What is the AMSE Foundation
The American Museum of Science and Energy (AMSE), originally named the American Museum of Atomic Energy, was established in 1949 in a former cafeteria building to provide educational programs focused on the Department of Energy’s (DOE) past, present, and future missions.
In 1975, the museum moved to the Tulane Avenue facility, where it continued to provide the general public with energy information. The name of the museum was changed to the American Museum of Science and Energy in 1978. AMSE moved to its present location in Main Street Oak Ridge in 2018.
AMSE has been considered one of the top tourist attractions in the Knoxville area, and it attracts about 65,000 visitors per year. Among other activities, AMSE provides interactive curriculum-based classroom programs for school groups and STEM education programs. AMSE houses permanent and rotating exhibits, provides live demonstrations, hosts evening events, and holds spring, summer, and fall camp programs for students.
AMSE is also the starting point for bus tours of historic sites on the federal government’s Oak Ridge Reservation, and it hosts the National Park Service (NPS) programs and events for the Manhattan Project National Historical Park.
EDUCATION EVERYWHERE
AMSE Educators send out “classroom kits”, videos with a scheduled live interactive session including hands-on STEM learning anywhere in the world. Each 45-55 minute class allows our educators to work with students, work through hands-on activities together and learn together from anywhere in the world.
Executive Director Alan Lowe Executive host a podcast called AMSEcast. Featuring scientists, engineers, along with best selling and Pulitzer Prize winning authors, science writers, researchers and historians from around the world to bring knowledge to listeners wherever they may be.
A ONE-OF-A-Kind HISTORY
A premiere user facility, community resource and educational hub for all ages. Both the American Museum of Science and Energy and the K-25 Atomic History Center refocus the incredible history of the Manhattan Project and bring to light the continuing evolution of technology in the region.
FYI… Our $100 Family Memberships get you into ASTC partner museums across the country and over seas for FREE!
A community born to end World War Two that continues to shape and influence the modern world.
The AMSE Foundation operates two incredible sets of tourism, informational and historical destinations.
ADVENTURE IS ALL AROUND
Oak Ridge, TN is located in East Tennessee, just west of Knoxville. Close and convenient to reach but far enough away from one of the nations most traveled roadways, the I-40/I-75 corridor this valley region holds some of the world’s most cutting edge research and development centers.
Oak Ridge, TN is roughly three hours away from Atlanta, GA, Nashville, TN, Asheville, NC, Roanoke, VA and Lexington, KY. We are about a ninety minute drive from the front door of Dollywood!
WORLD CLASS EVENTS AT A GLANCE 2025
The Dogwood Arts House and Garden Show
Feb. 8th at the Knoxville Convention Center
Time: All Day
Family Science Saturday
Feb. 22nd at the American Museum of Science and Energy
Time: TBD
Exhibit Opening: The Presidents and Science
Tentative: March 7th.
This original exhibit premiers at the American Museum of Science and Energy to showcase the incredible contributions and efforts Presidents of the United States have put forth to advance science, exploration, technology and the modern marvels of their age.
AMSE 2025 Energy & Elements Gala
March 28th at the American Museum of Science and Energy
Time: 6:00 – 8:30pm
Highlighting the incredible STEM work done throughout the community and region this evening recognizes the events, individuals and community partner who help us put education and experiences into the hands of students.
DOE Public Facilities Bus Tour begins
Opening April and running through November and departing from the American Museum of Science and Energy
Time: 8:30am – 12:30pm
The Department of Energy (DOE) Public Bus Tour is a one-of-a-kind tour that visits the primary sites of the Manhattan Project in Oak Ridge, TN. Each tour includes two guides to help share the unique scientific history of the Secret City including The American Museum of Science and Energy, the Y-12 New Hope Center, Oak Ridge National Laboratory’s Center for Computational Sciences and the K-25 History Center.
Online ticking will open in the spring.
Nuclear Energy Discovery Day
Early May 2025
Nearly 200 unique businesses are situated between Oak Ridge and Knoxville are working within Tennessee’s burgeoning “Nuclear Renaissance.” In a few short years this region will help define how nuclear energy, medicine, power, and development is perceived across the world. This is a public event with corporate guests presenting the next generation of nuclear development.
The Lavender Festival – Day 3 Featured Presenter
June 22, 2025
The AMSE Foundation and collection of scientific and culinary guests take over Historic Jackson Square on the third day on one of the Southeasten United States most attended events, The Lavender Festival.
AMSE Summer Camp
An entire week of hands-on science, fieldtrips, experiments and so much more!
Late June (TBD)
Sci-Cinema and Homeschool Labs for August
Another installment of our Sci-Fi Cinema series on Aug 8th and an original Homeschool Lab both for K-2 and 3rd-6th grades.
Atomic Fall Festival
September: This One-of-a-Kind event hosted by the Oak Ridge Park’s and Recreation brings together community partners and families to celebrate a shared history and an understanding of the technologies developed in this area.
Nuclear Energy Week
October 20-24
This week long event will feature tours of Dept. of Energy facilities, community events, social gatherings, demonstrations and displays of technology supporting nuclear energy in a variety of forms including: Energy Supply, Medical Research, Transportation, Exploration, Student and Professional Development.
Christmas Festivities
December 13th
AMSE Wraps up the calendar year with a great party that then joins the City of Oak Ridge Christmas Parade in the evening. Food, Fun, Silliness and good times for all.