Polly Brasher, Education Director for Discovery Park of America, Elected President of the Tennessee Association of Museums

Union City, Tenn.— Discovery Park of America in Union City, Tenn. and the Tennessee Association of Museums (TAM) recently announced that Polly Brasher, education director for Discovery Park, has been elected president of TAM. Founded in 1960, TAM serves individuals and organizations who work for and with Tennessee museums through professional development, collaboration and advocacy.

Discovery Park of America provides a one-of-a-kind, transformational experience first envisioned by Robert and Jenny Kirkland. The location was chosen as a way for them to give back to Union City, their small West Tennessee hometown. Brasher began working with Robert Kirkland as a volunteer for the vision team then served as the founding director during the design and building phases. Before the museum opened, she moved into the role of education director. A seventh-generation teacher, she holds two teaching certificates and brought to the museum industry 25 years of teaching experience. In recent years, she’s also begun managing the museums docent program and is an integral part of the daily operations and planning for the future. An active member of TAM since 2006, Brasher has long been an advocate for others working in museums.

“TAM is a wonderful organization that supports museums across the state regardless of size or budget, and I am pleased to be able to serve in this capacity,” said Brasher. “The board is made up of a great group of professionals who are working hard to make the best decisions for our members and our industry. I look forward to working for the association as president this year.”

Brasher’s transition to president comes at a particularly challenging time as museums and cultural institutions in Tennessee and around the world, including Discovery Park, have temporarily closed to contain the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic.

“I have no doubt that Polly will lead the Tennessee Association of Museums through what is bound to be a challenging year ahead,” said Dollie Boyd, TAM past-president. “She is a dedicated professional with many years of experience in both education and in the museum industry and just the sort of leader TAM needs right now. I am fortunate to call her a friend and colleague.”

Brasher’s term of service began in April 2020.

Check out our latest blog post where we had a Q & A with Polly.

Caption: Polly Brasher, education director at Discovery Park of America, was elected president of the Tennessee Association of Museums in April 2020.