NEWPORT---The late Wilma Dykeman, nationally known author of such books as The Tall Woman and Return the Innocent Earth, will be the focus of Newport/Cocke County Museum's newest exhibit set to open this Sunday, May 18, at Newport/Cocke County Community Center at 2 p.m.

As a charter member of William Cocke Chapter DAR, Dykeman, an Asheville native, led the effort to organize the museum in the 1970s as a Bicentennial project.

As a special tribute to Dykeman's literary work, all local writers are invited to be the museum's special guests at the opening ceremonies.

"We know that many local people have penned works of their own, ranging from personal memoirs to poetry to family genealogies," said museum co-chair Jackie Garbarino. "These works are truly special and we urge all of you to be our guests Sunday and to bring copies of your works to sell and autograph. Please be at the center by 1:45."

The museum, now in its 31st year, features permanent exhibits of a pioneer kitchen and bedroom and a Victorian parlor, as well as sections devoted to the lives of Newport native and Tennessee Governor Ben W. Hooper, Del Rio native and Metropolitan Opera star Grace Moore, and Cosby native and Medal of Honor recipient Sgt. Charles McGaha.

"Wilma's enthusiasm and leadership were largely responsible for the museum's successful organization and opening," recalled Garbarino on Wednesday as she examined Dykeman memorabilia loaned by the writer's two sons, Jim and Dykeman Stokely, for the exhibit.

"She was such a dynamic person, known for her flamboyant hats and scarves, and we are happy to have several of those as part of our exhibit," said Garbarino.

Also on display will be the chaise lounge, where Dykeman did much of her writing, family photographs and clippings, and Stokely memorabilia.

Dykeman, who died in 2006 at age 86, married Cocke County native James R. Stokely. The couple co-authored several books and countless magazine and newspaper articles together. In addition, Dykeman penned several books herself and also became known as a lecturer and teacher.