MHC News
The next Historical Commission public meeting will be held on Monday, October 21 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.
Two September marker ceremonies were postponed due to weather, so we hope you can make the new dates! The Stratford High School historical marker will be unveiled on Thursday, October 3 at 5:30 pm prior to the Homecoming football game. The Joseph "Yusef" Harris historical marker at Alkebu-Lan Images (28th and Jefferson) will be unveiled on Saturday, October 5 at 12:00 pm. We are also excited to report that the new Callie Guy House historical marker was placed at near the site of her home at 1001 Summit Ave. in Edgehill this week. Additionally, the United Nations Visit to Nashville (1970) historical marker was rededicated in Centennial Park after being damaged. Two other historical marker ceremonies to put on your calendar: the Professor Bailey marker (2000 Greenwood Ave.) will be unveiled on Thursday, October 17 and the Robert Lillard marker (1062 2nd Ave S) will be unveiled on November 2. Follow us on social media for more details!
As final construction projects are wrapping up at Sunnyside, we are moving forward with plans to complete the summer house/ architectural folly this fall/winter. James Dunn of Vintage Millworks has final architectural plans in hand and will construct the structure with volunteer labor. Costs for this project are being shared by the Friends of Sevier Park, 12 South Neighborhood Association, Preservation Society of Nashville, and the MHC Foundation.
MHZC News
The MHZC’s next public hearing will be held on Wednesday, October 16 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!
A revision to the Inglewood Place design guidelines for replacement siding is proposed. Three options are provided for the neighborhood to consider. Because there was an interest in a quick solution, historic zoning staff is asking that property owners and residents in this neighborhood submit their preferred option or other comments to historicalcommission@nashville.gov by October 14. This deadline will allow the possibility of a public hearing at the November 20 meeting, if there appears to be consensus.
The second Citizen Historic Preservation Academy kicked off on September 23 at the Hodge House in Warner Parks. Former MHC director Ann Roberts gave a presentation on the history of the historical commission department and county historian, Carole Bucy provided an overview of the creation of Nashville’s Metropolitan government.
 At the end of September, MHC and Nashville Sites co-sponsored the Society for Commercial Archeology (SCA) weekend-long tour of Nashville. SCA celebrates living history of America’s roadside culture including diners, motels, neon signs, and amusements. The fifty-some visitors came from all over the U.S. and Canada to look at such Nashville historic sites and signs as Marathon Motor Works, the Hermitage Hotel’s bathrooms, Belle Meade Theater, Weiss Liquor, and the El Dorado Motel sign. MHZC staff member Melissa Baldock was a co-tour leader of the event. Many thanks to SCA for visiting Music City!
The Metropolitan Historical Commission is now accepting nominations for the 49th 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 of 1975 or earlier (50 years of age). Infill projects should be no older than 2022. All projects must have been completed within the past three years. Previous winners may be eligible if the work is significantly different.
Nominations are due Monday, March 3, 2025.
The awards ceremony will take place in May 2025 in recognition of National Preservation Month. For more program details and submission instructions, please visit our Preservation Awards page!
Yes, it’s that time of year again! This October, please join us for The Nashville City Cemetery’s annual lantern-led tours through Nashville’s outdoor museum! Enjoy the crisp autumn air on a Saturday evening as you stroll through the cemetery listening to tales of Nashville’s earliest residents. These are ticketed events, so please make your reservations now! Proceeds go to the protection, preservation, and restoration of this special historic site.
Tours will take place on October 5, 12, 19, and 26 at 5:30 and 6:30 pm. October 19 and 26 will also feature special Murder & Mystery Lantern Tours.
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On October 26 at 2:00 pm, the Forest Grove United Methodist Church (7982 Whites Creek Pike) will celebrate Cemetery Day by dedicating a monument to Lucy Hobbs (1803-1876). Hobbs gave one acre of land to the church upon her death, as well as an acre of land to be set aside for the creation of the Forest Grove Cemetery. In honor of her lasting contribution to the church and community, a "Forever Remembered" monument created by Schultz Monument Company in Madison will be placed in the cemetery. If you have questions or would like to contribute to the continued upkeep of the cemetery, contact Sandra Newland Robinson (615) 973-8868 or Patsy Newland Clark (615) 876-7609.
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Join MHC Archaeologist Dr. Adam Fracchia on Saturday, October 26 from 9:00 - 2:00 pm at Sunnyside for a public archaeology day, Documenting the Battle of Nashville: Community Archaeology in Sevier Park.
Registered participants will have the opportunity to help conduct a controlled and systematic metal detection survey in the park to help uncover artifacts from the Battle of Nashville. No prior experience is required, but participants must pre-register by emailing Dr. Fracchia. We hope to see you then!
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MHC continues to be involved in several exciting archaeological projects, especially in September as part of Tennessee Archaeology Awareness Month. Visitors came out to Archaeology Day at Sunnyside to try their hand at throwing the atlatl and excavating a test unit. Visitors also had a chance to explore ground penetrating radar with the Vanderbilt Institute for Spatial Research.
Photo: Several future archaeologists learn how to excavate a test unit at Sunnyside during Archaeology Day.
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Later in September, the MHC hosted a table on archaeology in Metro Nashville at the State Archaeology Day celebration hosted at Bells Bend Park. Although the Saturday was very warm and humid, people enjoyed making archaeologically themed buttons, discussing preservation, and mending ceramics. The event also included information and fun activities from other Metro agencies and sites including Fort Negley and Metro Archives. You can also read blog posts on the Tennessee Archaeology Council website about the research and interpretation at Sunnyside in Sevier Park and the Indigenous Archaeological Sites tour we are working on!
Photo: Another group of future archaeologist mend ceramics at the State Archaeology Day at Bells Bend Park.
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In addition to several public events and posts, we have also been able to help explore the rich archaeological resources in Metro in conjunction with several development projects. In Ravenwood Park, we have been surveying an area ahead of infrastructure improvements. Volunteers from local universities helped to excavate shovel test pits in a systematic grid to identify any cultural features and document the soil stratigraphy. Similarly, volunteers have helped to excavate a property near the Merritt mansion near Ft. Negley ahead of improvements to the property. Both of these projects have provided an opportunity to teach archaeological survey and excavation methods and have provided a chance to appropriately document potential archaeological resources. If you are interested in participating in future archaeological excavations or laboratory analysis, please contact Dr. Adam Fracchia.
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October Mystery Object
In the archaeology lab, not every artifact is easily identifiable. We often spend a great deal of time cleaning them off and piecing them together before we try to look for examples of what they could be.
Unfortunately, no one was able to identify September’s object. This month we were asked to help identify a historic object that was not found archaeologically. A Nashvillian inherited this object from her family. The item is believed to be made from gutta-percha, an early latex material which grew in popularity in the middle of the nineteenth century. The object is meant to be worn and depicts a hand holding a book.
If you know or have a guess, please email adam.fracchia@nashville.gov.
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The Metro Historical Commission is fortunate to have numerous partners in preservation. In this new series, we want to spotlight these partners and the great work they have done over the years. This month: Preservation Society of Nashville! Founded in December 2022 by Colson Horton and Kelleigh Bannen, the Preservation Society of Nashville's mission is to protect and champion Nashville’s unique stories, neighborhoods, and architecture through education, advocacy, and historic preservation. |
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In their first year, PSN has supported many important projects, most notably the expansion of the downtown historic preservation overlay, successfully protecting an additional 35 historic properties including those in Printers Alley and the Financial District, in addition to monitoring the redevelopment process of the Belle Meade Theatre and other projects across the city. PSN and last month's partner spotlight Historic Nashville, Inc (HNI) co-sponsored the reception for MHC's annual Preservation Awards program, and they have also assisted the office with a Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) Fund, to support preliminary archaeological research throughout the city.
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On September 16, 2024, PSN announced that David Greider, M.B.A. would serve as their inaugural Executive Director. David has called Nashville home for nearly 25 years, where he resides with his wife, daughter, and Blue Heeler pup. He received his B.A. from Tennessee State University and his M.B.A. from Lipscomb University with a concentration in Nonprofit Management. He is a 2012 Nashville Emerging Leaders Alumni and formerly served as the director of Nashville’s Young Nonprofit Professionals. David currently serves on the board of the Tennessee Environmental Council. Prior to PSN, David held leadership positions with the Center for Nonprofit Management, Nashville Health Care Council, and Digital Medicine Society and founded Orange Oak Nonprofit Management in early 2023. We look forward to working with David and the PSN board for many years to come! |
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The 26th Annual Belmont Hillsboro Neighborhood Home Tour will be held Saturday, October 5 from 11:00 am-5:00 pm. Advance tickets can be purchased at Hillsboro Hardware or www.belmont-hillsboro.com
One of the longest running home tours in the country, this annual event allows you to explore the beautiful historic Belmont-Hillsboro neighborhood, stepping inside homes to discover their historic quality and character. Hope to see you there!
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If you have ever wanted to discover the untold story of your family’s history, make a plan to visit the Tennessee State Library & Archives for Family History Day on Oct. 19, 2024. This free event begins at 9:30 a.m., and expert research assistance is available all day.
Family History Day’s featured presentation is “A Tennessee Tapestry: Your Guide to the County-Specific Family History Resources.” Genealogist and information science professional Taneya Koonce will lead this informative program. Koonce is an active contributor to the genealogy and family history field with research projects dating back to 2005.
Following her presentation, Library & Archives staff and volunteers from the Friends of the Tennessee State Library & Archives will be available to assist visitors with researching their family history. Attendees are encouraged to bring any information they already have, including names, dates, and addresses. In addition, the Library & Archives will also host a Conservation Clinic for preserving historic family records and photographs. Staff will provide help and advice during 20-minute appointments on a first-come, first-served basis. They will identify photo types, suggest storage materials, and answer questions about family history preservation. Additionally, Library & Archives staff are inviting volunteers to join the Transcribe-a-thon to help index vital records for improved accessibility.
The William Edmonson Festival or "WE Fest" returns Saturday, October 26, 2024. The annual arts fest honors African-American sculptor William Edmondson and features arts, crafts, music, and vendors from across Nashville. Hosted by Friends of the William Edmondson Homesite Park & Gardens, the event at 1450 14th Ave. S lasts from 10:00-4:00. WE Fest honors Nashville’s groundbreaking sculptor William Edmondson, celebrates Nashville’s diverse arts community, and shares the Edgehill community’s rich African American history & culture. The festival is held on the anniversary week of William’s barrier-shattering 1937 solo show at the Museum of Modern Art. We bring artists and the community together. This year's festival will also feature an augmented reality experience that projects a 3D model of Edmonson’s workshop into the space where it once stood made possible through a partnership with Vanderbilt University and the University of Maryland.
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Centennial Park and the Parthenon:
Parthenon Architecture tours and Museum tours, and Centennial Park History tours are available weekly at Centennial Park. Centennial Park hosts the Celebrate Nashville Cultural Festival on October 5 and the Tennessee Craft Fair on October 11-13, as well as the Nashville Humane Association's Dog Day Festival on October 19 and the Kidsville Family Festival on October 27!
On October 19, the Archaeological Institute of America-Nashville Society and the Nashville Parthenon are teaming up to join hundreds of archaeological organizations around the world to celebrate International Archaeology Day and the Tennessee STEAM Festival. You can also attend a free, virtual symposium, Archaeology and Science, on October 20.
Fort Negley Park:
The Nashville History Club meets each Tuesday of the month for a different presentation. On October 1 join Mark Cheatham as he presents, "Who was James K. Polk?" On October 8 Ray Smith presents, "Stories from the Secret City (Oak Ridge)" and on October 15 when Terry Coats presents, "Frank and Jesse James in Nashville, 1875-1881". Robert Pickard presents, "Senator Estes Kefauver" at the October 22 meeting and the series ends for October on October 29 when Brandon Hulette presents, "Below Fort Negley."
Join Fort Negley Park staff for a Guided Walking Tour on October 2, October 5, October 12 and October 16.
The Afro-American Historical and Genealogical Society- Nashville Chapter will meet October 5 to discuss "Book Your Cherished Family History," and the Nashville Civil War Roundtable will meet on October 15. Finally, make plans for Fossils at the Fort on October 19 (happening in conjunction with the Tennessee STEAM Festival - TNSteam.org).
Beaman Park:
Start the month off on a fun and slightly spooky note at Family Movie Night: Ghostbusters (1984) on October 4, then Hike the Old Ridgetop Trail on October 26 and enjoy a slice of cake after at the Nature Center as we celebrate Beaman Park's birthday!
Warner Park:
MHC's Dr. Adam Fracchia will be at the Warner Park Nature Center for Archaeology Adventures with Adam on October 10! Then grab your guitar, mandolin, fiddle, or other instrument and head to the Old Time Jam on October 19 for some fun group picking.
The Main Branch is closed for maintenance this month, and they hope to re-open in early October.
Join the NPL Special Collections team on October 3 at the Edgehill branch for a screening of By One Vote, a 2019 documentary about the decisive battle in Nashville to ratify the 19th Amendment.
Looking for some new to you books? Stop by the Goodlettsville Library Book Sale on October 4&5, the Old Hickory Book Sale on October 12, or the Edgehill Library Book Sale on October 26!
Even though the Main Library Robinson Courtyard is currently closed, that won't stop the Courtyard Concert series from continuing this fall! These free concerts will take place each Tuesday through October 22 at the Church Street Park, directly across the street from the front entrance on the library. Hope to see you there!
Cheekwood Estate and Gardens--Cheekwood Harvest--September 14- October 27 (with Weekends in the Beer Garden each weekend during Harvest)
Andrew Jackson's Hermitage--Ghost Tours: Tragedy and Mystery at The Hermitage--September 19-October 31
Travellers Rest--Historic Trades Days--October 1&2
NMAAM--Any Other Way: The Jackie Shane Story--October 2
Belmont Mansion--History in Your Backyard speaker series--October 3
Frist Art Museum--Woven Nashville: An Evening of Music, Art and Conversation--October 3
Andrew Jackson's Hermitage--Presidential Panels: Who Elected the College?--October 3
Nashville Zoo at Grassmere--BOOze at the Zoo--October 10 (event is 21+)
Nashville Zoo at Grassmere--Boo at the Zoo--October 11-31
Cheekwood Estate and Gardens--Fall Break Friday Night Hoedown--October 11
Heritage Foundation of Williamson County--Practical Preservation: Dry Stack Stone Wall Community Workshops--October 12&13 and November 2&3
Bellevue Harpeth Historic Association--"Historical Characters that You Should Know but Probably Don’t" with Dr. Bill McKee--October 14
TN State Museum--Lunch and Learn: The Nashville Musical History Tour: Traveling Beyond Music Row--October 17
Two Rivers Mansion--Spirit Legends Tour--October 18-20; 25-27
McGruder Park--Environmental Justice Festival--October 19
Travellers Rest--Toddlers at TR: Seasons--October 19
TN State Museum--Haunted Museum Storytelling Festival--October 19
Andrew Jackson's Hermitage--7th President 7K--October 19
Belle Meade Historic Site--Flight Around the World Carriage House Conversation with Bob Henderson--October 24
Travellers Rest--Twisted Tennessee--October 25
Andrew Jackson's Hermitage--Homeschool Days: P.T. Barnum and his Cabinet of Curiosities--October 25
TN State Museum--TN Writers | TN Stories: Jared Sullivan, "Valley So Low: One Lawyer's Fight for Justice in the Wake of the Great Coal Catastrophe"--October 26
Cheekwood Estate and Gardens--Halloween Pooch Party--October 26&27
Belle Meade Historic Site--Trick or Treat 2024--October 27
Belle Meade Historic Site--Jack Harding: World Flier exhibit--through October
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 in October
Tennessee State Museum--Museum Highlight Tours--each Friday and Saturday at 2:00 pm
Frist Art Museum--Architecture Tours--each Saturday from 3:30-4:30 pm
Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum--From Where I Stand: The Black Experience in Country Music-online exhibit
Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum--Music Row: Nashville's Creative Crossroads--online exhibit
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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