Memorials, Recognition - Creative Discovery Museum, 30th anniversary -

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Greg Vital

Ceremonial resolution recognizing and celebrating the Creative Discovery Museum’s 30th anniversary and its educational, cultural, and community contributions.

Signed by Governor.

#memorials #recognition

Overview

HJR 489 is a Tennessee House Joint Resolution, introduced by Representative Vital and later concurred by the Senate, recognizing and celebrating the Creative Discovery Museum’s thirtieth anniversary in Chattanooga. The measure is ceremonial (a memorial resolution) and does not authorize spending or create new laws. It has been signed by the Governor and is effective as a formal statewide acknowledgment.

Purpose and Intent

The primary purpose is to honor the Creative Discovery Museum for three decades of cultural enrichment, educational innovation, and community engagement in Chattanooga, Hamilton County, and the State of Tennessee.

It emphasizes the museum’s role as a gateway to downtown Chattanooga and its contributions to intellectual curiosity, creative expression, and personal growth.

The resolution highlights the museum’s service to nearly seven million visitors since opening in 1995 and notes its programming for children of all ages and abilities.

It also calls attention to a planned 30th-anniversary celebration, including a Day of Play on May 10, 2025, featuring hands-on activities and creative play.

Key Provisions

Recognizes and celebrates the 30th anniversary of the Creative Discovery Museum.

Commends the museum’s administration, staff, and supporters for fostering intellectual curiosity, cultural enrichment, and educational innovation.

Acknowledges the museum’s impact on the Chattanooga community, Hamilton County, and the state.

States that an appropriate copy of the resolution be prepared for presentation, with a specific formatting clause regarding the language after the State seal.

The resolution explicitly notes the Day of Play event on May 10, 2025, as part of the anniversary observance.

Who Is Affected

Primary: Creative Discovery Museum and its leadership, staff, volunteers, and supporters.

Secondary: The Chattanooga community and the broader Tennessee audience that benefits from the museum’s educational programs and cultural contributions.

No fiscal or statutory mandates are imposed; this is a formal gesture of recognition by the General Assembly.

Procedural and Timeline Details

Introduced: March 20, 2025.

House action: Adopted March 24, 2025 (Ayes 96, Nays 0, PNV 0).

Senate action: Concurrently moved through February/late March 2025; placed on Senate Consent Calendar March 28, 2025.

Senate concurrence: March 31, 2025 (Ayes 30, Nays 0).

Enrolled and transmitted: Early April 2025; signed by House Speaker and Senate Speaker, and enrolled for the Governor’s signature.

Governor: Signed on April 9, 2025. The status at the top indicates the measure is “Signed by Governor.”

Notable Context

The bill is strictly ceremonial and commemorative, with no accompanying appropriation or policy changes.

Sponsorship: Authored by Rep. Vital.

The language ensures an official copy is presented and may be released without identifying House/Senate designations on the final copy.

Overall, HJR 489 serves as an official statewide tribute to the Creative Discovery Museum’s 30-year milestone and its ongoing contributions to arts, sciences, and community education in Tennessee.

Bill