Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum

Family Tradition: The Williams Family Legacy Presented by SunTrust

March 28, 2008 - December 31, 2011

Exhibit Closes December 31, 2011

Few families have had such a major impact on country music as the Williamses. This 5,000-square-foot major exhibition examines the personal lives of Hank Williams and Hank Williams Jr. and explores the dynamics that inspired some of the most influential country music ever recorded.

See the connections between these iconic figures and their creative heirs and discover how American music continues to be measured by the standards they set. To tell the story, Hank Williams Jr., Jett Williams, and members of the Williams family have offered over two-hundred rare artifacts never seen by the public, enabling the museum to create an unforgettably compelling saga of love, heartache, and redemption. The voices and music of all family members are heard throughout the exhibit. This major exhibition presents an intimate, behind-the-scenes portrait of a great American musical dynasty. Come learn more about the family at the foundation of country music.

Family Tradition Encore

See online exclusives of video, photographs, awards, documents, and other content not on display in the museum's galleries. Check back often to see what other materials the Williams family unearths for their exhibit encore.

Family Tradition Programs

During its run, Family Tradition: The William Family Legacy, Presented by SunTrust will be accompanied by related public programs including live performances, films, panel discussions, and opportunities to converse with members of the Williams family and individuals important to their lives and careers. The schedule is updated regularly here.

This limited engagement exhibition is included with museum admission or free to museum members. Most of the museum's public programs are included with museum admission or free to museum members.

Previous Programs

Video Placeholder for: Hank Williams Jr. Interview and Performance	March 29, 2008 Interview and Performance: Hank Williams Jr.
	April 12, 2008 Interview and Performance: Jett Williams
	December 13, 2008 Interview: Lycrecia Williams Hoover
Video Placeholder for: Holly Williams Interview and Performance	July 3, 2009 Interview and Performance: Holly Williams
	October 10, 2009 Interview and Performance: Hank III

Press releases

Read the Family Tradition related press releases

Available Merchandise

Family Tradition Print Art

Print of the official Family Tradition exhibit logo. Limited edition, printed on heavy stock and great for framing.

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Price: $14.99

Family Tradition Tee

This limited edition t-shirt features artwork designed especially for the Hank Williams Family Tradition Exhibit by Mark Ulrickson. The 5,000-square-foot major exhibition examines the personal lives of Hank Williams and Hank Williams Jr. and explores the dynamics that inspired some of the most influential country music ever recorded.

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Price: $24.99

Hank Williams: The Unreleased Recordings (3 CD Set)

This historic 3-CD 54-track collection is a rare, informal glimpse into the heart and soul of one of country music's greatest stars. These recordings feature songs that Williams wrote and never performed elsewhere and songs that otherwise only existed as home demos.

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Price: $39.98
Member Price: $35.98

Photography

The exhibit features never-before-seen Williams family artifacts. Among the artifacts are two buckskin jackets worn by Hank Williams Jr. The child-size jacket was made by Trego's Western Wear and the adult jacket was designed by Manuel. (Photo by Donn Jones)

Songs

This major exhibition explores the behind-the-scenes dynamics that inspired the Williamses' most memorable songs. Below are some of their most loved songs.

Hank Williams