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MHC News
For the National Trust for Historic Preservation LGBTQ+ grant, staff continues to work with Sarah Calise and Nashville Queer History and planned our first Community Digitization Day on October 15th. Staff also attended the Nashville CARES AIDS Walk in October to spread the word about the event.
Staff continues to work with Davidson County Historian Dr. Carole Bucy and staff of Metro Archives and the Main Library’s Special Collections on updates to the History of Metro Nashville booklet, which details Metro consolidation. The revised copy will be printed and provided to Council in the coming months, with a request for funding to cover more printing. We have been working on bios for all Metro mayors and coordinating with the Planning Department staff to create some interactive maps. We are also working on plans to create a landing page on the MHC website for the book and associated content including external links to various library collections, audio and video files.
Staff visited the Lincoln Tech campus in October to assess the historic resources on campus. MHC has been researching the Lincoln Tech campus, which includes Renraw, the former Warner home. The site was also formerly home of Trevecca Nazarene College and the Nashville Auto Diesel School. A current development proposal plans to move the structural brick home to a corner of the property, a move that concerns staff. We will be watching this case closely and working with developers and Metro Planning for the best possible solution for the historic former residence.
Work on the National Park Service African American Civil Rights (AACR) grant continues. The evaluation committee recently reviewed and scored the bids received in response to this RFQ. We have selected a consultant and are in the final stages of signing their contract with the aim to have them begin work in early November. Meanwhile, staff have been conducting initial archival research to supplement our recent staff survey of the roughly 80 buildings associated with Nashville’s civil rights movement. We have completed research at the Main Library’s Special Collections and Civil Rights rooms, as well as Vanderbilt Divinity Library’s Special Collections. Vanderbilt is in the process of digitizing the James Lawson Papers collection but is working to make this accessible to us ASAP. We created a list of community stakeholders and contacts (including churches and local HBCUs) that we’d like to involve in the project.
Congratulations to Vice Chair Wynn and commissioners Dr. Clay Bailey and Jim Hoobler on their October 4th reappointments to the MHC by Metro Council! We want to thank Dr. Jhennifer Amundson and Chris Cotton for their service on the MHC, as they have just completed their terms. Commissioner Cotton was appointed to the MHZC on October 4th and we are glad he will continue to serve in a commissioner role with us.
A huge thanks goes out to Kathy Lauder and Mike Slate who made a massive book donation to the MHC last month. Kathy and Mike jointly received the Fletch Coke Award in 2017 for their many contributions to preserving Nashville's history, including his work as a founder of the Nashville Historical Newsletter and advocate for the preservation of Buchanan Station Cemetery, and her work on TSLA's "This Honorable Body" exhibit and research on Greenwood and Mt. Ararat Cemeteries. We are very grateful to add many new books on the history of Nashville and Tennessee to our office collection!
MHZC News
The MHZC’s next public hearing will be held on Wednesday, November 16th at 2:00 p.m. at the Sonny West Conference Center, Howard Office Building, 700 President Ronald Regan Way. View the MHZC meeting schedule and application deadlines on our website. Access archived videos of the MHZC meetings on the Metro YouTube channel anytime!
Property owners in the Sylvan Park neighborhood are considering an expansion of the Bowling House District to include the 4100 and 4600 blocks of Nebraska Avenue. The Board of Directors of the Buchanan Log House requested a Historic Landmark Zoning Overlay designation for the Buchanan Log house and the James Buchanan Cemetery on Elm Hill Pike.
In October, the MHC welcomed our newest commissioner, Larry Woods. His four-year term of service will go through August 2026. Mr. Woods is an attorney and a professor at Tennessee State University, where he has taught Constitutional law for 50 years. He attended Donelson High School, and earned degrees from Emory University (B.A.) and Northwestern University School of Law (Juris Doctor). Woods served as the National President of the D.S.R.-T.K.A. (speech and debate society). He has a strong appreciation of history and enjoys stories about history, history textbooks, reading history from original documents, and local history
lectures.
Mr. Woods served as General Counsel for the Nashville NAACP Chapter (1972-1998); Chairman of the Tennessee Legal Services Advisory Commission (1976-1979); served on the National Board of Editors for the Criminal Law Advocacy/West Publishing (1984-2009) and The Federal Lawyer (1995-96); and served as President of the Federal Bar Association of Nashville (1992). Additionally, he was voted Best Lawyer in Nashville by the Nashville Scene in 1993. Welcome, Commissioner Woods!
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We recently dedicated two new historical markers for Percy Priest Lake and Alice Thompson Collinsworth. Many thanks for all those who attended these events, including Davidson County Historian Dr. Carole Bucy, Council Member Delishia Porterfield, Metro Register of Deeds Karen Y. Johnson, family members and community representatives. Funded by MHC's Council Districts Marker Project and placed near the Smith Springs Recreation Area, the Percy Priest Lake marker details the history of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers project at Percy Priest Dam and how creation of the lake affected the communities previously in this location. Watch the dedication ceremony for more history and stories about the creation Percy Priest Lake. Thank you to CM Porterfield for your support of this project!
Image (left): Dedication ceremony for Percy Priest Lake historical marker. Credit: MHC.
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A new marker funded by descendants for Alice Thompson Collinsworth now stands at the Thompson-Collinsworth-Davis Cemetery in Antioch. This marker tells the history of Alice, her husband Revolutionary War Veteran Edward Collinsworth, and their family. Prior to marrying Edward, Alice spent two years as a captive at the Muscogee (Creek) tribal town Kialegee, in present-day Alabama. The couple reared seven children, including James Collinsworth who signed the Texas Declaration of Independence. The back side of the marker contains a detailed sketch of the ancestral home, drawn by George W. Horton, Jr., a descendant of Parmelia A. Collinsworth Davis. Many thanks to all the family members who turned out for the ceremony!
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Images: (above) Alice Thompson Collinsworth historical marker and (below) descendants gather for the dedication ceremony. Credit: MHC.
From notable Nashville fires to an inventory of the Fire Department Collection, the most recent community history blog by Metro archivist Sarah Arntz, "Bringing the HEAT with Archives Month!," covers it all!
The new "Camp Forrest, TN – POW Exhibit: Friend, Enemy or Frenemy" exhibit is now on display at the Main Library and will be on display through the end of the year.
Bordeaux Branch Library will host three Genealogy 101 classes in November. Genealogy 101: Ask and Share will be held on November 2nd and 16th from 2:00-3:30 p.m. Genealogy 101: Searching The Tennessean and other newspapers will be held on November 17th from 4:00-5:00 p.m. Learn how to use library databases to search various newspapers for information about your ancestors.
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On Thursday, November 17th from 4:00-9:00 p.m., come out to Bells Bend Park for the Toasty & Thankful + Leonid Meteor Shower Viewing. Bells Bend Outdoor Center will have a toasty fire going out back and s’mores provided while supplies last. This night is also predicted to be peak viewing for the Leonids meteor shower from late evening until moonrise. Enjoy two awesome events rolled into one! Call 615-862-4187 or register by email.
On Tuesday, November 22nd, Warner Parks will host a "Thankful for the Hill Forest" hike with Vera Roberts. Hike the Hill Forest and give thanks for the trees, hills, and hollows during this exploration of Warner Parks’ most undisturbed ecosystem. Registration opens November 8th!
The Fort Negley Master Plan was completed in late October, and Parks is currently finalizing a date for its public announcement and release of the plan. Once the master plan is released, we’ll make that available. The plan includes policy recommendations for treatment and interpretation of the site, along with proposed improvements including the expansion of the Visitor Center, creation of new trails throughout the 64-acre park, and further restoration of the fort itself. The master plan will be available on Metro Parks' Fort Negley Planning and Development page, beside other planning documents.
The Tradesmen Group has been repairing and rebuilding dilapidated portions of Fort Negley’s stone walls, first at the sally port and north wall and now on the east inner works. MHC staff have been assisting in the oversight of the project and working with Parks to secure funding for a second phase of repair. Archaeologists from Tennessee Valley Archaeological Research have been on hand to monitor the work and ensure that it meets the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties.
Join the staff of Fort Negley Park for several exciting events this month that honor the rich history of Fort Negley! The 10th Illinois Garrison Days on November 4th and 5th will include reenactors from the 10th Illinois Infantry, Company H, living history encampments, info on women in the Civil War, weapons demonstrations and displays, and a haversack station.
August 13 through December 7 marks the 160th anniversary of the construction of Fort Negley. Help honor those that were key to the Federal Army’s effort to fortify Nashville. The Laborers Flag Planting + Honor and Remembrance Ceremony on November 5th will include a flag planting from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. This is a great volunteer opportunity for families or community groups (RSVP requested if volunteering to plant flags). At 3:30 pm, join staff for a short ceremony to honor the laborers and hear some of their stories.
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Check out the following events happening at Fort Negley this month!
10th Illinois Garrison Days--November 4th & 5th from 10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
Laborers Flag Planting + Honor and Remembrance Ceremony--November 5th from 10:00 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
Soldiers for Freedom Guided Tour (RSVP required)--November 12th from 9:30-11:00 a.m.
Fossil Finders (RSVP required)--November 12th from 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
Nashville Civil War Roundtable--November 15th at 7:00 p.m.--"A Holy Baptism of Fire and Blood: The Bible and the American Civil War" with Dr. James Byrd, historian and Vanderbilt University professor
Fort Negley Guided Walking Tour (RSVP required)--November 19th from 2:00-3:30 p.m.
Phase I of the grant-funded Davidson County Cemetery Preservation grant officially wrapped at the end of September. Our project consultant, New South Associates, provided us with several deliverables, including field survey forms, an updated database of cemetery sites, current survey photos, and a Phase I summary of findings. As a supplement to the report, MHC staff created a list of ten of the most endangered sites identified during this survey. We researched and wrote summaries for five of the endangered sites and added this information to the Phase I report. We are awaiting a contract from the Tennessee Historical Commission so that we may begin with Phase II activities, which will include survey of additional community subareas and a subsequent survey report.
This project is being supported in part by the Historic Preservation Fund, administered by the National Park Service, Department of the Interior, and the Tennessee Historical Commission.
Don't forget--there are numerous cemetery preservation resources available on the MHC website, including guidance on preservation treatments and state cemetery laws. If you know of a cemetery in need of documentation or preservation, please reach out to us directly.
Image: Field work at Peebles Cemetery. Credit: New South Associates.
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The Metropolitan Historical Commission is now accepting nominations for the 47th Annual Preservation Awards program, honoring Nashville's best preservation projects. Anyone may nominate buildings or structures that have been restored, rehabilitated, or carefully maintained over time. The awards also recognize well-designed new construction that harmonizes with a historic environment. To be considered, nominated properties must be in Davidson County and have an original construction date no later than 1973. Infill projects should be no older than 2020. All projects must have been completed within the past three years. Previous winners may be eligible if the work is significantly different.
Get a head start on your 2023 To Do List! Submit your nomination now through Monday, February 13, 2023.
For more program details and submission instructions, please visit our Preservation Awards page.
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In 2012, a small group of people joined together to form the Metro Historical Commission Foundation (MHCF). They had a simple mission: to assist the Metropolitan Historical Commission in documenting history, saving and reusing buildings, and making the public more aware of the necessity and advantages of preservation in Nashville and Davidson County. In just 10 short years, this mission has become more important than ever as Nashville continues to grow and change.
Community donations help the MHCF save the places that matter to Nashville, the places that tell our city’s stories, the places that cannot be replaced. From historical markers and National Register nominations to comprehensive studies and reports and providing support after catastrophic events, our goal is to be at the forefront of helping to preserve Nashville’s history.
October represented the 200th Anniversary of the Nashville City Cemetery 200th. Historians and reenactors were on hand for a very successful community day in late October, including Davidson County Historian Dr. Carole Bucy, Nashville City Cemetery Association (NCCA) President Jeff Sellers, historian Dr. Lea Williams, MHC commissioner Jim Hoobler, and MHZC staff member Sean Alexander. Many thanks to all who made this a special event that recognized the enduring historical significance of the City Cemetery. Check out the newly redesigned NCCA website for more information on their programs!
A team of archaeologists from SEARCH Inc. conducted ground-penetrating radar in sections 29 and 30 in order to find a suitable location to reinter the remains from two c. 19th century burials uncovered by construction on the property immediately south of the City Cemetery. More than one hundred anomalies were found, most of which are indicative of historic burials, but a few “empty” areas were also identified. Once the final location is selected, MHC staff will coordinate for the proper burial of the remains.
Nashville City Cemetery was featured on an episode of Tennessee Crossroads in late October. Be sure to check out this episode, which includes a cameo by MHC commissioner and former NCCA President Jim Hoobler!
Image: NCCA group reading proclamation at 200th Anniversary event. Credit: MHC.
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The Tennessee Historical Commission (THC) is now accepting applications to its annual Certificate of Merit program. This program highlights people and organizations for the work they do in the areas of publication, commemoration, and education regarding our state’s unique history and heritage. State Historic Preservation Officer Patrick McIntyre noted, “For 47 years our awards program has offered an opportunity to give thanks and recognition to those working to champion and revitalize Tennessee’s historic places." Applications can be made on the THC website through December 31st, with winners announced in May.
We recently finished recording the new Civil War Driving Tour, which was voiced by Myers Brown, the new Executive Director at Belmont Mansion. We’ll have a new tour to announce as well as plans for the Nashville Sites 3-year anniversary next month. Stay tuned!
A Message from Nashville Sites project director and MHCF board member, Dr. Mary Ellen Pethel:
Despite the uncertainty of the pandemic, the MHCF continued to be committed to preserving Nashville’s history and making it accessible through Nashville Sites. With the board’s encouragement, we fast-tracked our plans to add lesson plans to the site—partnering with Metro Nashville Public Schools to create ten lesson plans for grades 4-12. We also made our virtual tour option better, so that everyone could take tours from home.
We launched with 21 tours and have since added 13 new tours, including driving tours and neighborhood tours. We have continued to engage local scholars and experts like Mr. Lorenzo Washington whose Jefferson Street Sound Museum is featured on the Jefferson Street driving tour.
As MHCF celebrates a decade of preserving Nashville’s history, I’m excited for what the future holds. But we need your help to continue this work. Can you make a donation today to help Nashville Sites and MHCF grow? Your donation pays students and scholars to research and build these tours, and helps us continue to expand our online audience so that Nashville’s history continues to be accessible. However small or large, anything you give makes a difference to us!
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Over the past 6 months, Friends of Shelby Park and Bottoms has been doing a lot of behind the scenes work to continue their efforts to redevelop the Naval Reserve Training Center. Late last month, the Tennessean published an article about the building and Friends of Shelby's efforts toward creating a place where all members of the community can come together to connect with the park and each other.
Friends of Shelby is asking those who support preservation of this National Register-listed building to send a show of support to Mayor Cooper. Funding from the city is the catalyst needed to continue to move the project forward. The Friends of Shelby have provided email talking points that can be personalized to share why you support these efforts.
Image: Architectural rendering of how Naval Reserve Armory might look post-rehabilitation. Credit: Friends of Shelby Park and Bottoms.
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American Association for State and Local History--2022 Virtual Conference--November 1-3
The Hermitage--Ghost Tours at the Hermitage--November 4-6
Fort Negley Park--Laborers Flag Planting + Honor and Remembrance Ceremony--November 5
Afro-American Historical & Genealogical Society--Centennial Park was a "White Park" Until 1956--November 5 (via Zoom or in person at Tennessee State Library and Archives)
Nashville Parthenon--Centennial Park History Tour--November 10; Looking Back: 125 Years After the Tennessee Centennial Exposition--thru January 8
Cumberland River Compact--Hill's Island: An Exploration of the Past w/Dr. Lea Williams--November 15
Cheekwood Estate & Gardens--Holiday LIGHTS--beginning November 19; Glamour & Style: Portrait Photography from the Golden Age of Cinema--thru January 1
Tennessee State Museum--Lunch & Learn: Appalachia’s Coal-Mining Legacy: Reforesting for the Future--November 17
Two Rivers Mansion--3rd Annual Holiday Market at the Mansion--November 18-19
Historic Travellers Rest--Fall Artisan Workshop--November 19
Frist Art Museum--API Middle Tennessee Asian Street Market--November 19
Downtown Presbyterian Church--Songs of Smyrna--November 20
Friends of Warner Parks--Flying Monkey Marathon--November 20
Belmont Mansion--David Alford's "A Holiday to Remember"--November 23-26
Tennessee Genealogical Society--WWII "Internment Camps" and Mass Incarceration in the U.S.--December 7
Two Rivers Mansion--Christmas Tours--December 9-11
Nashville Parthenon--Sonus: All Is Calm--December 15
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