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MHC News
The 46th Annual Preservation Awards will be held virtually in May (date TBD). At the awards program, the judges will announce the winners. Team members associated with the selected projects (owners, developers, architects, designers, contractors, landscape architects, etc.) will be asked to come forward to receive an award certificate. Watch our May newsletter and social media for updates on the event!
On April 4th, the first session of Nashville 103 was held at Sevier Park Community Center. This series, led by Davidson County historian Dr. Carole Bucy, focuses on post-WWII history of Nashville, including suburbanization, desegregation efforts, Metro consolidation and population shifts of the recent past. Classes will be recorded and shared for later viewing by any who are unable to attend in person.
Staff continues to work closely with Graham Perry, Tennessee Historical Commission Cemetery Specialist, to field numerous public inquiries about historic cemeteries in Davidson County. In the last few weeks, we made site visits to the Alexander Ewing and Voorhies cemeteries and have assisted on matters related to the Ballentine, Vaughn’s Gap (Percy Warner Park), Scruggs, Patterson, Talley, Talbot, and Thomas cemeteries. For more information on these and other historic burial sites, check out the Davidson County Cemetery Survey website.
We are also developing a social media outreach plan for Preservation Month, which is held in May. Be sure to check our Facebook and Instagram pages throughout the month of May for posts about Nashville history and historic properties!
MHZC News
The MHZC’s next public hearing will be held on Wednesday, April 20th at 2:00 p.m. at the Bransford Conference Room at 2602 Bransford Ave (entrance and parking off Berry Road). View the MHZC meeting schedule and application deadlines on our website. Access archived videos of the MHZC meetings on the Metro YouTube channel anytime!
A new bill requires additional notice for MHZC applications. Council member Murphy’s BL2021-621 requires that an applicant of a project that is required to come to the commission provide notice of the project at least 11 days prior to the public hearing. That includes a mailed notice to all property owners within 250 feet and the posting of yard signs. The applicant is responsible for the cost and preparation of the notice and for providing proof of compliance. This procedure will be in place for the May 2nd deadline for the May public hearing.
![[Official Seal of Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County]](https://content.govdelivery.com/attachments/fancy_images/TNNASH/2017/12/1699826/3896410/metro-seal-black-and-white_crop.png)
We continue to receive inquiries about new historical markers, including several from Council members. We hope to receive enough funding in our next budget year to cover all of these worthy markers. With the remaining marker money in this budget cycle, staff is focused on updating 6 current markers: Two Rivers Mansion, Mrs. John Donelson, Clover Bottom, William Walker, Fort Negley Site, and Votes for Women. TSU students are helping to re-write these texts, along with proposals explaining why the text should be updated. These texts should start coming before the Marker Committee later this spring. Additionally, the May Hosiery Mill marker was recently hit by a car and will be re-ordered and replaced.
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The new Centennial Park Swimming Pool historical marker was dedicated in late March in front of a wonderful crowd. Sponsored by the Centennial Park Conservancy and Creative Parks Nashville, the marker stands in front of Centennial Art Center and includes an historic image of the former pool, now a sunken garden behind the center. The marker details the courageous efforts of two African American student activists, Kwame Leo Lillard and Matthew Walker, Jr., who attempted to desegregate the facility in 1961, and the city's response with sweeping pool closures. The text reads:
"Opened in 1932, the pool served Nashville’s white community as a premier swimming facility for nearly 30 years. City officials abruptly closed the pool in 1961 after two African American student civil rights activists, Kwame (Leo) Lillard and Matthew Walker Jr., led an effort to desegregate the facility. The city responded by closing all Nashville public pools, blaming the sweeping closures on budgetary concerns.
While many neighborhood pools eventually reopened in 1963 under the newly consolidated metropolitan government, this facility sat vacant for 10 years—to some, a daily reminder of the city’s racial divide. The pool’s bathhouse was renovated and reopened as Centennial Art Center on April 23, 1972. The former deep end of the swimming pool is preserved as a sunken lawn in the rear portion of the building’s courtyard."
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In late March, a new Blue Triangle YWCA historical marker was unveiled in another well-attended dedication ceremony. Sponsored by the YWCA of Nashville & Middle Tennessee, this marker stands near the former branch location at the corner of Pearl and Fisk streets, now Pearl Flats. The text reads:
"The Nashville Blue Triangle, the Negro branch of the Young Women’s Christian Association, was established in 1919. Located downtown in the thriving African American business district, it developed programs that supported the African American community. The largest Blue Triangle in the South, it had more than 700 members. On October 25, 1953, the branch moved to this site. It remained here until 1967, when Nashville’s YWCAs desegregated and merged."
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Last week, we unveiled our newest historical marker--Vine Hill--at the intersection of Bransford Ave. and Benton Ave. The Mertie family sponsored this marker. Next time you head over to check out the new Nashville Soccer Club stadium, be on the lookout for this marker! The marker text reads:
"William J. Gerst (of the Wm. Gerst Brewing Co.) purchased the Vine Hill estate in 1900 from Capt. John W. Morton for $14,195. In 1905 Gerst built a three-story barn and started rearing thoroughbreds. The local brewer/turfman’s prize horse, Donau, won the Kentucky Derby in 1910. The family sold the estate in 1941 to make way for Vultee Aircraft’s employee housing. The home was used as a community center for soldiers during WWII and later razed for government housing." Side 2 of the marker features an image of Donau (shown at left).
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Opened on March 31st, a new exhibit at the Main Library explores the 100-year history of the Junior League of Nashville and its work to develop women leaders who tackle some of the most critical needs in our community. "The Junior League of Nashville: Making a Difference for 100 Years" includes historical memorabilia and photos that showcase the power of voluntarism and the women who helped incubate and accelerate countless community programs, including many nonprofit organizations. This exhibit will be on display through August 31st.
A recent blog post by Metro archivist Sarah Arntz, "There is No Limit to What We, as Women, Can Accomplish," is dedicated to women's history month. It explores the organizations and clubs that helped in the advancement of women's rights and initiatives.
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As spring approaches, several of Nashville's favorite historical and community parks are gearing up for beautiful weather and a great selection of events!
Thanks to the generosity of the Nashville Predators Foundation, golf cart tours of the iconic Percy Warner Park Allée Steps are available for people with disabilities and others who experience difficulties walking. Tours are guided and free, held Fridays between 11:00 a.m. and noon, and last around 30 minutes each. Registration is now open, please email Elizabeth Griscom to schedule.
From April 7th-10th, Shelby Bottoms Nature Center will host "Art Show and Sale: Speaking for the Trees and Lockland Springs Park." Featuring artwork by The Chestnut Group, a local non-profit alliance of plein air painters and conservationists, funds generated will help remove invasive plant species from the park and help to create an operational endowment to support the newly formed “Friends” organization for Lockeland Springs Park.
Beaman Park Nature Center--"Painting on the Porch: Wildflowers"--Friday, April 15th from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.
Shelby Bottoms Nature Center--"Pickin' on the Porch"--Saturday, April 16th from 1:00-3:00 p.m.; Full Moon Hike, 8:00-9:00 p.m.
Warner Park Nature Center--"Ask a Master Gardener"--Saturday, April 23rd from 1:00-3:00 p.m.
Friends of Warner Parks will host the Inaugural Warner Parks Spring Luncheon on Wednesday, April 27th from 11:30 a.m.-2:00 p.m. Join the group in gathering as a community on the newly renovated patio of the Warner Park Nature Center to enjoy the beauty of springtime in the Warner Parks. All proceeds go towards park preservation. The Friends group will also host The Shelter Dinner on Saturday, April 30th from 4:00-9:00 p.m. Attendees of this unique benefit event can reserve one of the park's historic picnic shelters and enjoy a catered dinner, hors d’oeuvres, and drinks for up to twelve guests. This annual benefit event supports the Friends of Warner Parks and the preservation of the historic picnic shelters.
Tuesdays this spring, the Nashville History Club will meet at Fort Negley Visitors Center from 1:00-2:30 p.m. This month's history presentations include:
April 5: Tennessee State University professor Joel Dark, "The Roots of Edgehill"
April 12: Local historian Tom Adkinson, "100 Things to do in Nashville Before You Die"
April 19: NO MEETING
April 26: Vanderbilt law professor Daniel Sharfstein, "The Chickasaws and Cherokees at Vanderbilt"
Check out these other events at Fort Negley this month:
Fort Negley Fossil Finders--Saturday, April 9th at 10:00, 10:30, 11:00 and 11:30 a.m. Limited space available, please RSVP!
Join the staff of Fort Negley Park on Saturday, April 9th from 2:00-3:30 p.m. for a free "Soldiers to Freedom" guided walking tour! The one-mile tour, which focuses on the site’s rich African American heritage, will include discussions on why enslaved, free, and self-emancipated people came to Saint Cloud Hill and how their contributions to the war effort directly impacted the creation of the US Colored Troops, the Confederacy’s defeat, and the end of the slavery. Limited space available, please RSVP!
Nashville Civil War Roundtable--Tuesday, April 19th at 7:00 p.m. Jim Lewis, Chief Ranger at Stones River National Battlefield, will present "Fortress Rosecrans."
Upcoming Fort Negley Master Plan Community Meetings
A second round of Fort Negley Master Plan meetings will be held at the following events in late April. There will also be opportunities to experience guided walking tours exploring the site and its powerful history. Come out to learn about the ideas and thoughts that were shared during the first round of community input last fall. Based off this feedback, the design team will share a master plan concept and provide more information about the future of Fort Negley Park!
Fort Negley Open House--Saturday, April 23rd from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Fort Negley Visitors Center
Rose Park Neighborhood Open House--Monday, April 25th from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Easley Community Center (1000 Edgehill Avenue)
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Melvin Gill Architects have been given the contract to design an event center at the Two Rivers Mansion site. Events and rentals at the Mansion have taken its toll on the historic building. With this center in place, most gatherings would no longer take place in the Mansion. Two Rivers hosted a fundraiser in partnership with Mystery Art League in late March. Another fundraiser, the "Evening of Elegance" event, will take place on Friday, April 29th.
The Friends of Two Rivers is glad to offer speakers, free of charge, to clubs and organizations in the Nashville area. Presentations about Two Rivers Mansion and the McGavock families can be tailored to fit any timeframe and can be done with or without audio visual presentation. In order to schedule a speaker contact either Phil Claiborne at (615) 889-2907 or Laura Carrillo at (615) 885-1112.
A work order was recently submitted to Metro Parks for roof repair on the Keeble building at City Cemetery. Repairs on stonework damaged by vandalism earlier this year should begin by May; the contractor has been delayed due to scheduling issues. Shultz Monument received a VA Marker for Captain Thomas Gilbert, a War of 1812 veteran buried at the City Cemetery in 1862, and will be installing it in the next week. Additionally, staff is coordinating with Shultz for the installation of two replacement grave markers: a VA marker for Thomas Davis, a Revolutionary War soldier buried in Section 28, and Elizabeth Sprouse, buried in Section 32 in 1857. The Cumberland Chapter of the DAR is sponsoring the procurement and installation of the first stone, and a descendant of Mrs. Sprouse is sponsoring the second.
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The Tennessee Historical Commission will host a training course in historic preservation for realtors on Wednesday, May 4th in Lebanon, Tennessee. It has been estimated that restoration’s market share growth will exceed 80 percent of the U.S. construction economy in the near future. As the country moves towards economic and environmental sustainability, buying and selling existing buildings, rather than developable lots, will increasingly become realtors’ primary business. Historic properties are valuable to potential buyers because they possess existing infrastructure, stable property values, aesthetically pleasing neighborhoods, and physical features that cannot affordably be reproduced today. Learn more about how historic properties can help increase your income at the “Preservation 101 for Tennessee Realtors” course.
Course Objectives:
• Learn about historic designation and the additional value historic properties provide
• Explore the rules and regulations associated with historic zoning
• Identify common Tennessee architectural styles
• Discover strategies and resources for rehabilitating historic buildings
• Explore the rules and regulations for cemeteries on private property
• Learn valuable techniques for selling historic buildings
Registration is $25 and all proceeds benefit the sponsor, Historic Lebanon.
Registration is now open for the 22nd annual Memorial Day Dash! Hosted by the Nashville City Cemetery Association and the Metro Historical Commission, the course features some of the most historic places and scenic views in the city. Proceeds benefit the Nashville City Cemetery Association.
Beginning at the Adventure Science Center, the course runs through Fort Negley Historic Park (with beautiful views of the Nashville cityscape), then loops back around St. Cloud Hill to the Nashville City Cemetery where runners will wind their way through some of the most historic names in Nashville. Be sure to wear your most patriotic themed-costumes to win prizes at the end. There is no better way to kick off summer than with the Memorial Day Dash, a Nashville tradition. This year's race will take place on Monday, May 30th at 7:30 a.m.
Image credit: RacePlace.com.
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Fort Negley Park--Tour: Soldiers for Freedom--April 8
Nashville City Cemetery Association--Second Saturday Tour: "Symbolism and Architecture of Death"--April 9
The Hermitage--Sip of History--April 9
Cheekwood Estate & Gardens--Spanning the Atlantic: The Arts and Crafts Movement--thru April 10
National Trust for Historic Preservation--Calculating Carbon Savings from Building Reuse and Retrofit--April 12
Nashville Parthenon--Symposium: Red Arrow Artist Talk--April 13
Historic Travellers Rest--Nashville 1864 Homeschool Day--April 15
African American Historical & Genealogical Society Nashville--AAHGS Nashville Social & Research Hour--April 17
Frist Art Museum--Frist at Home: Architecture--April 21
Friends of Warner Parks--Inaugural Warner Parks Spring Luncheon--April 27
Two Rivers Mansion--Evening of Elegance Fundraiser--April 29
Tennessee Historical Commission--Historic Preservation for Realtors--May 4
Nashville City Cemetery Association--Second Saturday Tour: "Gardens and Graves"--May 14
Two Rivers Mansion--Phil the House Open House--May 15; Fridays in May--Hip Donelson Farmers Market
Fort Negley Visitor Center--Lunch & Learn: "This Used to be Nashville" with Jim Hoobler--May 19
Friends of Warner Parks--Full Moon Pickin' Party--May 20 & 21
Buchanan Log House--2022 Family Festival & Arts & Crafts Fair--May 21
Friends of Shelby Park & Bottoms--Cornelia Fort Pickin' Party--May 21
22nd Annual Memorial Day Dash--May 30
Historic Travellers Rest--Summer Camps 2022--May thru August
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