MHC News
The next Historical Commission public meeting will be held on Monday, June 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.
Note: The July 21, 2025 MHZC meeting will take place at the Midtown Hills MNPD Police Precinct Community Room, 1441 12th Avenue South.
MHC staff continue to conduct survey in the Hermitage and Donelson areas over the last few weeks. We spent a full day documenting six cemeteries at The Hermitage, including the recently rediscovered enslaved cemetery, an enslaved cemetery relocated from Cleveland Hall, the Donelson family cemetery, Jackson tomb, Alfred Jackson grave, and the Tennessee Confederate Soldiers Home Cemetery. Survey for Phase 4 is nearly complete, with just a few sites still needing owner permission for access. We also recently submitted our quarterly reports for this grant. This summer, we plan to work on forming an African American cemeteries coalition in preparation for a standalone grant-funded phase on African American burial sites in Davidson County. We are looking at grant programs under the National Park Service and the National Trust for Historic Preservation for funding for that phase, with applications to those programs due this fall/winter.
In late April, we held a community gathering at the Bordeaux branch library with our staff and our consultants from Richard Grubb Associates (RGA). Both MHC and RGA staff made presentations, and the event included informal discussions and review of historical records brought in by attendees. CM Ewing also attended. Our Grants and Special Projects page has been updated with a copy of the presentation. We plan to host another community gathering this summer.
The Old Hickory Works marker has been replaced and the 1811 House marker in Warner Park has also been installed. The John Lewis and Antioch Pike markers (both damaged) have arrived and will be re-installed in early June. The Percy Priest Lake marker was recently damaged and will need to be replaced.
On April 25, MHC staff and volunteers participated in the Pomeroy Foundation's National Historic Marker Day marker cleaning event. To start the morning, Jessica Fitzpatrick met with the principal and several students from Napier Elementary School to clean the James Carroll Napier marker at Napier Homes. The students loved learning about JC and his wife Nettie, and they especially loved spraying the marker (and each other!). Rain prevented us from cleaning any other markers that day, but we did meet with volunteers from O.N.E. in Edgehill to clean the MHC’s William Edmondson marker at the Edmondson Home Site and Garden the next day. This is always a fun event that involves community volunteers, and we look forward to participating again next year.
MHZC News
The MHZC’s next public hearing will be held on Wednesday, June 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!
Ross Edwards, owner of the apartments at 1901 Capers Avenue has applied for a Historic Landmark overlay to provide long term protection of Peabody Manor. Architect Henry C. Hibbs designed Peabody Manor as a 12-unit apartment building. Hibbs may be best known for his designs on the campuses of Vanderbilt University and Fisk University, as well as the Nashville Electric Building. Phil E. Dunnavant constructed the building in 1923.
Historic Zoning has a new general email address for applications, requests for inspections, and general inquiries: historiczoning@nashville.gov.
Note: The July 16, 2025 MHZC meeting will take place at the Bransford Conference Room of the MNPS Admin Building located at 2601 Bransford Avenue (entrance off Berry Road.)
Thank you to everyone who attended the Preservation Awards program on May 22. What a terrific night! Many thanks to Nashville Public Library for hosting the awards ceremony and thanks to Customs House Associates for hosting the awards reception at the Customs House. A special thanks to Nashville Historical Foundation for sponsoring the reception and Nashville First Baptist Church for parking assistance.
If you missed the program or want to revisit some of the highlights, including welcoming remarks by Chair Wynn, Director Walker, and Mayor O’Connell, or acceptance remarks by Ron Gobbell, FAIA (Achievement Award), Shain Dennison (Fletch Coke Award), and Jean Roseman/Nashville History Club (Commissioners Award), plus a special remembrance of Dr. Kevin E. Smith (1964-2025) submitted by Senator Bill Frist, MD, please visit the Metro Nashville Network (MNN) YouTube channel. The video will be posted soon, and many thanks to NPL Production Services for recording the program. Find the full list of winners on our website, as well as photos of the winning projects.
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We are still working with students and volunteers to conduct archaeology at several locations in Nashville. For Ravenwood Park, we are processing this collection and writing the archaeological report. We also have been conducting limited archaeology testing at Peeler Park and Sevier Park and within Fort Negley ahead of the renovations of the masterplan. The public has been participating in these excavations, and all are invited to join. Email Dr. Adam Fracchia if you are interested in participating in any ongoing excavations.
High school students from Vanderbilt’s School for Science and Math are working on an earlier donated collection of artifacts from Church Street. The students will create a small display of the artifacts for the art museum at Vanderbilt. The exhibit will officially open on June 12th. All are invited.
In an effort to grow archaeology in Nashville, Adam Fracchia has been in dialogue with archaeologists from Belfast and Caen, Nashville’s sister cities, to build a cooperative exchange to learn how urban archaeology is conducted across the globe. The beginning of this program will see two archaeologists and three graduate students from the University of Caen in France visit Nashville from May 28 to June 2. They will meet with MHC staff and with professional archaeologists, students, and the SHPO to explore archaeology practice in Metro Nashville and Tennessee. The University of Caen archaeologists will also discuss their current research in Northern France and the Middle Ages. Adam has been working with the NPS to mark the Trail of Tears through Davidson County. Currently, TDOT is reviewing the signage plan for state roads in Davidson County. Once their review is completed, we’ll work with the NPS to finalize the installation. Adam has also been working with MNPD regarding missing person cases and archaeology.
Dr. Fracchia continues to work with Tori Mason, the site manager for Grassmere Historic Farm at the Nashville Zoo, to inventory their stored historic collections and to deaccession those items that have no association with the site. The collection encompasses historic farm machinery, architectural and furniture pieces, and some local archaeological fragments. Adam will be reaching out to local historic sites to see if they have any interest in the deaccessioned items.
 Congratulations to the 337 runners who completed the 25th Memorial Day Dash on Monday, May 26! The race course travels through the historic City Cemetery and Fort Negley, with proceeds benefitting the cemetery. Mnay thanks to all supporters, especially Hatch Show Print for the beautiful poster commemorating this milestone achievement.
Centennial Park and the Parthenon:
Don't forget Museum Tours, History Tours, and Architecture Tours are available all month long. On June 5, enjoy free admission for Metro Nashville Public Schools (MNPS) students, staff, and faculty— and their entire families for MNPS STEAM Night: Nature Explorers! Two new Alan LeQuire exhibits open on June 13: Monumental Figures and Goddess in Progress. Enjoy free music at Musicians Corner on June 6-7 and June 13-14, and Big Band Dances at the bandshell on Saturdays all summer.
Fort Negley: Experience guided walking tours at historic Fort Negley on June 3, June 4, June 6, June 7, June 10, June 11, June 13, June 14, June 17, June 18, June 20, June 21, June 24, June 25, June 26, June 27, and June 28. On June 7, the Afro-American Historical & Genealogical Society (AAHGS) will partner with filmmaker Mark Schlicher to offer the public a glimpse at his forthcoming documentary entitled “Chipping Away: The Life and Legacy of Sculptor William Edmondson". In honor of Flag Day on June 14, VetLinx and Fort Negley Park will hold a special presentation honoring our nation’s flag. This year is the 248th anniversary of the adoption of the United States flag by the Second Continental Congress. We will also celebrate the U.S. Army’s 250th birthday. The Civil War Roundtable will meet at Fort Negley on June 17. Dr. Lucas Wilder will present on General J.E.B. Stuart.
Cornelia Fort Airpark at Shelby Park: On June 28, members of the Barnard-Seyfert Astronomical Society will set up telescopes and everyone is invited to enjoy the views of the night sky at Cornelia Fort Airpark Trailhead in Shelby Bottoms. For the 10th year, Cornelia Fort Airpark will celebrate this unique Nashville landmark with a summer concert series. Remaining concert nights include June 14, July 19 and August 23. Proceeds benefit Shelby Park & Bottoms.
Beaman Park: Celebrate International Picnic Day at Proctor Barn in Beaman Park on June 18. Then, celebrate summer solstice on June 20, join Naturalists on the Sedge Hill trail to observe amazing fireflies, roast a marshmallow around the campfire at the Nature Center, and sit back and enjoy the peace of Beaman Park during the longest day of the year.
Warner Parks: This month's Full Moon Pickin' Party will take place on June 13. A beloved tradition for almost 30 years, this summer series brings together bluegrass pickers, listeners, and enthusiasts all summer long. All proceeds benefit Friends of Warner Parks.
In honor of the 100th anniversary of Foster & Creighton Construction Company, an exhibit showcasing the company's business records and photographs is currently on display in the Metro Archives' West Reading Room.
In the Main Library Courtyard Gallery, an exhibit of political cartoons from the early 20th century showcases the struggle for ratification of the 19th Amendment when women were fighting for the right to vote.
Each Monday in June, join Dr. Larry Brown of Lipscomb University at the Hermitage branch library to discuss "How Films Tell Stories."
Join the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum at the Hadley Park branch to design your own musical instrument on June 3.
On June 11 at the Main Library, enjoy a conversation with award-winning, foreign correspondent Jane Ferguson to discuss her memoir, No Ordinary Assignment, and her journey as a war reporter, the challenges and threats journalists face, and her quest to document the truth.
Parnassus Books and the Nashville Public Library Foundation will host an evening with author Maggie Stiefvater to celebrate her new book, The Listeners on June 12 at the Main Library.
On June 24, the Metro Archives staff, located on the 3rd floor of the Main Library, will introduce the Metro Archives and the stories the records help tell, or sometimes leave out. They’ll explore how archives work, what’s in the collections, and why gaps in the historical record matter, especially for communities that have been historically underrepresented, including Black and LGBTQ+ Nashvillians.
Erected in 1910, the To the Heroes of 1776 Monument in Nashville has been restored by the Tennessee Society Daughters of the American Revolution (TSDAR). Historical Commission staff helped provide oversight on the repair work as well. The 12-foot Tennessee marble structure features a bronze bas-relief of a soldier and the inscription: “To the Heroes of 1776, not dead! – But living in the deeds such lives inspire.” A bronze tablet on the reverse names nearly 400 Revolutionary War Patriots buried in Tennessee. Designed by the Foster and Herberts Monument Company of Nashville, the monument was placed at the Davidson County Courthouse through a decade-long fundraising effort by Tennessee DAR chapters. State Regent Louise McCrory Spencer secured the donated stone from the Meadow Marble Company in Knoxville, while member Susie Gentry led research to identify Patriots; those records are now preserved at the Tennessee State Library and Archives.
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Stephen Hutchins of Hutchins Stoneworks restored the monument and nearby markers for Generals Francis Nash and William Lee Davidson and received the NSDAR Excellence in Historic Preservation Medal.
Photo credits:
(Above) - front of To the Heroes of 1776 monument with memorial wreath
(Right) - back of monument featuring nearly 400 names of Patriots who are buried in Tennessee
(Below) - TSDAR America 250 Committee
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The rededication ceremony was held April 24, 2025, at the Marriott Cool Springs due to inclement weather. Led by TSDAR America 250 Chair Marjorie Green and State Regent Emily Robinson, the event featured remarks by State Historian Dr. Carroll Van West.The restoration was an America 250 project of the Tennessee Society DAR. |
Juneteenth is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States. Dating back to 1865, it was on June 19th that the Union soldiers, led by Major General Gordon Granger, landed at Galveston, Texas with news that the war had ended and that the enslaved were now free. Note that this was two and a half years after President Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation - which had become official January 1, 1863. The Emancipation Proclamation had little impact on the Texans due to the minimal number of Union troops to enforce the new Executive Order. However, with the surrender of General Lee in April of 1865, and the arrival of General Granger’s regiment, the forces were finally strong enough to influence and overcome the resistance.
Kick off the Juneteenth festivities with the Music City Freedom Festival on June 14-15 at Hadley Park.
Spend the day at the Tennessee State Museum on June 19. Admission is always free and they will offer music and African American Highlights tours.
You can also enjoy live performances and a documentary screening at the Juneteenth @ NMAAM! Community Day.
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Juneteenth615 Celebration has been an important part of Nashville tradition since 2018. What originally started as a simple way of celebrating the city's rich history has grown into a celebratory affair including the annual Juneteenth615 historical program and fireworks presentation along with the city’s Juneteenth Restaurant week. Celebrate with us again this year at historic Fort Negley Park on Thursday, June 19.
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Nashville Pride will take place at Bicentennial Mall State Park on June 27-28. Learn more about the parade, performers and tickets on their website!
With the TN Pride Chamber, enjoy Zoo Pride at Nashville Zoo at Grassmere on June 21.
Learn about the history of Pride and Nashville's LGBTQ history on the Nashville Sites LGBTQ Driving tour.
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National Museum of African American Music--Been Country: Black Roots in Rhythm--June 6
Belmont Mansion--Seeds of Heritage: The Moravian Roots of Old Salem's Gardens--June 6-7
Bellevue Harpeth Historic Association--Montgomery Bell: Tennessee Frontier Capitalist--June 9
Andrew Jackson's Hermitage--James Madison's War of 1812--June 12
Nashville Zoo at Grassmere--Brew at the Zoo--June 13
Andrew Jackson's Hermitage--James Madison, Father of the Constitution--June 13
TN State Museum--TN Writers | TN Stories: Charlie Peacock, "Roots and Rhythm: A Life in Music" in conversation with Jason Moon Wilkins--June 14
Andrew Jackson's Hermitage--The Life of Frederick Douglass--June 20
Frist Art Museum--Opening Conversation: Fabric of a Nation: American Quilt Stories--June 26
TN State Museum--Lunch and Learn, Chet Atkins: Mr. Guitar with Don Cusic--June 26
Register for "Hands on History: Dirty Jobs" day camp at Belle Meade Historic Site this summer!
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.Fitzpatrick@nashville.gov
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