Preserving the Majestic Mountains: The History and Legacy of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park

By Dr. Kevin Cason

The Library & Archives collections contain images of many beautiful places in Tennessee, but the Great Smoky Mountains are the subject of more photographs and postcards than almost any other subject. The Great Smoky Mountains are part of a larger mountain chain known as the Appalachian Mountains. While many people enjoy the picturesque scenery of the park today, the area that became the national park took many years to complete. 

Sugarland Mountain, Great Smoky Mountains National Park Postcard, Tennessee Postcard Collection, Tennessee State Library & Archives

For many years, visitors to the Great Smoky Mountains were impressed by the natural beauty and argued for the region to be protected as a national park. By the 1920s, Knoxville civic leaders and others began serious efforts to create a national park. During the late 1920s, the Tennessee and North Carolina Legislatures appropriated $2 million each for land purchases. Individuals and private groups also raised money for the effort. 

In addition to raising money, acquiring land in the Great Smoky Mountains was a difficult process. One of the challenges park supporters faced was the resistance by long-time residents of the area who did not want to leave. Despite their opposition, families who had lived in the region for decades were eventually forced to leave their homes, businesses, schools, churches and cemeteries behind. In addition to the resistance of long-time residents, timber companies were often reluctant to relinquish their land for the park. 

Despite the opposition, the movement for conserving and preserving the mountains continued. By 1934, Tennessee and North Carolina transferred deeds for 300,000 acres of land to the federal government. Eventually, Congress authorized the development of public facilities on the land. During this time, the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), an agency created during the Great Depression to provide work and wages for unemployed young men, constructed new facilities, trails and bridges on the landscape. 

Newfound Gap Road’s famous Loop Bridge was one of the projects the CCC completed. Record Group 82: Department of Conservation Photograph Collection, Tennessee State Library & Archives

After several years of the CCC working on the facilities and trails, the park had an official dedication ceremony in September 1940. As part of the ceremony, President Franklin D. Roosevelt delivered an address to a crowd of people at Newfound Gap at the main crest of the mountains. This area serves as a natural boundary between Tennessee and North Carolina.

President Roosevelt speaking at the dedication ceremony, Record Group 82: Department of Conservation Photograph Collection, Tennessee State Library & Archives

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park became a popular tourist attraction as time moved along. Postcards were created for visitors to commemorate their experience at the park. Some people bought postcards as souvenirs, while others sent them to loved ones in the mail. Some postcards showed specific landmarks at the park, such as the Laura Spelman Rockefeller Memorial at Newfound Gap, while other postcards depicted more picturesque scenery such as Clingman’s Dome, the highest point in the state of Tennessee.

Laura Spelman Rockefeller Memorial at Newfound Gap, Tennessee Postcard Collection, Tennessee State Library & Archives

Clingman’s Dome Postcard, Tennessee Postcard Collection, Tennessee State Library & Archives

Today, the Great Smoky Mountains park continues to attract visitors who want to view the natural beauty and landscape of the mountains. According to the National Park Service, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of the most visited national parks in the United States.

For more related to this topic see: 

“Great Smoky Mountains National Park Postcards.” Tennessee Postcard Collection, Tennessee State Library and Archives. 

“Great Smoky Mountains Photograph Series.” Record Group 82: Tennessee Department of Conservation Photograph Collection, 1937-1976. 

GP 40: Governor Austin Peay Papers, 1923-1927. Tennessee State Library and Archives. 

GP 44: Governor Prentice Cooper Papers, 1939-1945. Tennessee State Library and Archives.

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

Electronic Records at the Tennessee State Library & Archives

By Patsy Mitchell

Today we’re joining the Council of State Archivists to celebrate Electronic Records Day! 

Electronic Records Day Logo. Courtesy of the Council of State Archivists.

When you think of the archives, you might picture handwritten manuscripts on parchment or antique photographs in gilded frames, but what about a Word document or a digital image? How about spreadsheets and emails? Many of these formats have been in use for more than 30 years. That’s a lot of history! 

Many of us are storing our entire lives on electronic devices and cloud services. To understand your great-grandparents, you might pore over a stack of well-worn love letters from World War II. Future generations might search hundreds of thousands of messages and social media posts to learn how we coped with pandemics and lockdowns or how we felt about the second season of Ted Lasso. 

But archives do more than capture historical events and cultural phenomena. They also document and make transparent the actions of government. This mandate to preserve the official records of state government is essential to protecting the public trust and empowering that same public to hold its government accountable. Here are just a few examples of electronic records available at the Tennessee State Library & Archives: 

Department of Economic and Community Development, Commissioner’s Files, 1966-2014, RG 406 

The Department of Economic and Community Development is responsible for creating job and business opportunities in Tennessee. This collection includes the files of its various commissioners from 1966-2014 in both paper and electronic formats. The electronic records include, but are not limited to, correspondence, photographs, presentations, spreadsheets and reports.

Manufacturing site at Dynametal Technologies in Brownsville, Tenn., August 18, 2003 (Department of Economic and Community Development, Commissioner’s Files, 1966-2014, RG 406, Tennessee State Library & Archives)

Department of Economic and Community Development, Entertainment Commission Records, 1976-2014, RG 411

The Tennessee Entertainment Commission works to attract film, television, music and other entertainment producers to the state while assisting Tennessee's current entertainment industry. This collection contains both paper and electronic records. The electronic records include board meeting minutes, member biographies, filmographies, images, press files and reports.

Advertisement promoting the 14th Annual Nashville Screenwriters Conference, June 1-3, 2012. (Department of Economic and Community Development, Entertainment Commission Records, 1976-2014, RG 411, Tennessee State Library & Archives)

Tennessee Economic Council on Women Records, 1998-2016, RG 408

From its beginning in 1998 to its end in 2017, the Economic Council on Women addressed women’s economic concerns and needs in Tennessee, developing policy and recommendations, consulting with state and local officials, educating the public and encouraging women to serve on state boards and commissions. The electronic records include correspondence, meeting minutes, newsletters, photographs, presentations, research files and reports.

Banner of the Tennessee Economic Council on Women’s Spring 2004 newsletter, cropped from the original. (Tennessee Economic Council on Women Records, 1998-2016, RG 408, Tennessee State Library and Archives)

State agencies are producing more and more records in digital formats, and archival staff are hard at work processing and preserving these files to ensure access long into the future. If you are interested in learning more about these collections or accessing electronic records at the Library & Archives, please reach out to us at ask@tsla.libanswers.com.

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

Tennessee State Library & Archives Launching a Lunchtime Speaker Series Commemorating Tennessee’s 225 Years of History

Tennessee State Library & Archives is excited to announce a new lecture series revealing the stories behind significant events in Tennessee’s rich 225-year history. 

“As Tennessee celebrates its 225th anniversary of statehood, we are giving Tennesseans an opportunity to learn about some fascinating stories in our great state’s history,” said Secretary of State Tre Hargett. “I encourage anyone interested in Tennessee history to spend their lunch hour with us for these free speaker series events.” 

The first Lunchtime Speaker Series event, a look back at Tennessee’s Centennial Celebration led by Historian David E. Ewing, will be Friday, Sept. 10, from Noon to 1 p.m. 

The other speaker series events will take place on Nov. 5, Feb. 11 and May 6. Topics for these events include Native American life and culture in early Tennessee, how Tennessee earned the Volunteer State nickname through service in military conflicts and how Tennessee’s topography and geology impacted where pioneers settled. 

A noted expert in Tennessee history will lead each Lunchtime Speaker Series talk, including Ewing, Archaeologist Aaron Dieter-Wolf, Lipscomb University Professor Tim Johnson and Aaron Astor, a Historian and Associate Professor at Maryville College. 

"We are eager to welcome guests to the Library & Archives for this speaker series. I believe we have a great lineup of interesting topics and knowledgeable speakers,” said Chuck Sherrill, Tennessee State Librarian and Archivist. 

The Lunchtime Speaker Series events will be in-person and live-streamed on the Library & Archives’ Facebook page and the Secretary of State’s YouTube channel. In-person attendees are encouraged to bring their lunch. This series is free to the public. 

After each presentation, in-person attendees can view items related to the lecture topic from the Library & Archives’ extensive collection. In-person attendees can also take a guided tour of the new facility. 

The Library & Archives is located at 1001 Rep. John Lewis Way North on Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park, across from the Tennessee State Museum. Parking is available for guests in the Library & Archives garage on Jackson Street/Junior Gilliam Way. 

For the latest information about the Lunchtime Speaker Series, follow the Library & Archives social media channels, Facebook: Tennessee State Library and Archives and Instagram: @tnlibarchives. 

To learn more about the Library & Archives or schedule a research visit, call 615-741-2764, email ask@tsla.libanswers.com or visit sos.tn.gov/tsla/plan-your-visit. 

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

Stamp Your Passport to Tennessee History

The Tennessee State Library & Archives, Tennessee State Museum, Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park and the Tennessee State Capitol invite you to make a history day of it with the launch of the Passport to Tennessee History. 

Inside the Passport to Tennessee History on Capitol Hill and Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park, visitors will find information about four institutions of Tennessee history, which are all within walking distance of each other on the north side of downtown Nashville: the Tennessee State Library & Archives, Tennessee State Museum, Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park and the Tennessee State Capitol. 

The passport features space to collect distinct stamps from each location. Participants can collect all four stamps in one day or across multiple visits. Visitors who complete their passport will earn a 10 percent discount at the Tennessee State Museum and Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park gift shops. 

“The Tennessee State Library & Archives’ new home on the Bicentennial Mall gives us the fantastic opportunity to partner with our new neighbors,” said Secretary of State Tre Hargett. "I encourage anyone interested in learning more about our great state to get a free passport and begin exploring Tennessee history's home on the Mall.” 

The Library & Archives, a division of the Department of State, collects and preserves books, records and other documents of historical and reference value, focusing on items about Tennessee and Tennesseans. Visitors can experience Tennessee’s story through interactive exhibits highlighting the state’s most precious historical documents. Visit the Library & Archives at 1001 Rep. John Lewis Way N. The exhibit lobby is open to the public Monday to Saturday, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. CT. The library, microfilm and manuscripts reading rooms are available for research Tuesday to Saturday, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. CT. For more information, call 615-741-2764, email ask@tsla.libanswers.com or visit sos.tn.gov/tsla/plan-your-visit. 

“The arrival of the Library & Archives to the campus surrounding Bicentennial Mall presents yet another opportunity to encourage families and history fans to visit this welcoming and truly historic area of the state,” said Ashley Howell, executive director of the Tennessee State Museum. “Come visit us to engage with history, play in the park, get lunch at the Farmers’ Market and more, all as we commemorate Tennessee’s 225th anniversary.” 

The Tennessee State Museum is home to thousands of years of Tennessee history, art and culture. Through art and artifacts, films, interactive displays and events, museum visitors can learn about Tennessee's geological beginnings and First Peoples, statehood, participation in wars, place in national social movements and more. The museum, located at 1000 Rosa L. Parks Blvd, is open to the public Tuesdays to Saturdays from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Sundays from 1 p.m. – 5 p.m. For more information, visit TNMuseum.org. 

“A Tennessee history experience is not complete without a visit to Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park,” TDEC Deputy Commissioner Jim Bryson, said. “We are proud to partner with our neighbors at the Tennessee State Library & Archives, Tennessee State Museum and the Tennessee State Capitol to provide visitors from around the world with a keepsake for their Tennessee history experience.” 

Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park gives visitors a taste of Tennessee’s history, natural wonders and serves as a lasting monument to Tennessee’s Bicentennial Celebration. The park includes a 200-foot granite map of the state, a World War II Memorial, a 95-Bell Carillon, a Pathway of History, the Rivers of Tennessee Fountains and native plant species from across the state. Passports and stamps are available in the Visitor Center located at 600 James Robertson Parkway. The Visitor Center is open from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. CT, Monday through Friday. The park is open daily from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. CT. Learn more at tnstateparks.com/parks/bicentennial-mall. 

Opening in 1859, the Tennessee State Capitol, one of the oldest working capitols in the United States, serves as the home of the Tennessee General Assembly and houses the governor's offices. Visitors can take self-guided tours Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. CT or 45-minute guided tours, starting at 9 a.m., 10 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. CT. Guided tours are limited to 15 people per tour. Reservations are not required for groups smaller than 12 people. The Tennessee State Capitol is located at 600 Dr. Martin L King, Jr. Blvd., at the top of Capitol Hill. 

Pick up your free Passport to Tennessee History at the Tennessee State Library & Archives, Tennessee State Museum, Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park Visitor Center or Tennessee State Capitol to begin stamping your passport to Tennessee History. Admission to all four participating locations is free.

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

Day by Day Family Literacy Calendar

By Kate Greene Smith, Youth Services and Special Projects Coordinator

Families know early literacy is vital to preparing children for success in school and life. But how do you come up with fresh, new ways to engage little ones amidst the daily routine of feeding, clothing, and caring for them? 

The Day by Day Family Literacy Calendar is here to help! DayByDayTN.com is an interactive, fun-filled, online resource for families to use and share with young children. Families, caregivers, educators, and librarians can use the Day By Day Family Literacy Calendar at home, in the library, classroom, or on the go. With a perpetual calendar featuring songs, activities, books suggestions, and videos, Day By Day supports early literacy skills and helps young children get ready for school. 

Designed to be used anywhere and anytime, DayByDayTN.com has new ideas each day for ways to sing, talk, read, write, and play with pre-school and early elementary children. 

The Day By Day Family Literacy Calendar began as a project of the South Carolina State Library, was refined by the State Library of Ohio, and edited by students of the UT-Knoxville School of Information Sciences and members of the Tennessee Library Association’s Children and Young Adult Roundtable under the direction of the Tennessee State Library & Archives. This project was made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services.

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

Tennessee State Library & Archives Launches Second Saturday Tours

The Tennessee State Library & Archives is excited to welcome guests to explore our new facility with the launch of Second Saturday Tours beginning Saturday, July 10. The new building is located at 1001 Rep. John Lewis Way N. on the northeast corner of the Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park in Nashville.

Second Saturdays at the Library & Archives will feature guided tours of the new building on the second Saturday of each month through October. Tours begin every hour, on the hour, starting at 10 a.m. with the last tour beginning at 3 p.m. This event is free to the public. Reservations are not required.

“With the Second Saturday tours, we hope to introduce more Tennesseans to the Library & Archives and show them what an incredible resource it is for our great state,” said Secretary of State Tre Hargett. “I encourage anyone interested in Tennessee history and culture to take advantage of this free, family-friendly event.”

Visitors to the Library & Archives can experience Tennessee’s story through interactive exhibits highlighting the state’s most precious historical documents. The exhibit lobby is open to the public Monday through Saturday, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. CT. The library, microfilm and manuscripts reading rooms are open for research Tuesday through Saturday, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. CT.

"Our staff is excited to show off this beautiful new state-of-the-art facility. It is especially rewarding to demonstrate the new technologies that make it easier for visitors to access and interact with the resources in our extensive collection,” said Chuck Sherrill, Tennessee State Librarian and Archivist.

The Library & Archives, a division of the Department of State, collects and preserves books, records and other documents of historical and reference value, focusing on items about Tennessee and Tennesseans.

To preserve Tennessee's history for current and future generations, the Library & Archives houses the archives of state government, documents and recordings from legislative proceedings, records from every Tennessee courthouse, copies of all surviving Tennessee newspapers and records from families, businesses, religious and civic organizations.

The Library & Archives is home to many irreplaceable historical documents, including Tennessee's Constitutions, letters from Tennessee's three presidents, Civil War diaries, records from 55 former Tennessee governors, maps, photographs and original records of the State of Franklin.

For the latest information from the Library and Archives, follow their social media channels: Facebook: Tennessee State Library and Archives and Instagram: @tnlibarchives and the Secretary of State's Twitter account: @SecTreHargett.

For more information about the Library and Archives or Second Saturdays call 615-741-2764, email ask@tsla.libanswers.com or visit sos.tn.gov/tsla/plan-your-visit.

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

Celebrate Statehood on Tennessee's 225th Birthday!

Join the Tennessee State Library and Archives on June 1st to celebrate Tennessee's 225th Birthday! We encourage visitors to stop by our new location at 1001 Rep. John Lewis Way North to view all three of the state’s original Constitutions, to see interactive exhibits documenting state history, to tour our new state-of-the-art building, and to learn more about how the Library & Archives serves Tennesseans! 

Click the link below for a schedule of activities on this historic day! 

 https://sos.tn.gov/tsla/education-outreach-upcoming-events

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

Tennessee’s State Constitutions on Display for Statehood Day

The Tennessee State Library and Archives is celebrating 225 years of statehood on June 1, 2021, with a one-day-only public display of Tennessee’s three original constitutions.

The state's constitutions, first written in 1796 and revised in 1834 and 1870, will all be on display in the lobby of the new Library and Archives building located at 1001 Rep. John Lewis Way N. on the northeast corner of the Bicentennial Mall State Park in Nashville on Tuesday, June 1 from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. CDT.

In addition to viewing these priceless documents, which the Tennessee Highway Patrol Honor Guard will safeguard, guests can explore the interactive exhibits in the Library and Archives lobby and take a tour of the new building. Library and Archives staff will give tours every half hour from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

“Tennessee’s three constitutions are the foundation of our state government,” said Secretary of State Tre Hargett. “I encourage my fellow Tennesseans not to miss this opportunity to make history come alive by seeing these irreplaceable documents up close."
The Library and Archives, a division of the Department of State, is responsible for collecting and preserving books and records of historical, documentary and reference value, focusing on items related to Tennessee. Tennessee’s constitutions are the highest valued and most historically significant items in the collection.

“The Library and Archives strives to be a resource for researchers, historians, librarians, archivists, genealogists, lawyers, students and anyone interested in Tennessee history,” said Chuck Sherrill, Tennessee State Librarian and Archivist. “Our staff is excited to welcome visitors to our new building and to share our state’s three constitutions and other interactive exhibits."

The Library and Archives is joining Bicentennial Mall State Park and the Tennessee State Museum for a variety of events to celebrate Tennessee’s 225th Statehood Day.

Bicentennial Mall State Park is celebrating Statehood Day and its 25th anniversary on June 1 with a special event at 10 a.m. in the Amphitheater followed by guided tours and educational programs led by park rangers. For more information about the 25th-anniversary celebration, visit tnstateparks.info/BiMall25thAnn.

To celebrate Tennessee’s Statehood, the Tennessee State Museum launched Tennessee at 225: Highlights from the Collection, a self-guided tour and online exhibition showcasing artifacts that tell a story about Tennessee, from its First Peoples to the present day. Learn more at tnmuseum.org/TN225.

The Statehood Day events at the Library and Archives, Bicentennial Mall State Park and the Tennessee State Museum are free. Reservations are not required.

For the latest information from the Library and Archives, follow their social media channels: Facebook: Tennessee State Library and Archives and Instagram: @tnlibarchives and the Secretary of State's Twitter account: @SecTreHargett.

For more information about the Library and Archives and the other divisions of the Department of State, visit sos.tn.gov.

About the Tennessee State Library and Archives
The office of Tennessee Secretary of State Tre Hargett oversees the operations of the Tennessee State Library and Archives. By law, it is required to preserve Tennessee's legal and civic history by housing the archives of state government and records from families, churches, businesses and organizations. The Library and Archives is home to several notable historical documents, including Tennessee's Constitutions, letters from Tennessee's three presidents, Civil War diaries, records of 55 past Governors of the State and original records and maps of the State of Franklin. The collections include copies of virtually every book published about Tennessee and Tennesseans. The Library and Archives preserve original documents from court cases and legislation, along with audio recordings of legislative proceedings since 1955. Records from every Tennessee courthouse and all surviving Tennessee newspapers can also be viewed in the library's collections.

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

Tennessee State Library and Archives Now Open in New Location

The Tennessee State Library and Archives is now open to the public in their new building at 1001 Rep. John Lewis Way N. in Nashville.

The 165,000 square foot state-of-the-art Library and Archives facility’s design adds to the beauty of the Bicentennial Mall State Park, while the additional space and improved climate controls ensure that Tennessee's history is preserved and accessible for current and future generations.

“This is a beautiful space, a welcoming space. It is a place to spend an afternoon. It is so close to the Tennessee State Museum. You could see both in a day,” said Gordon Stannard, who visited the Library and Archives for the first time during their recent open house.

The Library and Archives, a division of the Department of State, collects and preserves books and records of historical, documentary and reference value, focusing on items related to Tennessee. It is also the state's foremost historical research facility and actively supports library and archival development throughout Tennessee.

“This is one of the best state libraries in the nation. The staff is very knowledgeable and always willing to help. They go the extra mile,” said Jean Roseman, a historian and author of “Shalom Nashville, A Jewish History” and “From Y to J, The Hundred Year History of Nashville’s Jewish Community Center” both of which are a part of the Library and Archives collection.

The Library and Archives' extensive and wide-ranging collections of books and original historical documents include state and county records, censuses and genealogical information, military records, penitentiary records, newspapers, city directories and telephone books, bibliographies, ledgers, manuscripts, letters, diaries, maps, photographs, broadsides, prints, postcards, oral histories, films, sheet music and general reference materials.

“In my research, I use the county records, newspapers, census and family records. They have so much material that you can’t find anywhere else. It’s not all online and it never will be,” said Sue Forshee Cooper, a professional genealogist and vice president of the Middle Tennessee Genealogical Society. “The new reading room is huge and so well organized. And everyone here is so nice and helpful, eager to help. I am thankful for them.”

With space for up to 300, the Library and Archives' new classroom and meeting rooms will allow them to accommodate larger school groups and provide more hands-on training for Tennessee's historians, librarians and archivists. The reading room gives visiting researchers, historians, archivists, genealogists, lawyers and students a bright, comfortable space to utilize the collections.

“The Middle Tennessee Genealogical Society is excited to use the new meeting space. We will probably have most of our meetings here. It is so beautiful, spacious and well planned. The displays in the lobby are so interesting and attractive. There are so many things to see. It is worth the trip even if you’re not doing research,” said Cooper.

The Library and Archives hosted a virtual ribbon cutting and grand opening ceremony on April 12. Watch the video from the event on the Secretary of State's Facebook page or YouTube channel.

For the latest information from the Library and Archives, follow their social media channels: Facebook: Tennessee State Library and Archives and Instagram: @tnlibarchives and the Secretary of State's Twitter account: @SecTreHargett.

Guests can visit the Library and Archives Tuesday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. CDT by appointment. Email ask@tsla.libanswers.com to schedule a research appointment. Visitors are required to wear a mask.

For more information about the Library and Archives and the other divisions of the Department of State, visit, sos.tn.gov.

About the Tennessee State Library and Archives
The office of Tennessee Secretary of State Tre Hargett oversees the operations of the Tennessee State Library and Archives. By law, it is required to preserve Tennessee's legal and civic history by housing the archives of state government and collections of records from families, churches, businesses and organizations. TSLA is home to several notable historical documents, including Tennessee's Constitutions, letters from Tennessee's three presidents, Civil War diaries, records of 55 past Governors of the State and original records and maps of the State of Franklin. The collections include copies of virtually every book published about Tennessee and Tennesseans. Original documents from court cases and legislation, along with audio recordings of legislative proceedings since 1955 are preserved by TSLA. Copies of the records from every Tennessee courthouse and all surviving Tennessee newspapers can also be viewed in the library's collections.

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

Ribbon Cutting and Grand Opening!

Join us next Monday, April 12 at 1:00 p.m. CDT for a virtual livestream ribbon cutting and grand opening ceremony for the new Tennessee State Library and Archives on http://bit.ly/TNSOSFacebook or http://bit.ly/TNSOSYouTube. 

The Library and Archives will also host an open house on Tuesday, April 13 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. CDT in their new building on Bicentennial Mall at the intersection of Rep. John Lewis Way N. and Jefferson St. in Nashville. Library and Archives staff will be available to explain the building’s new features and work done in each area as visitors take self-guided tours.

Although guests do not need a reservation for tours the building, we do ask that researchers email ask@tsla.libanswers.com to schedule your visit. Guests are required to wear a mask. Click HERE to learn more.

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

State Library and Archives Moving More Than A Half Million Pieces of Tennessee’s History to New Home

In the past two months, the Tennessee State Library and Archives team has moved more than half a million pieces of Tennessee's history to their new home on Bicentennial Mall.

Learn more about the move and their collections here bit.ly/TSLAMove.

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

Tennessee’s State Constitutions Transferred to New Home

On Monday, March 1, 2021, the Tennessee State Library and Archives (TSLA) with the assistance of the Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP), with support from the THP Honor Guard, transported Tennessee’s three constitutions from our current building to our new, soon to open home on Bicentennial Mall.

Preserving Tennessee’s legal and civic history is among the Library & Archives’ statutory responsibilities. Tennessee’s three Constitutions, first written in 1796 and revised in 1834 and 1870, are the highest valued and most historically significant items in TSLA’s collection.

   

Learn more about our state's constitutions on our website, tn.sos.gov.

For the latest information about the new building opening in the days ahead, follow the TSLA's social media channels:

Facebook: @TNStateLibraryArchives and Instagram: @tnlibarchives along with the Secretary of State’s Twitter account: @SecTreHargett.

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

New Tennessee State Library and Archives Building Set to Open in April

We are excited to announce that the Tennessee State Library and Archives will open to the public in our new location on Bicentennial Mall on April 13, 2021.

We will share more information about the new building and some of its state-of-the-art features in the coming weeks. In the meantime,  CLICK HERE to read our press release for more information.

For the latest information about the new building opening in the days ahead, follow the TSLA's social media channels:

Facebook: @TNStateLibraryArchives and Instagram: @tnlibarchives along with the Secretary of State’s Twitter account: @SecTreHargett.

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