BL2025-742
On February 20, CM Benedict filed legislation that would move the MHC and MHZC under the Metro Planning Department. The bill was approved on first reading at Metro Council on February 25. After discussions with both boards, CM Benedict has since filed a substitute bill that removes only MHZC under the Metro Planning Department. In addition, CMs Cash, Gadd, and Suara filed amendments to CM Benedict's bill. This legislation goes before Metro Council for second reading on March 4, and a final/third reading is scheduled for March 18. CM Benedict is expected to request a public hearing for the legislation on March 18, when it's on third reading. Info on the legislation can be at: https://nashville.legistar.com/LegislationDetail.aspx?ID=7135746&GUID=922C91A1-634F-484B-8DBF-4C96669557A7&Options=&Search=
MHC News
The next Historical Commission public meeting will be held on Monday, March 17 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.
We look forward to unveiling two historical markers--Metro District Energy System and Nashville Christian Institute--in late March/ early April. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for up to date information about these events!
The Historical Commission staff is excited to once again participate in Metro Action Commission's POWER Youth initiative by hosting 3 interns this summer. High school students interested in applying for an internship can do so through the Job Seeker portal.
Fieldwork is now underway for Phase 4 of the cemetery grant project, and we’ve initiated survey in the Hermitage area. Since we’ve been able to start survey earlier this year, we hope to have it completed before the summer. We continue to receive reports of unsurveyed and under documented burial grounds across the county and are working to include those in our fieldwork plans. Our staff also continues to conduct historical research on known cemeteries, with the goal of having some research completed on each of the roughly 670 sites as we move into creation of the countywide cemetery preservation plan. We are also closely watching for grant opportunities through federal and national nonprofit agencies that would potentially fund a standalone phase on African American cemeteries.
In late January, our staff completed survey in the Hillhurst and Normal Heights neighborhoods for the Underrepresented Communities grant project. Survey activities will commence this spring and will be used to write the inventory for the Haynes Heights National Register of Historic Places nomination. Our project team has also received responses from several community stakeholders interested in the project, including the Haynes-Trinity Neighborhood Coalition and Community ConneXor. Claudette and Caroline continue to conduct survey for several neighborhoods from our study list, most recently Cumberland Gardens, Hillhurst, and Normal Heights.
Join MHC staff and Preservation Society of Nashville (PSN) on Saturday, March 29 for a morning of discovery at Sunnyside at Sevier Park. Part of the PSN PreservEd Series, "Beneath Nashville: How GPR is Uncovering Nashville's Past" will explain how GPR is helping researchers discover untold stories of Nashville's past. There will be much to learn from our brilliant experts Natalie Robbins with Vanderbilt's Institute for Spatial Research and Metro Historic Commission's Archaeologist, Dr. Adam Fracchia. The session will last from 9:30-11:30 am and will include live demonstrations of surveying with GPR equipment. After the session, take a private tour of the newly renovated Sunnyside Mansion led by Metro Historic Commission Executive Director, Tim Walker. *Fresh coffee and breakfast bites will be served.
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MHC continues to be involved in several exciting archaeological projects. This month we will continue archaeological testing in Fort Negley ahead of the master plan improvements this summer. The goal of this project is to test areas that may see some level of subsurface disturbance in the Fort and document any archaeological features present. Please let us know if you are interested in assisting us with this archaeological research.
We welcome volunteers to join us in the lab and in the field. If you are interested in participating in future archaeological excavations or laboratory analysis, please contact Dr. Adam Fracchia.
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MHZC News
The MHZC’s next public hearing will be held on Wednesday, March 19 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!
MHZC worked with the GIS Division Manager of ITS to create a link to the website’s design guidelines page from Parcel Viewer. Now citizens can look up an individual property and not only learn the name of their historic overlay as well as host of additional information but also follow a link directly to the design guidelines.
Councilmember Hancock filed legislation for a neighborhood conservation zoning overlay for Marlin Meadows. The Metro Historic Zoning Commission has recommended approval, and the bill is proposed to be on the Planning Commission’s April 24 agenda. At this time, boundaries include: School Pass, Allen Pass, Canton Pass, portions of Coggin Pass, Nix Pass, River Pass, Peeler Trail, Rivercrest, Jasperson Dr, Center Street and portions of Neelys Bend Rd and Berwick Trail. Madison’s proximity to Nashville, easy access to a new highway, and prime location near the Cumberland River made it a highly attractive spot to buy a home in the years following WWII. The Marlin Meadows neighborhood is significant for its reflection of these development patterns, as well as its excellent collection of historic homes representing popular mid-century architectural styles and materials.
Thank you to everyone who attended or supported this year's conference--it was a great success! We look forward to to seeing you next year for the 45th conference.
We had over 260 participants including presenters, support staff, and paid registrants including over 20 virtual attendees. This year, we also welcomed high school students from Stratford High and the Nashville School of the Arts, as well as students from TSU. Many thanks to all who attended in support of the conference! You can visit the conference website to view this year’s profiles and speaker bios, or watch the Conference on the Metro Nashville Network YouTube channel!
Conference founder and co-chair Linda Wynn was featured on the February 12 episode of WPLN's "This Is Nashville" on elevating local African American history. You can listen to the episode online (learn more below about the Nashville City Cemetery program also featured on the program.)
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The Nashville Music Lecture Series with Dr. Don Cusic continues after a successful kickoff in February. These entertaining, informal talks feature interesting stories and plenty of great music. Several music industry insiders often attend, sparking fascinating conversation among the group. Whether you’re new to Nashville’s music history or you’re well-versed in all the hits, you’re certain to hear something new. Toe-tapping is highly encouraged!
All sessions meet on Wednesday evenings at 6:30 PM at Historic RCA Studio B, 1611 Roy Acuff Place, with free parking on site:
March 12: The Hank Williams Years
March 26: The Nashville Sound
April 16: Johnny Cash and Bob Dylan
April 23: The Beatles and Country Music
The $10 per session registration fee supports the Nashville Historical Foundation (formerly the MHC Foundation) and its work to support historic preservation projects and community education through Nashville Sites and other programs. Register for one or all sessions today! Email Scarlett Miles with any questions or for more information.
Each month, the Nashville City Cemetery Association provides free guided tours. This month's Second Saturday tour will take place on March 8 at 10:00 AM. The tour will begin at the Keeble Building at the center of the Cemetery and free parking is available in the Cemetery and on Oak Street. RSVP here to save our spot!
On the tour, historian Ashley White will identify and describe interesting graves and grave markers. By detailing common and unique symbols, Ashley will help attendees understand the rich meaning behind tombs and tombstones. Participants will also enjoy getting to know more about the Cemetery's residents, some of Nashville's oldest and most enduring citizens. Because March is Women's History Month, we will emphasis women's stories and symbols.
City Cemetery Site Manager Bryan Gilley has completed an update to the assessment of deferred maintenance at the Cemetery. The total cost of all of the needed projects is at least $8.2 million, with repairs needed to the perimeter stone wall, sections requiring significant repairs to markers and iron fences, and additional lighting and security upgrades and tree maintenance. These requests will be included in the department’s Capital Improvement Budget submission.
We also want to thank everyone who attended the NCCA Black History Month event on February 8 at the Bosley lot in section 20. The event received coverage from News Channel 5 and WPLN’s "This Is Nashville". Speakers included NCCA board member and former Councilmember Jacobia Dowell, event organizer and NCCA board member Betsy Thorpe, Judge Robin Kimbrough Hayes, MHC board member Dr. Marisa Richmond, Mt. Lebanon MBC Pastor Dr. James Green, and Pastor Enoch Fuzz of Corinthian MBC. More than 50 people were in attendance.
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Centennial Park and the Parthenon:
Join the Metro Parks Dance Division at Centennial Performing Arts Studios on March 7 and March 8 at 7:30 pm for Where We Gather, performances by the 2025 Animata Arts Residency Artists.
Archaeologist Christopher Beekman will host a free virtual talk on the archaeology of western Mexico titled, “A Question of Life or Death: The Hollow Figures of Western Mexico"on March 12.
Join the Nashville Native Plant Symposium on March 22 to explore the transformative power of native plants in fostering ecological health. Learn from experts, connect with the community, and take action for a sustainable future.
Enjoy a free film and screenplay workshop on March 28 as part of the Muses Educational Series. As one of Ancient Greece’s most enduring tragedies, the legend of Orpheus has inspired filmmakers from all over the world for nearly a century. This workshop will trace the importance of Orpheus to international film culture from France and Poland to Australia and the American South.
As always, Museum Tours and Architecture Tours are available all month long.
Fort Negley:
Join the Nashville History Club on March 4 as Saralee Woods presents "The Secrets of the Hopewell Box." On March 11, Bob Henderson will present "Nashville's Magellan of the Air." Then on March 18 Michael Bishop will present "A Murder in Music City," and on March 25 Jay Brothers will present "The History of Homes."
On March 18, author and historian Kevin McCray will present on his new book, “Without Bugle or Drum: The Battles of Vaught’s Hill And Snow Hill, Tennessee, March-April 1863” to the Nashville Civil War Roundtable. On March 25, the Fort Donelson Camp No. 62 Sons of Union Veterans group will hear from Darrell Ball as he presents "Battle of Anthony's Hill in Giles County."
The Nashville Banner exhibit, "Eyewitness: Chronicling Nashville and Beyond," is on display in the Main Library 2nd floor gallery through March 31.
Engage in a critical conversation on March 5 with Women Made Music: An Evening with Industry Insiders. Doors open at 5:30 pm with a light, catered reception. Speakers include Ann Powers, Alice Randall, Adia Victoria, Jewly Hight and Marissa Moss.
On March 6, Parnassus Books, in partnership with Nashville Public Library, Nashville Public Library Foundation, Fisk University, American Baptist College, and Tennessee League of Women Voters, present Elaine Weiss in conversation with Joyce Searcy as they discuss Elaine's new book, Spell Freedom: The Underground Schools That Built the Civil Rights Movement.
When national reporter Lewis Raven Wallace was fired from public radio for publicly questioning journalistic objectivity, they began a journey into the history of journalism and its role in shaping information. Conversations@NPL: Lewis Raven Wallace and Journalistic Objectivity on March 25 will be moderated by Tasneem Grace, former journalist and vice-president of Mosaic Changemakers.
Get a behind-the-scenes look at the Nashville Public Library with a free tour on March 19. Each month the NPL Foundation hosts a Library 101 tour--check their calendar for upcoming dates!
Nashville Public Library’s NECAT Network is proud to announce the world premiere of the feature-length documentary film It’s All Connected: The Art of Sustainability on March 22 at the Main Library downtown. Starting at 5 PM, enjoy light refreshments before the screening begins at 6 PM. It’s All Connected: The Art of Sustainability takes viewers on a tour of Nashville and Middle Tennessee’s art, waterways, and often unseen corners. The movie showcases community leaders from Urban Green Lab, Cumberland River Compact, Nashville Waste Services, Nashville Zoo, Edgehill Garden, and Bell Garden along with Nashville Public Library (NPL). The panel discussion features its director, NECAT’s Cameron McCasland, along with Urban Green Lab’s Executive Director Todd Lawrence, NPL’s Assistant Director Susan Drye, Nashville Waste Services’ Jenn Harrman, WeGo’s Eric Melcher, and Host of Nashville PBS Slice of The Community Jerome Moore. The discussion will be recorded for later broadcast on NECAT Network.
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AASLH--State and Local Resources at the American Folklife Center webinar--March 5
Travellers Rest--March Lecture with Dr. Carole Bucy--March 6
Nashville Zoo at Grassmere--Teddy Bear Clinic--March 8 & 9
Andrew Jackson's Hermitage--Andrew Jackson's Birthday--March 15
Belle Meade Historic Site--The Art of Belle Meade after hour tour--March 18
Frist Art Museum--Panel Discussion: "Food for Thought: Conversations on Food and Labor"--March 20
National Museum of African American Music--Rhythm & Whiskey Tour with Nearest Green Distillery--March 21
Cheekwood Estate & Gardens--Holi at Cheekwood--March 22
Cheekwood Estate & Gardens--Middle Tennessee Daffodil Show--March 22 & 23
National Museum of African American Music--Nissan Free Wednesday--free admission on the first Wednesday of each month courtesy of Nissan
Tennessee State Museum--Museum Highlight Tours--each Friday and Saturday at 2:00 pm
Frist Art Museum--Architecture Tours--each Saturday and Sunday at 3:30 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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