Archive Collection
The Science Hill High School Archive is a rich and growing collection that preserves over a century of student life, academic achievement, and community history. Spanning from 1867 to the present, the collection features a diverse array of materials including yearbooks, scrapbooks, photographs, diplomas, graduation programs, reunion memorabilia, sports uniforms, awards, and more. These treasured items capture the evolving traditions, culture, and accomplishments of generations of students and faculty.
Among the many highlights are materials connected to notable alumni such as Captain LeRoy Reeves, the designer of the Tennessee State Flag; Steve Spurrier, Heisman Trophy winner and legendary football coach; and Paul Gollong, who served as a Senior Scientific Affairs Officer for the United Nations. Their stories, along with those of countless other graduates, reflect the lasting impact of Science Hill High School on the local, national, and global stage.
Whether you're researching family history, exploring the legacy of school athletics, interested in library accessions from 1896, or studying the development of education over time, the Archive offers a unique window into the past and a celebration of the people who helped shape it.
A Brief History from the Science Hill Archives:
Founded: 1867
Original Location: Knob Hill, at the intersection of South Roan Street and Water Street
Current Location: John Exum Parkway
History: Science Hill High School was founded in 1867 as Science Hill Male and Female Institute. The original school building was erected in the spring of 1868, and as the city's first official public building, the high school served as the city's town hall, as well as a place of worship for different groups in the community. The school was named after the Science Hill Literary and Debating Society, a group dedicated to the education of the children of Johnson City.
In 1911 a new building was built on the corner of South Roan Street and Waters Street, to accommodate the growing population of high school students. Less than 50 years would pass before the city would need a new school to accommodate an even larger school population.
Plans to build a new high school off of John Exum Parkway were put into place in the late 1950s. The new building was completed in 1961. In 1967 the school celebrated its centennial with a dedication of a historical marker at the high school's old location at the intersection of South Roan Street and Water Street. The old building was turned into South Junior High School. Today, Science Hill High School is one of the largest and most prestigious high schools in Tennessee. It offers a rigorous academic program and a wide range of extracurricular activities. Science Hill has produced many notable alumni, including politicians, business leaders, and athletes.
Earliest SH Building on record
1911 SHHS Building
Current Building in 1961
LeRoy Reeves Diploma 1894
THE ECHO
May 1907
1913 Diploma
Class of 1930
REUNION 40 Years Class of 1943
Sept. 1983
Cheerleading Uniforms
1906 Graduation
J.C.H.S The Hill Top
May 1918
Letterman Sweater: Class of 1947
Varsity Letters
SHHS Wataugan
May 1990
1906 Program
THE ECHO
May 1906
1926 Diploma
All Conference
SHHS Wataugan
May 1988
SHHS Wataugan
May 1989
Archive Acquisition Policy
The Archive is dedicated to preserving the history and legacy of SHHS and its students, faculty, and alumni. To ensure the continued relevance and manageability of the collection, the following guidelines outline the types of materials we will accept:
We Accept:
Yearbooks from years not currently held in the archive
Graduation materials such as programs, announcements, and senior invitations
Reunion items, including class directories, event programs, and commemorative materials
Diplomas and certificates issued by the school
Items related to notable alumni, especially those that highlight their time at the school or their achievements
We Do Not Accept:
Duplicate yearbooks, unless they are from missing years
Items not directly connected to the school, its students, faculty, staff, or recognized alumni
Personal items that do not document school-related experiences or events
Materials in poor condition that cannot be preserved or displayed
Books, newspapers, or publications not produced by the school or directly related to school history
Donation Process:
If you have materials you believe would be a valuable addition to the archive, please contact the school and ask to speak to someone in the library to discuss the items before donating. All submissions will be reviewed to determine their relevance and condition before being formally accepted into the collection.
We deeply appreciate community support in preserving the proud history of our Science Hill High School.