The Museum has several small exhibits dedicated to local businesses that helped shape McMinn County into the thriving small-town community it is today. Local manufacturing companies that are no longer in operation including Athens Furniture, Athens Stove Works, and Athens Mining and Manufacturing were some of the largest employers in the area during the twentieth century. Crescent Sock Company of Niota, founded in 1902, is the oldest operating hosiery mill in the country.

Local newspaper business dates back to the 1830s. The Daily Post-Athenian, still published today, was established in the 1940s after the Athenian merged with the Athens Union Post. A brief history of the local railroad industry illustrates its impact on the community. Interesting artifacts on display from rail service include mailbag catchers and railroad tie nail heads marked with the year they were first used.

Are you interested in learning how medical care has changed over the years? This exhibit explores medical practices from the pioneer days to the early twentieth century. Pioneers often relied on folk medicine and herbal remedies that sometimes included toxic ingredients including mercury and turpentine. Without the advancements of modern medicine that we have today, minor infections and common illnesses like the flu often led to death.

In rural areas like McMinn County, doctors would travel many miles to visit patients in their homes. A standard medical bag would hold numerous powders and pills, smelling salts, castor oil, and several antiquated tools in case emergency surgery was required. This exhibit also includes early dentistry artifacts including manual tooth extractors, rubber false teeth, and a foot pedal drill from the 1930s.