Baseball, Education, and Celebrating Legacies
- Bessie Smith Cultural Center Technology
- Aug 13
- 2 min read
Coming Up at the Bessie: Baseball, History, & Education
August is shaping up to be an exciting month at the Bessie Smith Cultural Center, with opportunities to celebrate Chattanooga’s history, connect with educators, and look ahead to one of our signature events of the year. We’re taking local history to the ballpark for Chattanooga Baseball History Night, welcoming area educators for an evening designed especially for them at After the Bell: Teacher Night, and preparing for the 2026 Bessie Smith Legacy Gala, where we will honor individuals whose leadership and contributions have made a lasting impact on our community. We hope you’ll join us as we celebrate the people, stories, and partnerships that continue to shape Chattanooga.
Baseball History Night with the Chattanooga Lookouts
Arrive early for a special 6:30PM pregame ceremony honoring Ms. Wanda Goins, the beloved "Program Lady."
Fans can also explore a special Chattanooga Baseball History exhibit on the main concourse before cheering on the Lookouts at 7:00PM.
After The Bell: Teacher Night at the Bessie
Kick off the new school year at the Bessie on Thursday, August 20, from 5:30–7:30 p.m.
Enjoy complimentary wine and hors d'oeuvres, exclusive after-hours museum access, classroom resources, networking, and learn how the Bessie Smith Cultural Center can support your classroom all year long. RSVP DEADLINE: 8/14/26
2026 Bessie Smith Legacy Gala
The Bessie Smith Cultural Center invites the community to join us on Saturday, November 14, 2026, at The Westin Chattanooga for an unforgettable evening celebrating the individuals whose leadership, dedication, and service have made a lasting impact on our city.
The 2026 Bessie Smith Legacy Gala will honor seven distinguished recipients whose contributions have enhanced the quality of life in Chattanooga while exemplifying the spirit of service and excellence that defines the Bessie Smith Cultural Center's mission. This year's honorees are Dr. Eleanor Cooper, Mrs. Patricia Shackelford Gray, Mr. Larry "Bear" High, Dr. Everlena Holmes, Mr. George Ricks & Mrs. Maria Ricks, and Dr. LeAndrea Ware.
More Information Coming Soon!
Be a Community Partner!
The Bessie Smith Legacy Gala would not be possible without the support of our community! If you are interested supporting our mission by being a community partner, please contact us below!
Support Our Mission
Help the Bessie Smith Cultural Center continue to grow! We are eternally grateful to all of our benefactors who contribute towards helping us fulfill our mission. All proceeds are directly reinvested into the organization to allow us to be better equipped to tell the true story of Chattanooga's African American History.
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