KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT) -- As voters go to the polls, the University of Tennessee is celebrating the opening of a center named for the man who Tennesseans sent to Washington for over two decades.
The Howard Baker Center for Public Policy officially opened its doors today.

The impressive list of people in attendance was headed by retired United States Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor. But even with all the big names, Baker says the center's real focus is you and the future of your country.

For nearly half a century, Howard Baker has helped shape our country. The former senate majority leader, white house chief of staff, and ambassador holds no public office now, but he's still trying to influence our future.

"Experience is the way we judge our future actions," Baker said.

Preserving that political experience is the reason for all the fanfare on Cumberland Avenue.

This is the grand opening of the Howard Baker Center for Public Policy. The center's been amassing government papers and studying policy in an old U.T. library for five years now. But thanks to 17-million privately-raised dollars, it now has this beautiful building to call home.

"I hope that we'll continue to recognize and continue to explore the real meaning of two broad-based political parties as a part of out structure," Baker said.

United States Senator, Lamar Alexander, said "It's appropriate and very practical to me that Senator Baker's institute should focus on the importance of a broad-based two-party system because he helped create one."

On a stage full of Republicans, Governor Phil Bredesen, a Democrat, says he agrees.

"The center will foster an enthusiasm for the political process in young people and get them involved in our nation's extraordinary experiment in democracy."

The Baker Center is not just for professors and important papers. A public museum chronicles Baker's career with exhibits designed for people of all ages."

Sandra Day O'Connor, United States Supreme Court Justice (Retired), said, "It's such an appropriate way to honor Senator Baker and his marvelous legacy."

Justice O'Connor says Baker's legacy is being put to good use here, in a way that will benefit all of us.

"Only an educated citizenry can ensure that our nation's commitment to liberty is upheld."

The Baker Center will hold a public open house tomorrow from 1 to 3 p.m. The museum has regular hours too.

For more information click the link below.