk through live exhibits, meeting historical figures and experiencing moments in time. It’s like the Ben Stiller movie—but without the dinosaurs. (Yet.)
And it sells out. Every. Single. Year.
Celebrating 50 Years
Fifty years is a big deal. And while the museum will be celebrating in many ways, the biggest celebration is the ongoing work of preserving these stories, making history accessible, and connecting people with the past.
If you haven’t visited the Sumner County Museum yet, this is the year to do it. Go hear the stories. Go see the artifacts. You never know what you’ll discover—and you just might walk away with a deeper appreciation for the place you call home.