A Museum of Memories
For more than thirty years, Larry Smith has been the driving force behind a modest yet meticulously assembled museum that safeguards the visual narrative of Tennessee basketball. His collection, assembled from attic corners, family heirlooms and generous donations, serves as a tangible link between past glories and future fans.
Among the most treasured pieces are a pristine 1942 SEC Tournament scorebook, a set of 1930s coins and watch fobs, and a series of championship trophies that mark the Volunteers’ dominance in the early 1940s. The museum also proudly displays the 2022 SEC Championship game ball, the final trophy the team secured before a historic shift in the program’s trajectory.
The preservation effort is not a solitary pursuit. Smith emphasizes that the museum’s existence rests on the trust and generosity of donors, community members and institutional partners who share his belief that storytelling through artifacts can keep the spirit of Tennessee basketball alive for generations to come.
Beyond the glitter of trophies, the exhibits highlight the individuals who helped shape the Volunteers’ legacy — players, coaches and unsung supporters whose contributions are woven into the fabric of the sport in the state. By curating these objects, Smith transforms them into educational tools that invite visitors to connect with the cultural roots of Tennessee basketball.