MHC News
The next Historical Commission public meeting will be held on Monday, October 16 at 12:00 p.m. at the Sonny West Conference Room, Howard Office Building, 700 President Ronald Reagan Way. You can find a full list of upcoming and previous MHC meetings on our website.
Nominations are now open for the 2024 Preservation Awards. Applications are due by Friday, March 1, 2024.
MHC staff continued resurveying historic resources in the Southeast Community Plan Area, formerly known as Subarea 12. This is a large subarea of the county, and it is expected to take several survey sessions to complete. Our goal is to resurvey Community Plan Areas (the county is broken up into 14 of them) every five years. The windshield survey looks at properties that appear to be 50 years of age or older and classifies historic resources into categories of National Register-listed, National Register-eligible, and Worthy of Conservation. The survey drives our interactions with Metro Planning and informs other preservation tools like National Register nominations, grants, potential historic zoning overlays, and Section 106 reviews.
We hope you can join us for two upcoming historical marker unveiling ceremonies. The first is on Saturday, October 21 at 1:00 pm for Hank Snow's Rainbow Ranch. The ceremony will be held at 312 E Marthona Road, Madison and will include refreshments, entertainment, and remarks by music historian Dr. Don Cusic. Parking will be available at Madison Christian Church at Old Hickory Blvd. and E Marthona Rd. The second ceremony will be on Monday, October 23 at 10:00 am for Washington Junior High School. The ceremony will be held at the former site of the school, 25th Ave N and Morena St. Follow us on social media for more details!
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Over the last few weeks, we have fielded several pieces of feedback on the draft deliverables for our National Park Service Civil Rights grant. Plans are in the works for a fall public meeting, which will likely be held in early November at First Baptist Church-Capitol Hill, one of the most important locations tied to the local movement. Further details about the public meeting will be shared next month.
We wrapped up the last of Phase II cemetery survey in late August. Our consultant, New South Associates, is in the process of finalizing the Phase II final report and will have that completed before the end of the month. Dr. Lydia Simpson presented the Phase II findings at MHC's September meeting, and her presentation was recorded so it can be shared with the public. MHC staff have been researching several endangered cemeteries as part of our required matching funds for the project, and we’ll finish that work by the end of the month.
Caroline and Adam recently visited the Central State Hospital Cemetery with several staff from the State of Tennessee Real Estate Asset Management (STREAM) and Tennessee Department of Mental Health & Substance Abuse Services (TDMHSAS), as well as Jan King from the Friends of Central State Hospital Cemetery (FCSHC). We discussed planned improvements for the site, including access for descendants, signage, and other potential landscaping and aesthetic improvements. This is one of two cemeteries historically associated with the former state asylum; a cemetery for African American patients is located on another neighboring parcel. This meeting provided us with insight on how the State handles historic cemeteries under its ownership and was an opportunity to support the FCSHC’s requests for access and signage, initially lodged several years ago. See below for more information from Jan King on this cemetery.
Earlier this month, we received notification that the THC has awarded us with two new federal historic preservation grants. These awards will fund a National Register of Historic Places nomination for the former Club Baron (now Elks Lodge #1102), Donelson area architectural survey, and Phase III of the cemetery survey project. The Donelson survey will document several mid-20th century residential neighborhoods near Lebanon and McGavock pikes and identify individual or district resources that may be eligible for historic designations.
MHZC News
The MHZC’s next public hearing will be held on Wednesday, October 18 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!
Education Building to the Downtown Presbyterian Church (formerly First Presbyterian Church Nashville)
Designed by Henry Clossen Hibbs (1882-1949), the Education Building to the Downtown Presbyterian Church was envisioned by Dr. James I. Vance, pastor of First Presbyterian Church Nashville. Under Vance, First Presbyterian tied with Fifth Ave. Presbyterian in New York City in 1914 as having the largest Presbyterian congregation in America. He chaired the Foreign Mission Board of the Southern Presbyterian denomination. In 1898 they moved their offices into his church. With the growing congregation, and the Mission Board both using the church and former home to the church’s minister as classrooms and offices, things were becoming very crowded by then. So, in 1917 Vance launched a drive to build a new structure where the antebellum house stood, and to combine church offices, classrooms and the Mission Board into one new structure. It would also include a grand new chapel, with a four-story rise, and halfmoon windows on the exterior walls, as well as a round sky light at top, emulating the Pantheon in Rome. This building opened in 1919. In 1925 Vance was voted as one of the 25 leading preachers in America.
Following Brown v. Board of Education in 1954, First Presbyterian moved out of Nashville into the newly created City of Oak Hill, which was created as a de facto “white only” city. With only about 300 remaining at Downtown Presbyterian, they no longer needed a four-story space for offices and classrooms. Edwin Keeble redesigned the interior, removing the balconies in the chapel and putting in a second story floor for classrooms with no changes to the upper to floors as they were not needed. In the 1990s, church member Tom Wills asked if he could use a room on the third floor as an art studio. Permission was given, and that evolved into an arts ministry, which allows artists to use the floor as art studios. The church is presently grappling with what to do with this very large space, as it is a financial drain on the congregation.
Jim Hoobler
Saturday, October 7th, 10am-12pm: FREE family-friendly Scavenger Hunt. Open to all ages! This Scavenger hunt will take families around the cemetery to answer a set of questions. Volunteers will be stationed around the cemetery.
Saturday, October 7th, Lantern Tour: Time and Topic TBD
Saturday, October 14th, Lantern Tour: We will host two Murder and Mystery Lantern tours. The first will take place from 5:00-6:00pm (ending as the sun sets) and tickets are priced at $20. The second tour will be after dark, from 6:30-7:30pm. After dark tickets will be $25. This tour will highlight residents of the cemetery who met untimely fates, celebrating their lives and their place in Nashville's history.
Saturday, October 21st, 10am-12pm: FREE family-friendly Scavenger Hunt. Open to all ages! This Scavenger hunt will take families around the cemetery to answer a set of questions. Volunteers will be stationed around the cemetery.
Saturday, October 21st, Lantern Tour: Time and Topic TBD
Saturday, October 28th, Lantern Tour: We will host two Murder and Mystery Lantern tours. The first will take place from 5:00-6:00pm (ending as the sun sets) and tickets are priced at $20. The second tour will be after dark, from 6:30-7:30pm. After dark tickets will be $25. This tour will also highlight residents of the cemetery who met untimely fates, celebrating their lives and their place in Nashville's history. Of note: the people highlighted on this tour will be different than those on the 14th. While the topic is the same, we will be sharing different stories, and people can do both tours and hear something new!
Historic Nashville, Inc. (HNI) is now accepting nominations for the 2023 Nashville Nine, the annual list of neglected and endangered historic properties, including landmarks, bridges, signs, and neighborhoods in Nashville and Davidson County. The deadline to nominate a property for this year’s list is October 15, with the final list being announced later this fall.
The Nashville Nine program gives HNI members, as well as citizens of Davidson County and surrounding areas, the opportunity to prioritize historic places in Nashville currently in danger of being lost. It has been one of the organization’s most effective tools for saving places unique to our city. We continue to see the successful results of these efforts. Jefferson Street’s Elks Lodge #1102, a 2021 inclusion, is undergoing renovations that will honor its history as Club Baron, an integral part of Jefferson Street’s entertainment scene during the 1950s and ‘60s. Another win, Fisk University announced it will create a business incubation and innovation center at Burrus Hall, listed in 2019.
Join the Metropolitan Historical Commission for "Nashville Music History," part of the Curb Lecture Series featuring Dr. Don Cusic. The first session takes place on October 25, 2023, entitled "A Nashville Music Timeline." The second session will take place on November 15, 2023. More information to come on the topic of the second lecture! The $10 per session registration fee supports the Metro Historical Commission Foundation and the work of the Metro Historical Commission. Space is limited - register today! Free parking available onsite at RCA Studio B. |
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The National Park Service announces availability of grant funding through African American Civil Rights Grant Program (AACR). The program will document, interpret, and preserve sites and stories telling the full story of the long struggle for African American civil rights from the transatlantic slave trade onwards across two separate grant funding opportunities. The NPS 2008 report, Civil Rights in America, A Framework for Identifying Significant Sites, will serve as the reference document in determining the appropriateness of proposed projects and properties.
AACR Grants are funded by the Historic Preservation Fund (HPF), administered by the NPS, and will fund a broad range of preservation projects including survey and inventory, National Register nominations, oral histories and more. Grants are awarded through a competitive process and do not require non-Federal funding match. Congress has appropriated $24 million in FY2023 funding for History and Preservation projects. Applications are due by October 10, 2023.
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The 1772 Foundation has announced that grant funding will be made available for historic properties redevelopment programs throughout the United States. Organizations that wish to be considered should send a one-page letter of inquiry to ethiel@1772foundation.org. To be eligible to apply, an organization must have a 501(c)(3) IRS designation.
The Foundation will consider requests for grants for feasibility studies for established preservation organizations which are considering starting historic properties redevelopment programs; or grants to increase the capacity of existing historic properties redevelopment programs. Letters of inquiry will be accepted until October 13, 2023.
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The National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) is accepting applications for Historic Preservation Grants. Projects from all eras and chapters of American history are eligible to apply. The maximum grant is $10,000, and smaller projects are encouraged. This grant program provides financial assistance for projects that preserve historic objects and sites. Examples include restoration of historic buildings; digitization or preservation of documents/records; preservation of historic items/artifacts; restoration, rededication or relocation of existing historical markers; cemetery headstone and monument conservation, etc. Applications are due by October 31, 2023.
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Don't forget about the Centennial Park weekly History Tours and monthly Architecture Tours.
Celebrate Nashville rich cultural heritage at Celebrate Nashville Cultural Festival in Centennial Park from 10:00 am - 6:00 pm on October 7.
Enjoy a spooky movie on the front lawn of Beaman Park Nature Center on October 13 from 6:00-8:00 pm.
Celebrate Farm Day at Bells Bend Park on October 14 from 9:30 am-3:00 pm. Activities include hay rides, farm animals, demonstrations, workshops, music, vendors, and competitions!
Explore with Fort Negley Fossil Finders on October 14 at 10:00 am.
Experience the Tennessee Craft Fair, celebrating its 45th year, at Centennial Park from October 13-15.
Join the Civil War Roundtable at Fort Negley on October 17 at 7:00 pm.
Learn about Archaeology in Your Backyard from MHC's Dr. Adam Fracchia at Warner Park Nature Center on October 18 ay 6:00 pm.
Take the Spirit Legends Tour at Two Rivers Mansion on October 20-22. The tour includes an abbreviated historical tour of the 1802 House and the Mansion with the addition of various stories of paranormal occurrences!
Celebrate International Archaeology Day with the Archaeological Institute of America- Nashville Society and the Nashville Parthenon on October 21 at 9:00 am.
Attend a free virtual symposium on American excavations in Corinth, Greece with Dr. Ioulia Tzonouon October 22 at 10:00 am.
Experience Bright Night: An Immersive Fundraiser for the Nashville Park Conservancy on October 26.
Celebrate Afro World Fest on October 27-28 at Hadley-Lillard Park.
Join us for a celebration of 50 Years of Warner Park Nature Center! Hikes, scavenger hunts, a slide show, trips down “memory lane”, and a giant birthday cake will be just some of the festivities happening during this momentous event on October 28 from 1:00-3:00 pm.
Beginning October 9, stop by the Courtyard Gallery at the Main Library to see "Monumental: Photographs of Vanderbilt Women's Basketball from the Nashville Banner Archives."
Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with the Madison branch at Amqui Station (303 Madison Station Blvd.) on October 13 from 5:00-8:00 pm with food trucks, games, activities, information on local community services, library card sign ups, a performance from Glencliff High School's Folklorico team, and an outdoor movie. Then, join the Hermitage Branch on October 14 at 2:00 pm to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with Global Education. There will be something fun for the whole family including Music, Dance, Take and Make Kits, and buttons.
On October 17, Conversations@NPL presents Title IX: Stories from Nashville Trailblazers. Hear from author Mary Ellen Pethel, sports legends Teresa Phillips, and Betty Wiseman as they share history and memories of the modern era of women’s sports and the impact of Title IX. Following is the exhibit opening reception for "Monumental: Photographs of Vanderbilt Women’s Basketball from the Nashville Banner Archives."
Grab a beer at East Nashville Beer Works on October 24 for the Cheers to NPL Wrap Party. 15% of all sales will be donated to the Nashville Public Library Foundation!
Everyone is welcome to attend a behind-the-scenes tour of the Main Library with the Nashville Public Library Foundation on October 25 at 9:15 am.
On October 7, join the National Museum of African American History and Culture's Robert F. Smith for Explore Your Family History Center for Journeys in Genealogy. Staff will share their experiences in conducting genealogy with public audiences at NMAAHC. They will also share tips and examples of breaking the 1870 Brick Wall in African American genealogy.
The day's events will help you explore your roots, uncover family stories, and connect with your heritage. Don't miss out on this incredible journey of self-discovery and exploration. Mark your calendars and get ready to embark on an unforgettable experience! Light refreshments will be served at 9:30 and the program will start at 10:00. In-person and online attendance options are available.
Andrew Jackson's The Hermitage--Ghost Tours--weekends in October
National Museum of African American Music--615 Stories: Night Train to Nashville--October 4
Belmont-Hillsboro Neighborhood--2023 Tour of Homes--October 5
Belmont Mansion--History in Your Backyard--October 5
various locations--FirstBank First Saturday Art Crawl--October 7
Bicentennial Mall--The Nashville Oktoberfest--October 5-8
Bellevue Harpeth Historic Association--Fanny and Priscilla Harding and the History of Slavery on the Harding Farm with historian Paul Clements--October 9
Tennessee Historical Commission--History of Tennessee Music Session 11: Tennessee Music Box--October 11
Tennessee Historical Commission--Tennessee Talks Session 10: The Last Ride: Murder, Money, and the Sensational Trial that Captivated Nashville by Martha Smith Tate with Dr. Carole Bucy--October 11
Tennessee Agricultural Museum--Dinner on the Lawn--October 14
Lindsley Avenue Church of Christ--Art Review on Rutledge Hill--October 15
Tennessee State Museum--Lunch and Learn: Unraveling the Mysteries of the Bell Witch--October 19
Andrew Jackson's The Hermitage--7th President 7K Run--October 21
Tennessee State Museum--TN Writers | TN Stories: Margaret Renkl: "The Comfort of Crows: A Backyard Year"--October 21
Andrew Jackson's The Hermitage--The Legend of Sleepy Hollow--October 27
Tennessee State Museum--Haunted Museum 25th Anniversary--October 28
Travellers Rest--Twisted Tennessee--October 28
Belle Meade Historic Site--Community Trick-or-Treating--October 29
National Museum of African American Music--Nissan Free Wednesday--free admission on the first Wednesday of each month courtesy of Nissan
Cheekwood Estate and Gardens--Thursday Night Out--each Thursday at 6:00 pm
Frist Art Museum--Architecture Tours--each Saturday from 3:30-4:30 pm
Tennessee State Museum--Museum Highlight Tours--each Saturday at 2:00 pm
Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum--Night Train to Nashville: Music City Rhythm & Blues--online exhibit
Check out our online newsletter archives!
Have a preservation-related event that you want us to include? Send a message to Jessica.Reeves@nashville.gov
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