Author to Discuss "Murder and Mayhem in Nashville" During Free Lecture

People don't usually associate libraries with murder and mayhem. However, when Brian Allison was researching his book, Murder and Mayhem in Nashville, he frequently relied on material from the Tennessee State Library and Archives to help him flesh out the sometimes gory details about the city's history.

Allison plans to share some of the stories from his book, including his research process, during a lecture this month at the Library and Archives. Allison's book documents some well-known historical events, such as Andrew Jackson's bar fight with Senator Thomas Hart Benton, as well as some that are not as well-known, like the 1938 Marrowbone Creek cabin murders.

"We are pleased Mr. Allison was able to find some of the materials needed for his research at the Library and Archives," Secretary of State Tre Hargett said. "The Library and Archives is a great resource for people working on many types of book projects along with historical and legal research."

The lecture will be in the Library and Archives auditorium from 9:30 a.m. until 11 a.m. Jan. 28. While the lecture is free and open to the public, reservations are required due to seating limitations in the auditorium. To sign up for the lecture, please visit: https://nashvillemayhemlecture.eventbrite.com

In some cases, Allison had to use creative research skills at the Library & Archives to turn one- or two-sentence police blotter items from old newspapers into detailed stories for the book.

Brian Allison has worked in the public history/museum field for around 20 years. His past experience includes curating, public speaking and creating documentaries. Brian holds a degree from Austin Peay State University in American history. He has also worked as a staff historian for several local museums and served as curator for Travellers Rest Plantation. Brian is also co-author of Tennessee State Penitentiary.

The Library and Archives building is located at 403 Seventh Avenue North, directly west of the Tennessee State Capitol in downtown Nashville. Free parking is available around the building.

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