Library and Archives Hosts Free Workshop on Historic Photo Collection

Photographs are a critical part of learning and understanding history. On July 22, the Tennessee State Library and Archives will host a free workshop entitled "From Farm Boy to Tomahawk Warrior: David Franklin Brock Korean War Photograph Collection."

David Franklin Brock posing in front of a chestnut orchard in Kumhwa. Brock's company was attached to the 72nd Tank Battalion. Spring/Summer 1953.
David Franklin Brock Korean War Photograph Collection

In January 1952, David Franklin Brock left behind his Van Buren County home and his sweetheart, and found himself a world away. In a newly expanded Tennessee Virtual Archive (TeVA) exhibit Brock traces his progress from combat engineer training at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, to his time with the famed Second “Indianhead” Infantry Division in the vicinity of the Iron Triangle and the 38th parallel in Korea. This collection documents his time in Korea as well as his visits home. Using his photographs, an interactive story map, and Brock’s oral history, this exhibit, highlighted by Brock’s daughter Darla, provides a window into a war often described as “forgotten.”

Darla Brock, Library and Archives manuscripts archivist will conduct the workshop featuring her father's photographs and oral history in the broader context of the Korean War. The workshop will be 9:30 a.m. until 11 a.m. July 22 in the Library and Archives auditorium.

"The David Franklin Brock photo collection allows us to see history from Mr. Brock’s unique viewpoint. These photographs of the Korean War era will serve as a valuable resource for generations of Tennesseans," Secretary of State Tre Hargett said. "I look forward to this event and encourage people to reserve their seats as soon as possible."

The Library and Archives is located at 403 Seventh Ave. North, directly west of the Tennessee State Capitol in downtown Nashville. Free parking is available around the Library and Archives building. Although the workshop is free and open to the public, registration is required due to seating limitations. To reserve seats, please visit: https://tslabrockcollection.eventbrite.com

The Brock collection was originally launched in November, as a part of the Tennessee Virtual Archive (TeVA). To view the current collection, go to: http://bit.ly/BrockKoreanWar. Additional images are being added by the Library and Archives in July.

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