MHC News
The next Historical Commission public meeting will be held on Monday, April 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.
In recognition of Ann Roberts’ years of leadership of the Nashville Historical Foundation (formerly the Metro Historical Commission Foundation), and the critical importance of modern architectural design in the decades following the Second World War, the Nashville Historical Foundation will present a series of three lectures given by members of the board on the topic of modernism and how it was manifested in Nashville. All three lectures (on April 3, 10, and 17) have sold out, but NHF plans to record each lecture and share the videos online. Follow NHF and MHC on social media for more updates and future lecture dates!
For the past year, MHC staff have assisted Urban Green Lab with their Voices of Resilience exhibit. Fabrication of the exhibit panels should begin by mid-April and we hope to have a soft opening of the exhibit at John Early Museum Magnet School in mid-May, before the exhibit officially opens on June 20. Stay tuned for more information on this exciting community collaboration.
Fieldwork continues on the Davidson County Cemetery Survey project as we work through the Donelson-Hermitage-Old Hickory and Antioch subareas. Most property owners have been very receptive of our visits and are excited about the creation of a countywide cemetery preservation plan. Our goal is to complete fieldwork by May so the survey teams can avoid the heat. A Phase 4 final report will be available this fall.
Over the last few weeks, we have been working on public outreach and engagement and project promo for the Underrepresented Communities grant project. MHC staff member Trevor Porter worked with Damita Chavis, Community Engagement Coordinator at Richard Grubb & Associates (RGA), to conduct project flyer distribution at several community centers, churches, and other organizations across North Nashville and Bordeaux. We also promoted the project at a Tennessee State Museum event focused on North Nashville. Planning is also underway for a community meeting at Bordeaux Branch Library, tentatively scheduled for Monday, April 21st from 5:30-7:30pm. That meeting will allow people to drop in and learn about the project, and we’ll have a more formal presentation component that covers our progress to date, with opportunities to collect public feedback. We also continue to make contact with interested stakeholders who want to stay informed as the project moves forward.
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We're excited to announce three new historical markers that were installed and/or unveiled recently: Sunnyside (at the MHC offices in Sevier Park), Metro District Energy System (Korean Vets. Blvd. near 1st Ave) and Nashville Christian Institute (24th Ave N and Batavia St.) Brad Smith, president of marker manufacturer Sewah Studios, visited our office in mid-March to update staff on recent updates to the production process that will hopefully mean quicker manufacturing time for our historical markers! He also got to see the incredible NDOT crew install our replacement Sunnyside marker, now located at the corner of 12th Ave S and Kirkwood Ave. near the old driveway.
Many thanks to CM Olivia Hill, CM Jacob Kupin, Mayor Freddie O'Connell, and former mayor Bill Purcell for helping us celebrate the unveiling of the Metro District Energy System marker on March 25. 2024 marked 50 years of district energy in downtown Nashville, and representatives of Metro Water, Constellation Energy, and other team members were on hand to celebrate the milestone.
On April 1, Lipscomb University unveiled a new historical marker at the site of the school as well as a plaque on the Lipscomb campus highlighting the history of the Nashville Christian Institute. Civil rights attorney Fred Grey--who attended NCI-- was present and spoke on campus later that afternoon.
We've received several other historical markers recently, and we look forward to installing those soon. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for updates on upcoming marker dedications.
On Thursday, March 13 at the Tennessee Association of Museums annual conference, the Metro Historical Commission was thrilled to be honored with an Award of Excellence for the Sunnyside Renovation and Interpretive Project. We hope you will stop by our now award-winning office space in Sevier Park to see our archaeological exhibit and artifact wall, walk along the path to see all of the interpretive panels, and take the self-guided Nashville Sites tour with Augmented Reality views of the house at different points in time. Soon you'll also be able to enjoy historic gardens (see below) and grab a drink or snack at the Carriage House cafe. |
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Staff have been working with representatives from the Master Gardeners of Davidson County and Metro Parks to finalize landscape plans for Spring plantings at Sunnyside. The design will feature a mix of historic and native plantings in the beds adjacent to the house as well as new magnolia and holly trees around the Stone House. An educational herb garden is planned for the rear of the Log Outbuilding that will be fenced to keep out rabbits. Additionally, a brick-lined planter bed above the exterior basement stair was recently completed and is now ready for planting. Russell is taking the lead to acquire and award bids for the remaining repairs associated with completion of Sunnyside’s renovation. This work includes bids for tuckpointing the limestone foundation of Sunnyside, repairing a termite-damaged section of wood flooring in the Log Outbuilding as well as repairing water-damaged plaster and the painting of the building’s interior and exterior, laying short brick walkways to the Log Outbuilding and Stone Office Building, and replacing the non-functioning door lock on the Log Outbuilding. Our goal is to award this work in the coming few weeks, so that it might be completed by June.
MHZC News
The MHZC’s next public hearing will be held on Wednesday, April 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!
In late 2023, the Lockeland Springs-East End Neighborhood Conservation Zoning Overlay started exploring the possibility of revising the design guidelines specifically for the largely non-contributing area of S 10th Street, 1014 Shelby Ave. and the 1100 block of Shelby Avenue. The MHZC approved the revision which is currently in effect.
Historic Zoning has a new general email address for applications, requests for inspections, and general inquiries: historiczoning@nashville.gov.
The GIS Division of ITS created a link for us to our website’s design guidelines page from Parcel Viewer. Now citizens can look up an individual property and learn the name of their district in Parcel Viewer and follow a link directly to design guidelines.
The Housing & Infrastructure Study has released an Initial Findings and Preliminary Recommendations Report. This report shares research and in-depth analysis on barriers to housing supply and affordability including for communities of color and low-income families and outlines the challenges Metro Nashville faces delivering infrastructure. You can access the full Initial Findings Report, an executive summary, and a video of a recent presentation on its key takeaways on the website.
Because the report includes in-depth analysis of complicated challenges, the Planning Dept is holding Office Hours from April 1 - April 14 to provide opportunities for community members to bring questions and feedback about the Findings Report. More details on the Office Hours are located on the website. The Planning Dept will have more engagement opportunities focused on draft recommendations in May that will be announced through the website, social media, and newsletter.
Mark your calendars and make plans to attend the 2025 Preservation Awards. The 49th annual event will be held on Thursday, May 22, 2025, at 4:30 p.m. at the Nashville Public Library, 615 Church Street, with a reception to follow.
The Preservation Awards program is held annually to celebrate National Preservation Month, which is sponsored by the National Trust for Historic Preservation and observed nationally each year in May. This year’s Preservation Month theme celebrates the power of place and the countless ways, big and small, that preservation creates.
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The Metropolitan Historical Commission in partnership with the Vanderbilt Institute for Spatial Research and the Preservation Society of Nashville held a public ground penetrating radar (GPR) day at the Sunnyside Mansion in Sevier Park. Members of the public and students of archaeology learned how GPR works and how it can be used to locate and preserve archaeological sites and historic cemeteries. Participants had a chance to operate the machine and survey the front yard of the historic mansion. Stay tuned for the findings of this survey!
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The MHC continues to be involved in several exciting archaeological projects. This month we will continue archaeological testing in Ft. Negley ahead of the master plan improvements this summer. We recently excavated a soil layer dating to the period of the Civil War. Volunteers uncovered and documented bottle glass, bullets, and a friction primer (used to fire the cannons). They also found a small carved shell button (pictured below). 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. 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. |
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:
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.
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Spring is in the air at Nashville City Cemetery! The flowers are in full bloom, which is great for this month's Second Saturday tour led by Davidson County Master Gardeners, focusing on the plants and flowers in the cemetery. Tours are free and open to the public. Visit the NCC website or Facebook page for more information. |
There's always more to learn at the City Cemetery. Thanks to Vanderbilt University for coming out to conduct ground penetrating radar (GPR) survey to learn if there was every a pathway through this part of Section 29. |
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Centennial Park and the Parthenon:
Enjoy Slow Art Day with programming that will highlight the unique art collection of the Parthenon on April 5. On April 12, join Emily Everhart, Senior Producer of Nat Geo Kids Greeking Out, for a How-to on creating your own podcast as part of the Muses Educational Series: Calliope-Muse of Eloquence and Epic Poetry.
Celebrate Earth Day at Centennial Park on April 19 with a free, family-friendly event, presented by Centennial Park Conservancy in partnership with Urban Green Lab and support from Metro Parks Nashville. Continue the Earth Day celebration on April 22 with a guided nature walk led by naturalist Jessa Tremblay. Enjoy delicious food and drinks at the Music City Food & Wine Festival on April 24-27. It will feature culinary delights from local restaurants, a lively chef competition, vendor market, sips from top wine and spirits brands, pairings dinners and entertaining brunches happening throughout the city.
As always, Museum Tours and Architecture Tours are available all month long. And don't forget, the 54th Annual Spring Tennessee Craft Fair will take place May 2-4!
Fort Negley:
Enjoy guided walking tours of the park on April 1, April 2, April 8, April 10, April 11, April 12, April 15, April 16, April 17, April 18, April 19, April 22, April 23, April 24, and April 29.
The Nashville History Club will meet on April 1 with speaker Delilah Cohn presenting "Willi Cohn: Life Expressed Through Art." On April 8, Steve Haruch will present "M. Simone Boyd and Andrea Tudhope: We Are North Nashville." John Williams will present on "Montgomery Bell" on April 22. Finally, Barbara Carroll and Bill Hollings will present "Germantown Part II" on April 29.
The Afro-American Historical & Genealogical Society will meet on April 5. Fossil Finders will meet on April 12.
On April 15, the Nashville Civil War Roundtable will host Stan Hutson as he presents "Civil War Images." On April 26, drop in anytime from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm to interact with a U.S. soldier from the 10th Illinois Infantry, Co. H. as part of a Civil War Living History demonstration.
Join Metro Archaeologist Dr. Adam Fracchia as he conducts archaeological excavations inside historic Fort Negley ahead of the park’s master plan renovations. The general public is invited to assist in excavation work or just view the work in progress. Public Archaeology Days will be held on April 4, April 11, and April 25 from 10:00-4:00 each day.
TPAC and NPL join to celebrate powerful women and the power of storytelling at a special event inspired by TPAC’s upcoming “I Am Queen: Nashville,” a one-night-only theatrical production (Apr 19) of real-life stories of extraordinary Nashville women. Explore NPL’s Votes for Women Room and Civil Rights Room and immerse yourself in pop-up storytelling experiences and performances on April 3.
On April 5, bring your home movies in to Metro Archives to help preserve the city's history. They are collecting footage from past events, daily life, and special milestones to highlight the diverse experiences of Nashville neighborhoods.
Nashville Public Library is pleased to present an evening with Catherine Coleman Flowers in conversation with Al Gore as they discuss Catherine's new book, Holy Ground: On Activism, Environmental Justice, and Finding Hope. Auditorium doors will open at 5:45, and the event will begin at 6:30 pm on April 14.
Join moderator Dr. André L. Churchwell, Senior Advisor on Inclusion and Community Outreach at Vanderbilt University, on April 16 for Then and Now: The History of Communities from Sub-Saharan Africa: Represented by Ghana, Nigeria, Zimbabwe, Ethiopia, South Sudan, Somalia, Democratic Republic of Congo, and Kenya.
Celebrate Earth Day (April 19) with a recycled art competition at Earth Day in the Hood at the Pruitt Branch Library. Then, enjoy Rhythm & Rhyme: A Jazz & Poetry Fusion at the Hadley Park Branch Library also on April 19.
Stop by Metro Archives (Main Library-3rd floor) to see the Building Music City: Foster & Creighton's Nashville in the Making until May 4. We'd also like to congratulate Kelley Sirko, a long time Metro Archives employee, who was recently announced as the new Director of Metro Archives. Congratulations Kelley!
 Looking for some good news, or a story you haven't heard before? MHC and the Nashville Historical Foundation will be featured several times on different shows in April. Watch MHC staff member Jessica Fitzpatrick update a previous story about the Edgehill polar bears on Retro Tennessee Crossroads on April 5. Then learn about the history and future of the Tulip Street Methodist Church on WKRN's "Hidden Tennessee" on April 24 with MHC Commissioner Jim Hoobler. Plus you can still see the March 13 WKRN "Davidson County On Tour" story about Nashville Sites filmed at Sunnyside!
Millennium Maxwell House Hotel--Lorenzo Washington Gala benefiting the Jefferson Street Sound Museum--April 3
Frist Art Museum--Curators' Perspectives: Kindred Spirits--April 3
Andrew Jackson's Hermitage--Homeschool Days: Springtime on the Farm--April 4
Frist Art Museum--Curator's Tour: David C. Driskell & Friends and Kindred Spirits--April 5
Andrew Jackson's Hermitage--Sip of History--April 5
Frist Art Museum--Gallery Talk: Local Landscapes with a Volunteer Gardener--April 6
Travellers Rest--April lecture with Delbert DeWitty--April 10
Frist Art Museum--Opening Event: Sole Study--April 10
Andrew Jackson's Hermitage--An Evening with Abraham Lincoln--April 12
Cheekwood Estate & Gardens--Native Plant Sale--April 12
Hutton Hotel--2nd Annual Read & Ride Black Tie and Sneaker Ball--April 12
TN State Museum--TN Writers|TN Stories: Keith B. Wood with Skip Nipper "The Memphis Red Sox: A Negro Leagues History"--April 12
Frist Art Museum--Frist Arts Fest--April 13
Bellevue Harpeth Historic Association--Protecting the Harpeth River and Wetlands of Tennessee--April 14
Analog at Hutton Hotel--Jazz Empowers 2025 Gala--April 17
Frist Art Museum--Panel Discussion: "Food for Thought: Food Justice in Nashville"--April 17
Schermerhorn Symphony Center--The Lafayette Music and Immersive Bicentennial Tour--April 17
TN State Museum--Lunch and Learn: 250 Years Ago: The Trety of Sycamore Shoals and Its Impact--April 17
Cheekwood Estate & Garden--Great Spring Art Hop--April 18-19
Nashville Zoo at Grassmere--Eggstravaganzoo--April 19
Belle Meade Historic Site--Beyond the Track: Breeding Champions at Belle Meade--April 21-May 31
Belle Meade Historic Site--The Art of Belle Meade--April 22
Nashville Zoo at Grassmere--Sips for Species--April 25
Belle Meade Historic Site--Derby Hat Making Workshop--April 26
Cheekwood Estate & Garden--Arbor Day--April 26
Cheekwood Estate & Garden--Dogs & Dogwoods--April 26-27
TN State Museum--Nashville Opera: An Afternoon of Popular French Opera in recognition of the 100th anniversary of the Marquis de Lafayette US tour and visit to Nashville--April 27
Andrew Jackson's Hermitage--Lafayette at The Hermitage--May 3
TN State Museum--Welcome Lafayette, Friend of Liberty (temporary exhibit)--through June 15
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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