Tuesday, November 19, 2013

TSLA’s Union Provost Marshal Database is now online

During the Civil War, the provost marshal was the Union Army officer charged with maintaining order among both soldiers and civilians. The provost marshals were the Union’s military police. Records of this office, which the State Library & Archives is making searchable online, reveal a great range of activities in Tennessee. The provost and his soldiers hunted down and arrested deserters, spies, and civilians suspected of disloyalty; confined prisoners; maintained records of paroles and oaths of allegiance; controlled the passage of civilians in military zones and those using government transportation; and investigated the theft of government property. In some instances, provost courts were set up to try cases that fell under the provost marshal’s jurisdiction and those cases where military personnel were accused of civil crimes.

This scene depicted in the January 18, 1862 edition of Harper’s Weekly was typical of provost marshal offices throughout the country, as citizens waited in line to apply for permission to travel within Union-occupied territory.


The provost marshal records, microfilmed by the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), were collected from War Department files and are dated 1861 to 1867. In the series of records with which the State Library and Archives is working, each document pertains to two or more civilians, or “citizens,” as they were referred to during the Civil War, and were gathered from provost marshals across the country. [Note: There is another series of records about individual citizens, which we might want to tackle next.]

These documents provide valuable information related to many Tennesseans, not only of soldiers but of ordinary men and women caught in the turmoil of war. They include correspondence, oaths of allegiance, orders, passes, transportation permits, lists of prisoners, paroles, provost court papers, and claims for compensation for property used or destroyed by military forces. Now, these documents are available online on the Tennessee State Library and Archives web site.

Pass from the Provost Marshal's Office at Gallatin, Tennessee, to permit W. T. Robinson to travel within Federal lines until further orders. The pass was issued by order of Brigadier General E. A. Paine, and signed by Major J. J. Searitt, provost marshal.
(Image from the Tennessee Virtual Archive (TeVA) Civil War Military Records Collection.)


The Tennessee State Library and Archives (TSLA) Union Provost Marshal Database project began in 2011, with the goal of creating a fully searchable online database for the Tennessee portion of these records. The staff at TSLA, along with volunteers Cinnamon Collins and Shirley Wilson, have been going through and digitally scanning any documents that were from provost marshal offices in Tennessee or that relate to Tennesseans during the Civil War. All of this hard work and effort has now culminated in a database which lists the name, location (city or county), year, file number (if provided), and a brief description of the document(s), along with a digital copy of the document itself.

The Union Provost Marshal Database will be of great benefit to genealogists, historians, and others, who can use the database to learn fascinating details about their ancestors and what their lives were like during the Civil War. We invite you to search the site at http://www.tnsos.net/TSLA/provost/index.php.


The State Library and Archives is a division of the Tennessee Department of State and Tre Hargett, Secretary of State.

Tuesday, November 5, 2013

Hunting for Ancestors Instead of Bargains on Thanksgiving Weekend

People who need a break from holiday shopping Thanksgiving weekend are encouraged to attend the Tennessee State Library and Archives (TSLA) “Family History Day” on Saturday, November 30. The third annual event, which is designed to introduce more people to genealogy, will include a free workshop on how to get started in researching family history.

The workshop will be held from 9:30 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. in the TSLA auditorium, which is located at 403 Seventh Avenue North, directly west of the State Capitol in downtown Nashville. Trent Hanner, a reference librarian at TSLA, will provide an overview of records that are available at TSLA and how to navigate through the various databases.

Although the event is free, reservations are required because seating in the auditorium is limited. To make a reservation, call (615) 741-2764 or e-mail workshop.tsla@tn.gov.

Please note that parking in front of the TSLA building is limited due to construction, however, there is plenty of additional parking behind the building.
  

The State Library and Archives is a division of the Tennessee Department of State and Tre Hargett, Secretary of State.

Thursday, October 24, 2013

Tennessee Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped at your service!

Do you know that tucked away in one side of the first floor of the Tennessee State Library and Archives is the Tennessee Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped? This is another gem in the crown of TSLA that offers access to Braille, audio and large print books to anyone within the State of Tennessee who cannot use standard print.

TSLA staff member Ron Gross delivers a mail truck full of audiobooks for Tennessee Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped patrons.


Some interesting facts:

  • As of the end of our last fiscal year there were 7,170 individuals registered for our services, including 6,608 adults and 562 children ranging in age from 18 months to 105 years.
  • There are also 226 institutions registered with us; schools, hospitals and nursing homes who borrow books for their students, patients and residents.
  • We have 101,383 titles available for loan and our circulation for the last federal fiscal year was 216,393!

Even with these staggering numbers TLBPH is “the best kept secret” in Tennessee. Our staff gives personal attention to all patrons, whether they want to select their own titles or have us recommend them. We don’t want to be a secret, so we hope you will share or “Like” this post on the TSLA Facebook page to help us spread the word! If someone you know could benefit from TLBPH services, contact us by email at tlbph.tsla@tn.gov or by phone at 615-741-3915.

  
The State Library and Archives is a division of the Tennessee Department of State and Tre Hargett, Secretary of State.

Tuesday, October 15, 2013

Ghosts, ghouls, and tape!

Halloween is right around the corner, but we see scary preservation issues year-round at the conservation laboratory at the Tennessee State Library and Archives (TSLA).

Foremost among these is tape. Did you know that any kind of tape used on your family collections is potentially a hazard? Some tapes are advertised as being archival, which is true in that the adhesive doesn’t chemically react to the paper. However, tape is meant to be permanent, and anybody in the preservation field will recommend you never to do anything permanent to your collection.

Conservator Carol Roberts uses a specialized heating tool to remove the plastic layer of the tape. In this image you can also see an example of a pressurized tape which has oxidized the paper fibers. Even if the tape is removed, the staining is permanent. Tape removal should only be performed by a trained paper conservator as the process is incredibly complicated and can be quite hazardous without the proper protective wear and equipment.


One of the responsibilities of our team of conservators is the removal of tape within TSLA’s collections. Our conservators are available to answer any questions regarding your paper-based collections at 615-253-6460. You can also find out more about caring for your family collections at http://www.tn.gov/tsla/preservation/PreservingFamilyColl.htm.

So please, be careful this Halloween, and beware the tape.


The State Library and Archives is a division of the Tennessee Department of State and Tre Hargett, Secretary of State.

Friday, October 11, 2013

State Library and Archives to Host Workshop on Andrew Jackson

Historians have traditionally presented Andrew Jackson as a man who struggled to overcome the obstacles of his backwoods upbringing and helped create a more democratic United States. Jackson served as the seventh president of the United States, and is considered the hero of the Battle of New Orleans. In his public life, Jackson is best known for his fight to defeat the Second Bank of the United States and for the controversial relocation of Native Americans from the southeastern United States to Oklahoma.

With that in mind, the Tennessee State Library and Archives (TSLA) is hosting the latest in its series of workshops, titled "Andrew Jackson: Frontiersman or Elite Southerner?" The workshop, which is free and open to the public, will be held October 26 from 9:30 a.m. until 11 a.m. at the State Library and Archives building, 403 Seventh Avenue North in downtown Nashville.

Dr. Mark R. Cheathem, author of the recently published book, Andrew Jackson, Southerner, will lead the workshop. Dr. Cheathem argues for a reassessment of long-held views on Jackson, suggesting that in fact "Old Hickory" lived as an elite southern gentleman. By emphasizing Jackson's southern identity - characterized by violence, honor, kinship, slavery, and Manifest Destiny - Dr. Cheathem offers a bold new perspective on one of the most renowned and controversial presidents.

Dr. Cheathem is an associate professor of history at Cumberland University in Lebanon. In addition to Andrew Jackson: Southerner (2013), he is the author of Old Hickory’s Nephew: The Political and Private Struggles of Andrew Jackson Donelson (2007).

Those wishing to attend this free workshop must contact TSLA to reserve a seat as the number of attendees is limited. Due to construction, parking is limited around the Library and Archives building. Patrons can register by telephone by calling 615-741-2764, or by e-mail at: workshop.tsla@tn.gov.
 
The State Library and Archives is a division of the Tennessee Department of State and Tre Hargett, Secretary of State.

Wednesday, October 9, 2013

Taking the State Capitol to the Classroom

This week, the office of the Tennessee Secretary of State launched an initiative to distribute DVD copies of the documentary, “Tennessee State Capitol: Grounded in Tradition,” to every school in Tennessee.

At a news conference Tuesday, Secretary of State Tre Hargett and Clarksville-Montgomery County Director of Schools B.J. Worthington were joined by state legislators, school board members and other state and local officials in announcing that DVDs of the documentary will be distributed to every school in the school system.

The project is a result of a request by the Tennessee General Assembly that the Secretary of State’s Office produce the documentary. It premiered in an event at the Nashville Public Library earlier this year. Copies of the DVD are being distributed to school districts in all 95 of Tennessee’s counties.

On Friday, state and local officials will gather at the Chattanooga Convention Center, Meeting Room 12 at 1 p.m. Eastern Time for the next stop in this educational initiative, which also happens to coincide with Tennessee's Civil War Sesquicentennial Signature Event in Chattanooga. Archivists from TSLA will be on hand for that event for its "Looking Back: The Civil War in Tennessee" digital archiving project and traveling exhibit.

The Tennessee State Capitol documentary covers the building’s history from the time the original cornerstone was laid in 1845 through the present day. It covers serious events - including the Union Army’s occupation of the Capitol - and whimsical ones - like the time a car drove through the building’s lobby as a publicity stunt. The documentary can be viewed online from the Secretary of State’s web site at www.capitol.tnsos.net. There are plans to add other online resources to the site, including a virtual tour of the Capitol, as well as features and fun stories about the building’s history.

To learn more about both events, please visit our previous blog posts on the Tennessee State Capitol video and the Looking Back project.


The State Library and Archives is a division of the Tennessee Department of State and Tre Hargett, Secretary of State.

Wednesday, October 2, 2013

Lots to "like" about TSLA...

The Tennessee State Library and Archives (TSLA) Facebook page has been very active lately with updates on several events and programs going on at TSLA...


The Chronicling America Project
First, we're proud to announce the addition of more than 1 million newspaper pages to the Chronicling America project, making historical newspapers from Greeneville, Jonesborough, Memphis, Sweetwater, and Winchester freely available on the Internet. These newspapers focus on the period from the 1850s to almost 1900. In cooperation with the University of Tennessee, TSLA has already provided more than 120,000 pages of historical Tennessee newspapers to the site. In the previous phase of the project, TSLA focused its efforts on digitizing newspapers from the Civil War era, roughly 1850 through 1875.


Saturday Workshop Series
On Saturday, October 26th at 9:30 am, the Tennessee State Library and Archives (TSLA) is hosting the latest in its series of workshops, titled "Andrew Jackson: Frontiersman or Elite Southerner?" Dr. Mark R. Cheathem, author of the recently published book, Andrew Jackson, Southerner, will lead the workshop. Dr. Cheathem is an associate professor of history at Cumberland University in Lebanon. In addition to Andrew Jackson: Southerner (2013), he is the author of Old Hickory’s Nephew: The Political and Private Struggles of Andrew Jackson Donelson (2007).

Those wishing to attend this free workshop must contact TSLA to reserve a seat as the number of attendees is limited. Due to construction, parking is limited around the Library and Archives building. Patrons can register by telephone by calling 615-741-2764, or by e-mail at: workshop.tsla@tn.gov.


Art Beyond Sight Awareness Month
And last but certainly not least, people who visit the Tennessee State Library and Archives (TSLA) during the month of October will have an opportunity to see award-winning artwork created by students from the Tennessee School for the Blind. This is the fourth year TSLA has displayed art from the school to commemorate "Art Beyond Sight Awareness Month," an annual event sponsored by Art Education for the Blind, a New York-based nonprofit organization.

"Dot" the tiger is the mascot of the Tennessee School for the Blind's athletic department. Constructed entirely of Braille Paper Mache, Dot represents a "team effort" of all the art classes at Tennessee School for the Blind.

This free exhibit is located in the lobby of TSLA’s building at 403 Seventh Avenue North in downtown Nashville. The library is open from 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m., Tuesdays through Saturdays. Among the items in the exhibit is a paper mache version of "Dot," a tiger who serves as the school’s mascot, that is on permanent loan to TSLA. Visitors are encouraged to feel the texture of the scraps of braille paper used to make the nearly life-sized tiger.

For more updates like this, we encourage you to "like" us on Facebook, and continue following the TSLA Blog for additional features.
 

The State Library and Archives is a division of the Tennessee Department of State and Tre Hargett, Secretary of State.

Wednesday, September 18, 2013

Looking Back: Stories from the Civil War in Tennessee


As communities throughout the state of Tennessee commemorate the 150th anniversary of the Civil War (2011-2015), the Tennessee State Library and Archives is sending teams of archivists and conservators to these communities across all 95 of Tennessee's counties in search of Civil War artifacts and memorabilia.

The goal of this program, "Looking Back: The Civil War in Tennessee," is to digitally document the history of Civil War related material held in private hands, and to provide guidance on proper conservation and preservation practices, so that those items will survive the ravages of time.

To date, hundreds of items such as letters, photographs, diaries, weapons, military passes and discharges, hand-drawn maps and sketches, uniforms, and other Civil War related material have been scanned, photographed, and digitally preserved for future reference and scholarship. More significantly, the stories that each item tells us bring to life the hardships and challenges of warfare, and bring families closer to a loved one who fought in the Civil War.

During a recent "Looking Back" event in Dandridge, Tennessee, archivists from TSLA interviewed three gentlemen, each with an interesting item and a fascinating story to tell...

From left to right: Robert Jarnagin, Jimmy O'Quinn, and Ernest Hedges proudly display their Civil War artifacts during a recent "Looking Back" event in Dandridge, Tennessee.


Robert Jarnagin came to us with a quite rare item -- a Confederate wooden canteen. Inscribed with the name of "A. M. Jarnigan Co. G. 43rd TN" this company with men from Mossy Creek in Jefferson County, Tennessee, and members of this unit fought at Bull's Gap and Morristown. The canteen has metal bands and a wooden stopper and spout. It's truly remarkable that this canteen has survived the test of time, but Mr. Jarnagin's family has treasured this artifact for generations, and we're grateful to him for sharing it with us in Dandridge, Tennessee.


Ernest Hedges beams with pride as he displays his Contract .58 caliber musket. Mr. Hedges relates this story of how he came into possession of this historic artifact:

"When I was 17 I was delivering groceries to one of my neighbors. We were living in Suitland, Maryland at the time. He was in his garage when I approached him with his groceries. He told me that he would have to go into his house to get his money for the groceries. While he was in the house I looked up into the rafters of his garage and saw this musket. When he returned I asked him if the musket was his and he said, 'yes.' I asked him if he would be willing to sell it and he said he would. I pulled out my wallet and all I had was $1.50 and he said he would let me have the musket for that amount. It is not really a collectors piece since his sons had cut off the stock and lost the ramrod. They had used the musket for hunting."

This contract musket was likely manufactured by Parkers' Snow & Company of Connecticut, and was likely manufactured sometime between 1863 and 1864 for use in the Civil War.


Jimmy O'Quinn brought in his .44 caliber Remington model 1858 pistol. The pistol has an inspector's cartouche, meaning that it was government-owned and used during the Civil War. While the Union Army preferred the Colt 1860 Army firearm, a fire at the Colt factory in 1864 led to an increase in the manufacture and use of the Remington revolver among Union soldiers. Large numbers of the Remington revolver like the one seen here were ordered by the U.S. government as a substitute for the Army Colt. It was a revolver known for its durability and ability to be quickly reloaded by switching to another pre-loaded cylinder. This model not only saw use during the Civil War, it was also used in the American West, and around the world.


In the state of Tennessee, reminders of the Civil War can be found throughout the landscape, and Civil War artifacts can be found in attics, closets, and display cases, passed on through many generations of Tennessee families. As Tennessee commemorates the Sesquicentennial of the Civil War, we encourage you to consider bringing your Civil War heirloom to a "Looking Back" event near you. The next event is in Chattanooga during Tennessee's Civil War Signature Event there on Oct. 9-12. TSLA will be on site for the first two days of the Signature Event on Oct. 9-10. Persons interested in attending a scheduled event are encouraged to contact project staff by phone at (615) 741-1883 or email civilwar.tsla@tn.gov.



The State Library and Archives is a division of the Tennessee Department of State and Tre Hargett, Secretary of State.

Tuesday, August 13, 2013

Johnny Majors Collection at State Library and Archives Doubles in Size

In 1986, the University of Tennessee Volunteers football team pulled one of the school’s most shocking upsets by beating the University of Miami in the Sugar Bowl. For longtime Vols fans who would like to know the inside story of how their team accomplished that feat, details are now available at the Tennessee State Library and Archives.

Johnny Majors, a star football player at UT before becoming one of the school’s most successful coaches, has donated more of his personal papers to the State Library and Archives - more than doubling the amount of information that had previously been available.


Coach Majors entertained a large crowd with recollections of his coaching days at the University of Tennessee during a press conference at the Tennessee State Library and Archives on Monday, August 12th. Several media members, former players, and dignitaries were on hand for the event.

Coach Majors originally donated some of the papers documenting his life and career to the State Library and Archives in 2004. However, the new addition increases the amount of materials included in the collection from about 30 cubic feet to more than 67 cubic feet. That material is available for the public to inspect during the library’s regular operating hours.

The addition includes many of Coach Majors' game plans, letters to and from fans, personal calendars, photographs, scrapbooks, game programs, media guides, newspaper clippings and other game day materials.

The John T. Majors Collection is available for review at the library building, which is located at 403 Seventh Avenue North, directly west of the State Capitol in downtown Nashville.

Portions of Coach Majors’ collection are also available in an online exhibit at: http://www.tn.gov/tsla/exhibits/majors/exhibit_majors.htm.

Read more from the Secretary of State's Press Release announcing the collection addition.


The State Library and Archives is a division of the Tennessee Department of State and Tre Hargett, Secretary of State. 

Friday, July 19, 2013

TSLA Hosts Workshop on Group Affiliations from the Civil War Era

Americans have long sought out groups of like-minded people with whom they can share their interests, goals, and achievements. That was true during the Civil War era and in the years following the war. And finding records from some of those groups can provide important clues about how people back then lived, thought and felt.

With that in mind, the Tennessee State Library and Archives is hosting the latest in its series of workshops, titled "Remembering the Civil War: Civil War Veterans and Friends." The workshop, which is free and open to the public, will be held August 10 from 9:30 a.m. until 11 a.m. at the State Library and Archives building in downtown Nashville.

Professional genealogist J. Mark Lowe will lead the session, which will highlight some of the membership records, letters, photographs and other documents that researchers can use to learn about people who lived during that time period.

In his long career as a researcher, Lowe has specialized primarily in original records and manuscripts found throughout the South. In addition to being a teacher and author, he is a former officer and board member in the Federation of Genealogical Societies and a member of the Association of Professional Genealogists. His work has also been featured television programs such as "African American Lives 2," "Faces of America,” and “Who Do You Think You Are?"

Please visit our press release for more information. Although the workshop is free, advance registration is required due to limited seating in the State Library and Archives auditorium. To register or get more information about the workshop, please call (615) 741-2764 or e-mail: workshop.tsla@tn.gov.

The State Library and Archives building is located at 403 Seventh Avenue North in downtown Nashville, just west of the State Capitol building. Parking is available in front, on the side and behind the building.


The State Library and Archives is a division of the Tennessee Department of State and Tre Hargett, Secretary of State. 

Monday, July 15, 2013

Dr. Carroll Van West appointed State Historian

In May, we delivered the sad news that Tennessee's State Historian, Walter Durham, had passed away at the age 88. He served with honor and distinction as our state's historian since his appointment to that position in 2002. Today, we are pleased to report that Governor Haslam has appointed Dr. Carroll Van West to succeed Mr. Durham as Tennessee State Historian.

Dr. West has taught as a professor in the Middle Tennessee State University history department since 1985. He currently serves as a co-chair of the Tennessee Civil War Sesquicentennial Commission and as a Tennessee representative on the National Board of Advisors of National Trust for Historic Preservation. West also sits on the Executive Board of Lewis and Clark Trust, Inc. and on the Advisory Board of Teaching with Primary Sources, Library of Congress.

"Governor Haslam has made an excellent choice in appointing Dr. Carroll Van West as Tennessee’s new State Historian," Secretary of State Tre Hargett said. "Dr. West has worked with our staff at the State Library and Archives on the Civil War Sesquicentennial and other public history projects, and we look forward to working with him in the future as he takes on this new role. Dr. West has been published extensively on Tennessee history and has done much to preserve the physical heritage of our state’s past. He has served admirably as the editor of the Tennessee Historical Quarterly and as the managing editor of the Encyclopedia of Tennessee History and Culture."

  
The State Library and Archives is a division of the Tennessee Department of State and Tre Hargett, Secretary of State. 

Friday, July 12, 2013

July 12 - A Big Day for an Infamous Tennessean

Here’s a quick trivia question: Can you name five Tennesseans who became president?

If you’re a good student of the state’s history, you probably won’t have any trouble naming former U.S. presidents Andrew Jackson, Andrew Johnson or James K. Polk. But a fourth or fifth?

It’s a trick question, because there were also Tennesseans who later became presidents of foreign countries, such as Sam Houston, who led the briefly-independent Republic of Texas, and William Walker, who was inaugurated as president of Nicaragua on this date in 1856.

Walker’s life is highlighted in one of the Tennessee State Library and Archives’ online exhibits. The exhibit can be found at http://tn.gov/tsla/exhibits/walker/index.htm.

Walker isn’t as famous as some Tennesseans chronicled at the State Library and Archives, but in his day, he was quite infamous for his efforts to colonize Central America.

Known as the "Grey-eyed Man of Destiny, " Nashville-born President of Nicaragua, William Walker was executed by the Honduran government at Truxillo, Honduras on September 12, 1860. In this studio portrait, Walker is seated with props symbolizing his expansionist vision: a telescoping spyglass and map. Library Collection Photo.


Three years before he became president of Nicaragua, the Nashvillian led a group of 45 men who landed in Baja California, Mexico. Walker declared the land to be the Republic of Lower California and proclaimed himself to be the new country’s president. Mexican forces soon threw him and his troops out of the country and he was tried (but acquitted) for violating U.S. neutrality laws when he returned.

Walker then led a group of 57 soldiers into Nicaragua. After fighting a number of battles and eventually becoming president, he launched a plan to “Americanize” the country by declaring English the official language and encouraging U.S. residents to immigrate there. He was later ousted by the combined forces of El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras. After unsuccessfully attempting to regain the presidency of Nicaragua, he was eventually captured and turned over to the Honduran government, which executed him for piracy.

“The story of William Walker is one of thousands that can be found at the Tennessee State Library and Archives,” Secretary of State Tre Hargett said. “Because his life is chronicled in one of our online exhibits, it is accessible to Tennesseans free of charge, 24 hours a day and seven days a week. I encourage people to visit our web site and learn more about the resources that are just a few mouse clicks away.”


The State Library and Archives is a division of the Tennessee Department of State and Tre Hargett, Secretary of State.

Wednesday, July 10, 2013

For Many Tennesseans, Historical Research is in Their Genes

Did you know that July is Tennessee Genealogy Month? That designation was created last year through an act of the state’s General Assembly. It’s a fitting time to recognize that genealogy – that is, family history research – attracts surprisingly large numbers of people.

The Tennessee State Library and Archives (TSLA) gets about 10,000 visits to its offices in Nashville every year – plus millions more on TSLA’s section of the Secretary of State’s web site. Most of those visitors are genealogists.

TSLA houses the collections of some of the state’s well-known genealogists of the past. When these researchers donate their files to TSLA, they become available for others to mine for facts and details about Tennessee families.

If someone in your family has left behind a mass of family folders, consider donating them to TSLA where they can benefit not only your family, but others as well.

To read more about family history research at TSLA, please see the following article: http://tnsos.org/Press/story.php?item=561.

We also invite you to visit us at our location next door to the State Capitol at 403 Seventh Avenue North in Nashville from Tuesday – Saturday from 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. If you cannot make it Nashville, or if you’re doing research on a holiday like July 4th, you can visit us online at www.tn.gov/tsla. You can also contact our Public Services staff by email at reference.tsla@tn.gov.


The State Library and Archives is a division of the Tennessee Department of State and Tre Hargett, Secretary of State.

Monday, July 8, 2013

Secretary of State Premieres Tennessee State Capitol Documentary

It has endured an army occupation, the interment of two of its founding fathers, and a car cruising through its hallways. Not to mention its role as the site of many of the most important events in Tennessee's history. The Tennessee State Capitol building has many great stories to tell - and some of those stories were revealed in a documentary about the building that premiered last week. In attendance were state legislators, department commissioners, representatives from preservation groups and others.

State Capitol during the dedication of the Andrew Jackson statue. A crowd has gathered on the hill, the street and the roof of the Capitol building.

The documentary was created by the staff of the Tennessee State Library and Archives. It is the first part of a project that will eventually include a virtual tour of the Capitol building and its grounds, and feature stories about the building and influential people in Tennessee history.

When completed, the entire project will be burned onto DVDs that will be distributed to schools throughout the state. The project is a result of the Tennessee General Assembly's approval of Public Chapter No. 557, sponsored by Representative Jim Coley and Senator Ken Yager.

For more information, we encourage you to read the entire press release of this story, where you will find a link to the documentary and historic images of the Capitol on our website. The documentary and information on the images used in the film are available at www.capitol.tnsos.net. Additionally, the virtual tour, mini-features, and fun stories about the Tennessee State Capitol will be available soon.


Tennessee State Capitol: Grounded in Tradition from Tennessee Department of State on Vimeo.

  
The State Library and Archives is a division of the Tennessee Department of State and Tre Hargett, Secretary of State.

Monday, July 1, 2013

Picnics are an Independence Day tradition

Picnics are an Independence Day tradition. They are as much a part of the celebration of the birth of our nation as fireworks, parades, and proud displays of Old Glory.

Here at the Tennessee State Library and Archives, we wanted to celebrate America's birth by inviting you to our own picnic table. Here are a few images from our Department of Conservation Photograph Collection, fondly recalling days gone by, and hoping they inspire you to get outside with friends and family to enjoy the freedoms that we have earned throughout our nation's rich history. Happy Independence Day everyone!

Along the roadside... A picnic and roadside scene in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Department of Conservation Photograph Collection, 1954.

A watermelon cutting at Peabody College in Nashville. Department of Conservation Photograph Collection, 1961.

A few folks found a nice secluded spot for a picnic alongside their Jeep on Roan Mountain. Department of Conservation Photograph Collection, 1947.

A family having a picnic in the Chickasaw Forest Park. Department of Conservation Photograph Collection, 1938.

Ladies first... A picnic for delegates to the National State Parks Conference held on a small island in Norris Lake. Department of Conservation Photograph Collection, 1938.

A family having a picnic near the lake at the Cumberland Mountain State Park. Department of Conservation Photograph Collection, 1950.

Looking for a scoop... The Newspaper Travel Editors tour having lunch in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, "Chimneys" camp ground. Department of Conservation Photograph Collection, 1954.



 The State Library and Archives is a division of the Tennessee Department of State and Tre Hargett, Secretary of State.

Monday, June 17, 2013

Happy Birthday TSLA!

Today, on our Facebook page, we recognize the 60th anniversary of the current Tennessee State Library and Archives building. On June 17, 1953, our facility opened to the public. Since then, thousands of people have visited to research a wide variety of subjects.

To celebrate this occasion, we encourage you to "Like" us on Facebook. Better yet, please visit us in person on 403 Seventh Avenue North in Nashville or online at http://tn.gov/tsla/index.htm.



Workers move boxes of records into the new Tennessee State Library and Archives building, near the end of construction, in 1953. Pictured in foreground are Clinton Parrent, architect, and Dr. Dan Robison, State Librarian & Archivist. Tennessee Historical Society Picture Collection.


 The State Library and Archives is a division of the Tennessee Department of State and Tre Hargett, Secretary of State.

Friday, May 31, 2013

We pause to remember our State Historian...

An Appreciation of Walter T. Durham, Tennessee State Historian
 From the Tennessee State Library and Archives
By Dr. Wayne Moore

The State Library and Archives, and all who value the history of the State of Tennessee, lost a great friend on Friday, May 24th with the passing of Walter Thomas Durham. Anyone who has worked in Tennessee history during the last forty years knew of Mr. Durham’s love of our state’s past and his tireless energy on behalf of those institutions which preserve and make accessible this heritage.

Walter had high standards as an historian of Tennessee and his scholarship did much to raise the level of professionalism and accuracy in the field. He was truly a public historian, in that he believed a key element of any democracy was an informed citizenry that understood something about its own history. A public man, too, in the sense that he was deeply involved in politics and gave much of his time to people in the community. Never one to sentimentalize or “live in” the past, Walter was a keen observer of and participant in current affairs.

The variety of historical organizations which he led or advocated for runs the gamut. He was part of every significant statewide historical group or commission, and a guiding force in most of them. He raised the office of State Historian to a new level of activity, leadership, and commitment. I never knew him to turn down a request to speak to a county historical society—large or small. Mr. Durham was a fine storyteller with a sharp and mischievous sense of humor. His speeches were never dull.

History was important to Mr. Durham, but his accomplishments as a family man, veteran, a son of Gallatin and Sumner County, a businessman, and civic leader were equally a part of who he was. Most importantly, perhaps, Walter Durham was a true gentleman—gracious and sharing of his gifts with all who knew him. He never failed to give a kind or encouraging word. We at the State Library and Archives will miss working with him.

The State Library and Archives is a division of the Tennessee Department of State and Tre Hargett, Secretary of State. 

Tuesday, May 28, 2013

"Rivers and Rails" documentary set to air May 30th

“Rivers and Rails: Daggers of the Civil War”, the latest installment in Nashville Public Television's documentary series, "Tennessee Civil War 150," is scheduled to broadcast on Thursday, May 30th, at 8 p.m.

Rivers and Rails: Daggers of the Civil War” explores how transportation by water and steel brought great prosperity to the state just before the Civil War, only to give the invading Union Army a highway directly into the Deep South, eventually helping force the Confederacy to its knees.

TSLA's Assistant State Archivist, Dr. Wayne Moore, was interviewed for a segment in this documentary, and several historical items from TSLA's collections were featured in the production.

"The Great Naval Battle Before Memphis, June 6, 1862." TSLA Collection.


TSLA is honored to have a role in this program, and we hope you will make plans to watch NPT on Thursday, May 30th, at 8 p.m. for "Rivers and Rails."
 



The State Library and Archives is a division of the Tennessee Department of State and Tre Hargett, Secretary of State.

Thursday, May 23, 2013

A day of remembrance

On the final Monday of May, our nation remembers the men and women who died while serving our nation in the United States military. Formerly known as Decoration Day, the Memorial Day holiday originated after the Civil War to commemorate the Union and Confederate soldiers who died in that great conflict. Since that time, Memorial Day has been extended to honor all Americans who have died while in the military service.

One way in which we honor and remember our fallen veterans is to preserve the records that they left behind. Here at the Tennessee State Library and Archives, we have the distinct honor and privilege of caring for those records, and sharing the stories of these soldiers with the public.

One area of our web site that will be of interest this Memorial Day weekend is “The Volunteer State Goes to War: A Salute to Tennessee Veterans.” This online exhibit displays records from the veterans of the Revolutionary War who helped found our state to Tennessee men and women serving in the military today. Featured items include the World War I photographs of Luke Lea, a former U.S. Senator and founder of the Tennessean newspaper; a letter from George Washington to future Tennessean Colonel Meigs; and a resolution commemorating the firing of the first shot in the Spanish-American War by the USS Nashville. The exhibit showcases the experiences of the state’s veterans and tells the stories of how ordinary men and women made America a better place through their courage and perseverance.

A view from the roof of the War Memorial Building, looking north, of the Memorial Day Parade in Nashville, Tennessee. 1946 photo from the Department of Conservation Photograph Collection.


Another area on our web site that will be of interest is a recently updated section dedicated to documenting “Tennessee Confederate Soldiers' Home Applications and Ledgers.” In 1890, the Tennessee Confederate Soldiers' Home opened on the grounds of the Hermitage Plantation, former residence of Andrew Jackson. The Soldiers' Home provided care and housing for aging Confederate veterans who resided in Tennessee. Prior to admission into the facility, these veterans submitted applications to a review board. The applications contain questions designed to determine the applicants’ need and legitimacy for state-funded care. In some cases, no application is available, but names and details are listed in one of two ledgers kept by the home. These records are now indexed and available at the Tennessee State Library and Archives, providing researchers with one more avenue of information about Civil War ancestry.

The Confederate Soldiers Home pictured in this 1908 photo was constructed in 1894 on land originally belonging to Andrew Jackson. The soldiers were removed in 1916 and later moved to the Tennessee Industrial School. The building was eventually destroyed in 1935.


These are just two sources of military records that you can find on our web site. Visit our “Research and Collections” section and click on the “Military Records” link to view more content on our web site. We also encourage you to visit us in person, where you can access these records through the Public Services Section of the Tennessee State Library and Archives.

As we pause to remember our fallen heroes this Memorial Day, we also honor them by preserving and protecting their legacy found within these military records. We hope that by sharing these stories with the public, we continue a tradition of remembrance that began following the Civil War and continues to this day.

The State Library and Archives is a division of the Tennessee Department of State and Tre Hargett, Secretary of State.

Wednesday, May 8, 2013

"Placing Leaves, Flowers, and a Few Nuts on Your Family Tree"


Many families have great stories to tell -- which can often be unearthed by searching through family videos, photo albums, or journals passed down from generation to generation. However, for some people, the idea of starting such a project is daunting. The Tennessee State Library and Archives (TSLA) has just the event to ease the stress of beginning family research.

The free workshop, called "Placing Leaves, Flowers, and a Few Nuts on Your Family Tree," will be held Saturday, June 1 from 9:30 a.m. until 11 a.m. in the TSLA Auditorium. Author Jim Taulman will discuss the process of gathering and recording information for a family history.

Taulman has 35 years of writing and editorial experience and has written and published five books, more than 1,000 articles, and has edited numerous periodicals, historical journals, and other materials. He is also a member of the Association of Personal Historians.

The session is free and open to the public, but reservations are required due to limited seating in the auditorium. To make reservations, please e-mail workshop.tsla@tn.gov or call (615) 741-2764. TSLA's building is located at 403 Seventh Avenue North, just west of the state Capitol in downtown Nashville. Limited parking is available in front, beside and behind the building.


The State Library and Archives is a division of the Tennessee Department of State and Tre Hargett, Secretary of State.

Thursday, May 2, 2013

Prohibition Exhibit on display at State Library and Archives and Online

It was the constitutional amendment that tried – often unsuccessfully – to put Americans on the path to sobriety and in the process created a booming market for Tennessee’s providers of illegal moonshine whiskey.

The 18th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which launched the Prohibition era in 1920, was called the country’s “noble experiment.” That experiment ended 13 years later with the ratification of the 21st Amendment – the only amendment to repeal another amendment - which halted Prohibition and brought imbibing back out of the shadows.

These facts, and the societal results of Prohibition and its subsequent repeal are the focus of a new exhibit on display in the lobby of the Tennessee State Library and Archives building which chronicles the history surrounding the passage of both amendments.

This exhibit, entitled "The Saloon and Anarchy: Prohibition in Tennessee," surveys the brewing and distilling industries in Tennessee prior to Prohibition, chronicles the rise of the Temperance Movement in the state and the impact it had on the passage of the 18th Amendment, examines the effect that the 18th Amendment had on moonshining in the state, and recounts the passage of the 21st Amendment.

Drawing on the wealth of material in the Tennessee State Library and Archives' rich collections, this exhibit features items such as: 19th and 20th Century temperance literature (such as the 1902 temperance tract: The Saloon and Anarchy, the Two Worst Things in the World, Versus the United States of America), temperance songs from the Kenneth D. Rose Sheet Music Collection, the 1908 trademark registration by Lem Motlow (Jack Daniel's nephew and business partner) for the phrase "Old No. 7," and various pieces of Prohibition-related legislation from the records of the Tennessee General Assembly.

A group of men in front of the Silver Dollar Saloon on Broadway and 2nd Avenue.
Nashville, Tenn., ca. 1900.
Library Photograph Collection

The exhibit is free and open to the public during regular library hours. The Tennessee State Library and Archives is open from 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m., Tuesdays through Saturdays. The exhibit will remain available for viewing until the end of September.

Read more about this exhibit at http://tnsos.org/Press/story.php?item=516

The online version of the exhibit is available at http://www.tn.gov/tsla/exhibits/prohibition/index.htm.

The State Library and Archives is a division of the Tennessee Department of State and Tre Hargett, Secretary of State.

Wednesday, April 24, 2013

The first rough draft of history

April 21-27 marks Preservation Week, and May 1st is "MayDay," an annual event observed each year to raise awareness of the importance of taking simple steps to protect historical records. So the timing is perfect to bring awareness to the public about the work of the Tennessee State Library and Archives (TSLA) Preservation Services Section.

The Preservation Services Section of the Tennessee State Library and Archives provides preservation and increased access for the collections housed at TSLA and other records across the state. These services include microfilming, digital imaging, document restoration and preservation, and photographic duplication. The extensive microfilming program preserves state records -- both traditional and digital -- as well as local county records, newspapers, and manuscript collections.

Newspapers, in particular, provide the public with a window into what life was like in communities throughout the State of Tennessee. They are an important part of the collections held at the Tennessee State Library and Archives, and it is the duty of the Preservation Services Section to microfilm newspapers from across the state, preserving this critical information for future generations.

One of the earliest newspapers on microfilm at TSLA,
The Knoxville Gazette, published on November 5, 1791.
Preservation Services has microfilmed newspapers for almost 60 years. As early as the 1930s and 1940s the State Library began collecting the early examples of Tennessee newspapers. With the help of the Tennessee Historical Society and others, Mrs. John Trotwood Moore -- State Librarian and Archivist from 1929 to 1949 -- established an active collecting policy to preserve these historic newspapers. One of the earliest newspapers collected from these efforts was an edition of the Knoxville Gazette published on November 5, 1791.

By the 1950s, TSLA began to look for ways to collect even more newspapers from our state's past and preserve them for posterity. On September 4, 1957, "Operation Newspapers" was launched, and continued through the late 1960s, acquiring newspapers from anyone willing to donate or loan newspapers published prior to 1920.
  
The project, considered ground breaking at the time, was promoted by then State Librarian Dr. Dan Robison and operated by Horace Blades and James E. Pike. It unearthed many interesting examples such as the Pioneer of Jackson, Tennessee for 1822, Mrs. Grundy of Tracy City, and Pearl’s Gazette and Lottery Exchange Register just to name a few of the unusual titles. Mr. Blades and Mr. Pike even went to Houma, Louisiana to film a large collection of the Winchester Home Journal.

Thanks to these early efforts, TSLA maintains the largest collection of historic (and new) Tennessee newspapers in the country, providing the public with a rich chronicle of the history and current events of the Volunteer State.

In 1957 the call went out for “old newspapers” and thousands of pages in every condition came into TSLA. Almost all were salvaged, stabilized and microfilmed. By 1966 the project proudly preserved over 6,000,000 pages, 1200 rolls of microfilm and over 1000 different Tennessee titles.


Today TSLA's Preservation Services Section continues microfilming of current newspapers for preservation and access, preserving 200 Tennessee community newspapers from across the state.

Additionally, the Preservation Services Section microfilms any old newspapers that are sent to us. Just recently two unique titles arrived for filming that previously did not exist in the film collection -- the Quid-Nunc of Grand Junction and the Mason Call of Mason, Tennessee. 
 
Microfilming is a process that demands attention to detail. Individual newspapers are meticulously checked, collated and flattened, to make them ready for microfilming. Microfilming then takes place, with the camera operator taking a picture of each page, and the film is processed, reviewed, and duplicated.

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Traditional 35mm microfilm camera dedicated to newspaper preservation microfilming.

Many public libraries hold their community papers until the film is ready, and then purchase this film from TSLA for use by their own present and future patrons. Were it not for the diligent efforts of public libraries throughout the state to save these papers from certain destruction, we would not have such a vast record of community activity and important events in our state's history.
 
Digitization is also an important part of how we preserve newspapers at TSLA. We are actively participating in several digitization projects, including a collaborative effort with the University of Tennessee and the Library of Congress. Maintained by the Library of Congress, the "Chronicling America" Digital Newspaper Project provides access to information about historic newspapers and select digitized newspaper pages. It is a long-term effort to develop an Internet-based, searchable database of U.S. newspapers with descriptive information and select digitization of historic pages. So far, more than 200 rolls of microfilm containing 98,765 pages of Tennessee newspapers have been posted to the Chronicling America website as a sample of the whole collection. To see more about Tennessee's historic newspapers see: http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/

The UT project also maintains a blog of interesting items found in the Tennessee papers at: http://wp.lib.utk.edu/tndp/news/

For more newspaper titles, visit TSLA’s website and its online catalog and search for newspapers by community name: http://www.tn.gov/tsla/history/newspapers/tn-paper.htm

The Preservation Services Section of TSLA never stops in its quest to preserve the newspapers of Tennessee's communities. Newspapers are, after all, the "first rough draft of history." They provide valuable information about our shared past, and are an important piece of the puzzle of preservation.


The State Library and Archives is a division of the Tennessee Department of State and Tre Hargett, Secretary of State.

Thursday, April 18, 2013

Young Historians Descend on Downtown Nashville for Tennessee History Day


With state employees and other downtown office workers home for the weekend, a special group of students will be converging on downtown Nashville Saturday to compete in Tennessee History Day. About 400 sixth- through 12-graders will be participating, with the winners advancing to the National History Day finals in College Park, Maryland June 9-13.

History Day is a competition in which students are judged on the quality of their exhibits, term papers, web sites, documentaries or live performances on historical topics. The theme of this year's event is “Turning Points in History: People, Ideas, Events.”

The event, which is organized by the Tennessee Historical Society, will be held at the Tennessee State Library and Archives, the Tennessee State Museum, the Nashville Public Library, the War Memorial Auditorium, and the William R. Snodgrass Tennessee Tower.

The opening ceremony is scheduled to begin at 9 a.m. Judging will occur throughout the morning and early afternoon, capped by an awards ceremony at 3 p.m. The event is open to the public.

To read more about this event, please see: http://tnsos.org/Press/story.php?item=503.



The State Library and Archives is a division of the Tennessee Department of State and Tre Hargett, Secretary of State.

Monday, April 15, 2013

Early Tennessee Tax Lists Now Online

Early Tennessee Tax List for Davidson County, 1829.
Tennessee State Library and Archives
April 15 can be a taxing day for all of us living in modern times, but our ancestors didn’t have it much easier. Although our federal income tax only dates back to the Civil War era, Tennesseans have been paying state and local taxes since long before then.

Now Tennessee tax records dating back to 1783 are available free online to Tennesseans, thanks to a partnership between the Tennessee State Library and Archives and Ancestry.com. The online database contains records from 71 of Tennessee’s 95 counties. Famous notables like Andrew Jackson (who paid $66 in taxes to Davidson County in 1829) appear side by side with ordinary farmers, millers and laborers.

To read more about these tax records, including a link to the tax list database, please see: http://tnsos.org/Press/story.php?item=507.

The State Library and Archives is a division of the Tennessee Department of State and Tre Hargett, Secretary of State.

Friday, April 5, 2013

Get Your Mule Day Fix

Columbia is home to one of the biggest Mule Day celebrations in the world, but not everyone has been able to make it to the many events held in the Maury County town this week.

But if you live too far away (or are just too stubborn) to participate in the festivities, don’t fret. If you have Internet access, you can get your mule fix by visiting “Got Mules? A Celebration of Mules in Tennessee History” – an online exhibit produced by the Tennessee State Library and Archives.

The exhibit features fun facts about mules on the farm, in the military, and even in advertising. Did you know that Tennessee mules are known throughout the world for their quality? Or that the British military sought out Tennessee mules for active duty in World War I and other conflicts? Find out more fun facts at http://www.tennessee.gov/tsla/exhibits/mules/index.htm.

Two of the participants in the Mule Day Parade in Columbia, Tennessee, April 3, 1939. Dept. of Conservation Photograph Collection. Tennessee State Library and Archives.


In addition to the online exhibit, there’s also a physical version of the exhibit that will be displayed at the Morton Museum of Collierville History in West Tennessee during May and June. If you want to see the exhibit in person, the museum’s hours are Wednesdays through Fridays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturdays from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is free. For directions and more information about the museum, check out its web site at: http://www.colliervillemuseum.org/.

For more information regarding exhibits at the Tennessee State Library and Archives, please contact us at exhibits.TSLA@tn.gov.
  
The State Library and Archives is a division of the Tennessee Department of State and Tre Hargett, Secretary of State.

Thursday, March 28, 2013

A tip of the hat to the spring season

Spring is finally upon us. It is a season that brings with it the promise of renewal. The Christian holiday of Easter is right around the corner, and with it comes the tradition of celebrating new life and rebirth with new clothing. For ladies, the Easter bonnet, often elaborate and adorned with flowers and leaves, has come to symbolize the cycle of the seasons and the coming of spring.

Although Easter bonnets are not seen as frequently as they once were, here at the Tennessee State Library and Archives there are several portraits held in our collections that bring back those fond memories. In this blog post we not only wanted to pay tribute to those spring days gone by, but also recognize the work of one of Nashville’s most well-known photography studios.

Amber Barfield Gilmer, a former conservator for the Tennessee State Library and Archives, wrote about the Calvert Brothers & Taylor photography studio in an article published in the June 2006 edition of the Nashville Historical Newsletter. In it she wrote, “During their era, the Calvert brothers helped shape the way many Nashvillians would remember their children, their weddings, their homes, and their friends. In addition, the Calverts were often commissioned to copy pre-existing photographs, and many of the resulting copy negatives are today among the most historically valuable negatives at the Tennessee State Library and Archives.”

So as our minds turn to spring and all things new, we take a fond look to the past in this photo tribute to the Easter bonnet, and the Calvert Brothers’ Photo Collection…

Miss Ruth Boice is wearing a white formal dress with a large hat, possibly bridal attire, in this 1899 photo.
Library Collection. Tennessee State Library and Archives.

In this image, dated 1900, Margaret Kercheval is wearing a hat with feathers protruding in a curious manner. A hat with feathers that resemble horns is perhaps not the best attire for an Easter Sunday.
Library Collection. Tennessee State Library and Archives.

Martha Armstrong strikes a beautiful pose wearing a large feather hat and an off-the-shoulder dress in this 1898 photo.
Library Collection. Tennessee State Library and Archives.

Mayme Conditt flashes a Mona Lisa smile while wearing this interesting hat and fur capelet in this 1899 photo.
Library Collection. Tennessee State Library and Archives.

In what may be the winner for most unique nickname in this group of photos, Miss "Toots" Fitzhugh is wearing an elaborate floral and feather hat for this 1899 photo.
Library Collection. Tennessee State Library and Archives.

Mary C. Harris poses in a white dress with an elaborate flowered hat and flower sash across one shoulder in this 1900 photo.
Library Collection. Tennessee State Library and Archives.

Ladies were not the only ones wearing hats at this time of the year. Gentlemen were also expected to dress for the occasion, as witnessed by this image of a young couple. Mr. J.G. Martin is standing holding a straw boater hat, and his wife is seated in front of him wearing a large picture hat with flowers in this 1898 photo.
Library Collection. Tennessee State Library and Archives.

In this 1899 photo, Ruth McAllister is wearing a dark dress and very large hat trimmed in ostrich feathers and a jeweled pin. Dark clothing was not typical of Easter attire, but this dress and accompanying hat still make for a striking picture.
Library Collection. Tennessee State Library and Archives.

Miss Annie O'Connor gazes into the distance wearing a light-colored dress and beautiful multi-layered hat in this 1900 photo.
Library Collection. Tennessee State Library and Archives.

Jessie Gribble is the picture of spring, wearing a white dress and lace hat in this 1900 photo.
Library Collection. Tennessee State Library and Archives.

Another lady and her gent posing for a portrait in this 1898 photo. This young man and woman are posed in formal attire, he holding his hat, she wearing an elaborate hat and holding a parasol.
Library Collection. Tennessee State Library and Archives.

Nannie Yates is wearing an ornate feathered hat and a light colored dress in this 1898 photo.
Library Collection. Tennessee State Library and Archives.

In 1898, Miss Kate Ransom wore a hat of roses for this photo.
Library Collection. Tennessee State Library and Archives.

You can view more images like these by browsing the Tennessee State Library and Archives Photo Database, located on the TSLA website.


Please note that reproduction of these images should include the credit line: "Reproduced courtesy of the Tennessee State Library and Archives."


The State Library and Archives is a division of the Tennessee Department of State and Tre Hargett, Secretary of State.