Tennessee State Library and Archives to Host Online Workshop About the U.S. Census

In 2020, the United States is conducting the 24th constitutionally mandated count of every person in the nation. The federal census is used to determine the distribution of funding (money) and the allocation of seats in the House of Representatives (power). But for those interested in tracing their ancestors throughout American history, the census is a priceless primary source (genealogy!).

1940 Census Taker.
Image courtesy U.S. Census

On Saturday, August 1, reference librarian Trent Hanner will lead attendees on a deep dive into the census for beginners and intermediate researchers alike. He’ll also discuss how we can understand our state in the context of the larger nation, using the data that the Census Bureau is continually generating.

Trent Hanner leads the team of reference librarians at the State Library & Archives, where he has worked since 2006. He graduated from the University of Tennessee’s School of Information Sciences in 2004. When he’s not helping patrons navigate the myriad treasures at the Library & Archives, you can find him at the Belcourt Theater or on one of Nashville’s beautiful greenways.

The workshop takes place on Saturday, August 1, 2020 from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. CDT. It will be held online via Adobe Connect. Although the workshop is free, registration is required due to limited online capacity. Upon registration, guests will receive an email confirmation.

To make a reservation, visit https://tslavirtualcensus.eventbrite.com/.

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

Tennessee State Library and Archives hosts “Family History Day” on the Saturday after Thanksgiving

Family gatherings, we all have them. Whether they are annual holidays like Thanksgiving, family reunions, or one-time occasions like birthday parties, weddings or funerals, these are times when our family members come together. Join archivist and professional genealogist Melissa Barker for a presentation entitled, “Family Gatherings: Dragging Genealogy Information Out of Your Family.” This workshop will give you tips and tricks to get your family members talking about family history, even if they don’t want to!

Barker’s professional genealogy expertise is in Tennessee records; she has been researching her own family history for the past 30 years. Barker is a Certified Archives Manager currently working as the Houston County, Tennessee Archivist. She lectures, teaches, and writes about the genealogy research process, researching in archives, and records preservation. Barker also conducts virtual webinar presentations across the United States for genealogical and historical societies and writes a popular blog entitled "A Genealogist in the Archives" and is the Reviews Editor for the Federation of Genealogical Societies (FGS) magazine FORUM. In addition, Barker also writes bi-weekly advice columns at Abundant Genealogy and for her local newspaper.

The presentation will be held from 9:30 a.m. until 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 30, at the Library and Archives auditorium, and research assistance will be available until 4:30 p.m. While the workshop is free, reservations are required due to limited seating.

Please note that Library and Archives will be closed Thursday, Nov. 28, and Friday, Nov. 29, for the Thanksgiving holiday, so it is important to make reservations beforehand. Guests can register at:

https://familyhistorydaytsla2019.eventbrite.com

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

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

Tennessee State Library and Archives to Host Free Workshop on the History of Slavery in Tennessee

Author Bill Carey examines slavery in Tennessee based on newspaper articles

The Tennessee State Library and Archives will host local author Bill Carey as part of a “workshop series” on Saturday, September 14th. Carey’s latest book, Runaways, Coffles and Fancy Girls: A History of Slavery in Tennessee, examines slavery through slavery ads appearing in Tennessee newspapers.

Carey will speak with attendees about the research he conducted for Runaways, Coffles and Fancy Girls. Carey researched every newspaper printed in Tennessee from 1791 until 1864, including newspapers on microfilm held at The Tennessee State Library and Archives.

When examined collectively, these ads provide scholars and family historians a number of details about the people named within them. Carey said, “They give insight into slavery and how it was supported by governments as well as by industries such as banking and journalism."

Bill Carey has a background in journalism as a reporter for The Tennessean, Nashville Scene, WPLN, and NashvillePost.com. He is the co-founder of the nonprofit organization Tennessee History for Kids and author of six books. He also writes a monthly column for Tennessee Magazine.

The workshop will be held from 9:30 a.m. - 11 a.m. CDT Saturday, September 14, in the auditorium of the Library and Archives, located at 403 7th Ave N. in Nashville. Following the presentation, signed books will be available for purchase from the author. Free parking is available around the Library and Archives building.

While the workshop is free, reservations are required due to limited seating. To make a reservation visit click HERE.

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

State Library and Archives to Host Free Workshop on History of State Capitol

Tennesseans take great pride in their magnificent State Capitol building. Architecturally, it is one of America’s premier statehouses and still the working home of state government. Its builders believed in the classical ideal of a democracy informed by learning and saw themselves as the heirs to that tradition. They sought to embody lofty aspirations in this public structure.

On Saturday, July 13, the Tennessee State Library and Archives will host a free workshop entitled “Grounded in Tradition: The Tennessee State Capitol” by Assistant State Archivist Dr. Wayne Moore.

Hear the stories of those who labored on the Capitol, from the unpaid prisoners to William Strickland himself, from 19th century African American stonecutters and Irish masons to the 21st century Rock City crews. These and other new facts about the Capitol emerge from the wealth of records at the State Library and Archives.

Dr. Wayne Moore has employed these original sources and images from the collections of the Library and Archives to write a new history of Tennessee’s finest historic building. The workshop will be held from 9:30 a.m to 11 a.m. CDT Saturday, July 13, in the Library and Archives auditorium. The Library and Archives is located at 403 Seventh Ave. N., 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 limited seating. To make a reservation, visit https://groundedintradition.eventbrite.com.

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

State Library and Archives Celebrates Statehood Day with Original Constitutions and Special Lecture

Tennessee celebrates its 223 birthday Saturday, June 1! The Tennessee State Library and Archives will put all three of the state’s original constitutions on display to the public in commemoration of Statehood Day. The constitutions are typically protected in a vault, but all three versions will be in the Library and Archives’ lobby for viewing May 30 to June 1 from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. CDT.

As part of the celebration, the Library and Archives will also host a free lecture on Tennessee’s constitutional history. On June 1 the Honorable Judge Andy D. Bennett of the Tennessee Court of Appeals will present the history of each of Tennessee’s constitutions. Patrons can expect to learn details about the historical documents and what they meant for Tennesseans during that time in history.

"I'm thrilled the Library and Archives will again display our three state constitutions during the Statehood celebration, said Secretary of State Tre Hargett. "We're honored to have Judge Bennett join in the festivities for a lecture on the purpose of these documents, the impact they had on the earliest settlers of Tennessee and how they continue to influence state lawmaking today."

Before joining the Court of Appeals in 2007, Judge Bennett served in the Tennessee Attorney General’s office for 25 years, the last ten as Chief Deputy. He was a member of the Board of Directors of the Tennessee Bicentennial Foundation, 1993-1997, which put together the festivities for Tennessee’s Bicentennial celebration. Besides being a member of the Tennessee Bar Association, Judge Bennett is a past president and the current president-elect of the Tennessee Supreme Court Historical Society, and is the current president of the Tennessee State Library and Archives Friends organization. He has authored several legal and historical articles and received numerous awards during his distinguished career. Judge Bennett also helped create the Tennessee Judiciary Museum in 2012. He has had a long interest in the Tennessee Constitution, not only lecturing about it, but litigating about it as well.

The lecture will take place from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. CDT Saturday, June 1, in the Library and Archives auditorium. The Library and Archives is located at 403 Seventh Ave. N., directly west of the Tennessee State Capitol in downtown Nashville. Free parking is available around the Library and Archives building.

Although the lecture is free and open to the public, registration is required due to seating limitations in the auditorium. To reserve seats, please visit https://tnstatehood2019.eventbrite.com.

Viewing the state constitutions is free. No reservation is required.

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

Library and Archives Hosts Free Workshop on Civil War Research

The Civil War has touched the life of almost every U.S. citizen but connecting families with complete records can present challenges. On Saturday, May 4, the Tennessee State Library and Archives will host a free workshop entitled, “Cross Connections to the Civil War.”

Presenter J. Mark Lowe will demonstrate how to search and use the wide variety of records available through the Tennessee State Library and Archives – including records from the Grand Army of the Republic, United Confederate Veterans, United States Colored Troops, Confederate and Union Army pensions, Southern Claims Commission, court martials, newspaper accounts, unit histories, letters to governors and presidents, diaries and more. Participants can expect to leave with knowledge and tools to draw a more complete picture of their Civil War ancestor and family history.

J. Mark Lowe, CG, FUGA, is a certified genealogist who has been researching family history for more than 50 years. Lowe is a renowned author and lecturer specializing in original records and manuscripts throughout the South. He grew up in Tennessee but has extensive family roots in Kentucky. He has traveled both states and enjoys sharing his love of genealogy and the joy of research with others.

Lowe has served as president of the Association of Professional Genealogists and is past president of the Friends of the Tennessee State Library and Archives. His expertise has been featured on several genealogical television series including African American Lives 2 (PBS), Who Do You Think You Are? (TLC) and Follow Your Past (Travel).

The workshop will be held from 9:30 a.m to 11 a.m. CDT Saturday, May 4, in the Library and Archives auditorium. The Library and Archives is located at 403 Seventh Ave. N., 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 limited seating. To make a reservation, visit https://crossconnections.eventbrite.com.

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

Tennessee State Library and Archives to Host Free Workshop on Tennessee Virtual Archive

Redesigned site provides free access to valuable Tennessee historical collections

The Tennessee State Library and Archives later this month will host a workshop on the newly-redesigned Tennessee Virtual Archive (TeVA). The free online repository of Tennessee’s history, containing thousands of digitized historic items from the collections of the Library and Archives, was overhauled in 2018 to make it mobile-friendly and more accessible to the public. TeVa contains valuable collections, such as photographs, documents, maps, postcards, audio and video.

Digital Materials Librarian Jennifer Randles will take attendees on a tour of the new website and demonstrate how to make the most of TeVA, including navigating, browsing, searching, viewing and downloading. Participants will learn how to quickly find what they need in TeVA’s collections and view some of the many items available via the website.

Prior to joining the Tennessee State Library and Archives, Randles worked at Scripps Networks Interactive and the University of Tennessee, Knoxville Libraries. She holds a master’s degree in information science from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.

The workshop will be held from 9:30 – 11 a.m., Saturday, March 23, in the auditorium of the Library and Archives, located at 403 7th Ave. N. in Nashville.

While the workshop is free, reservations are required due to limited seating. To make a reservation, visit https://tevatalk.eventbrite.com.

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

Library and Archives Hosts Free How-to Workshop on Using Historical Newspapers for Research

Newspapers are some of the most valuable resources for piecing together history. On Jan. 26 the Tennessee State Library and Archives is hosting a free workshop with tips and tricks to make your newspaper research more fruitful.

Attendees will watch Old News is Good News: Using Historical Newspapers for Your Research presented by Genealogist Taneya Koonce, MLS, MPH. Koonce is an avid genealogist with more than 18 years of professional experience in information organization and management. Koonce is also the State Coordinator of the TNGenWeb Project, is a Board Member of the Middle Tennessee Genealogical Society, and is President-elect of the Nashville Chapter of the Afro-American Historical and Genealogical Society.

“The Tennessee State Library and Archives has one of the largest collection of Tennessee newspapers in the country,” said Secretary of State Tre Hargett. “I’m glad this workshop will highlight the newspaper collections and records available to the public and teach how to use them most effectively. There is a vast amount of information waiting to be re-discovered.”

Koonce will navigate attendees through the benefits of using historical newspapers and highlight strategies to make the newspaper research process even more successful. Improve your skills, speed, and accuracy when searching newspaper collections and learn more about the print, microfilm, and digitized formats available through the Tennessee State Library and Archives.

The workshop will be held 9:30 a.m. until 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 26, in the Library and Archives auditorium. The Library and Archives is located at 403 Seventh Ave. N. Free parking is available around the Library and Archives building.

Although the presentation is free and open to the public, registration is required due to seating limitations in the auditorium. To reserve seats, please visit newspaperresearch.eventbrite.com.

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

Library and Archives Hosts "Family History Day" and Genealogy Workshop the Saturday after Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is a time when many of us reconnect with family members and share stories. At the Tennessee State Library and Archives, families can also explore stories of their relatives who lived generations ago. On the Saturday after Thanksgiving, the staff at the Library and Archives is encouraging Tennesseans to visit the library and celebrate “Family History Day” by learning more about genealogical research.

Manuscripts Archivist Darla Brock presents "Genealogical Gold in Tennessee Supreme Court Records" on Nov. 24th.

Beginning genealogists are often surprised at the extent to which ordinary Tennessee citizens appear within Supreme Court records. Manuscripts Archivist Darla Brock will share eye-opening examples of genealogical treasures found in case files and court exhibits and provide tips on making the most of the online Tennessee Supreme Court Cases Database. Ms. Brock will also detail the fascinating journey taken by Tennessee’s Supreme Court records to reach their current home at the State Library and Archives. After the workshop, Library and Archives staff members will be on hand to help visitors with their research.

“The Tennessee State Library and Archives is a great place for families to learn about their ancestors and to study their genealogy, especially during the holiday season when we turn our attention to time together,” Secretary of State Tre Hargett said. “I encourage families to bring generations together by exploring the vast resources found in the state archives. You never know what you might find.”

The session will be held from 9:30 a.m. until 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 24, at the Library and Archives auditorium, and research assistance will be available until 4:30 p.m. While the workshop is free, reservations are required due to limited seating. To make a reservation, visit https://familyhistorydayworkshop2018.eventbrite.com.

 Please note that Library and Archives will be closed Thursday, Nov. 22, and Friday, Nov. 23, for the Thanksgiving holiday, so it is important to make reservations beforehand.

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

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

Workshop Series: "Glorious Victory: Election Records at the Tennessee State Library and Archives"

As we approach another election cycle, it is a great time to learn about the election-related records that are held at the Tennessee State Library and Archives. The Library and Archives has Record Groups directly relating to local, state and national elections, but did you know that there are also military election records from the early 1800s? We often use the 1891 Enumeration List as an alternate to the 1890 Tennessee census, but did you know that 1840 and 1850 lists also exist, and in a Record Group relating to elections?

In this next installment of the Tennessee State Library and Archives free workshop series, veteran genealogist Jim Long will explore those Record Groups, as well as printed and digital election-related materials held at the Library and Archives, and will show how newspapers can also be a rich source of information about elections.

Mr. Long is a lifetime member of the Montgomery County Historical Society and a volunteer at the Stewart County Archives. He has studied genealogy for more than 38 years and has published 14 books on Stewart County genealogical records. He currently serves on the Board of the Middle Tennessee Genealogical Society (MTGS) and is a Life member of the Montgomery County Historical Society. He also maintains the websites for the Tennessee State Library and Archives Friends, the Middle Tennessee Genealogical Society and the TNGenWeb sites for Stewart and Montgomery counties. A graduate of Vanderbilt University, Jim has recently retired from a career in IT, and now spends his time pursuing genealogical records and cousins willing to do DNA tests.

“Tennessee has a rich history of civic involvement,” said Secretary of State Tre Hargett. “These historical election-related records speak to this history and serve to encourage all of us to redouble our own civic efforts and carry on the important legacy and example of good citizenship demonstrated by our ancestors.”

The workshop takes place on Saturday, Sept. 29th from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. Although this workshop is free and open to the public, reservations are required due to limited seating in the auditorium. To make a reservation, visit: https://electionrecordstsla.eventbrite.com

Parking is available around the Tennessee State Library and Archives building.

For more information, call (615) 741-2764 or e-mail workshop.tsla@tn.gov.

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

Library and Archives to Host its First Theatrical Performance “The Ryman Diaries”

History has inspired a number of popular interpretations. In August, the Tennessee State Library and Archives will host a unique event as part of its ongoing workshop series.

Award-winning actor/playwright/director Tom Dolan and author/musician/educator Debbie Mathis Watts portray Music City legends Captain Tom Ryman and Bettie Baugh Ryman in the multimedia musical stage play "The Ryman Diaries."

Interior of Ryman Auditorium taken from back of balcony, showing stage and seats.
Image: Tennessee Virtual Archive

The historical drama depicts the life and times of Cumberland riverboat captain Tom Ryman as told through the eyes of his wife Bettie Baugh Ryman. Based on historical research gathered at archival institutions, including the Library and Archives, the story highlights their unlikely romance, marriage, entrepreneurship, raising seven children on a riverboat, their Christian conversion at a tent meeting and the building of the Union Gospel Tabernacle.

"The Library and Archives is constantly finding new ways for Tennesseans to fully engage with our rich history. I encourage everyone to reserve their seat now for this special addition to our workshop series," said Tennessee Secretary of State Tre Hargett.

In play’s first act, the audience meets a young Tom Ryman, entrepreneur on the Cumberland River and Bettie Baugh, a debutante, growing up in Franklin. Both survived the Battle of Franklin when a cannonball comes through the window of the family home. Each tells of their adventures during the Civil War and how fate has love, romance and a history-making event planned for them.

The performance will take place from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. CDT Saturday, Aug. 18, in the Library and Archives auditorium. The Library and Archives is located at 403 Seventh Ave. N., directly west of the Tennessee State Capitol in downtown Nashville. Free parking is available around the Library and Archives building.

Although the presentation is free and open to the public, registration is required due to seating limitations in the auditorium. To reserve seats, please visit https://rymandiaries.eventbrite.com.

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

Workshop Series -- It's Not All Online: Researching in Archives

A host of genealogy records are available at the click of a mouse, but researching solely online will reveal less than 10 percent of all the world’s genealogical records. On June 23, the Tennessee State Library and Archives will host a free workshop entitled “It’s Not All Online: Researching in Archives.”

Presenter Melissa Barker is a certified archives manager for the Houston County Archives and a professional genealogist who works with clients researching their Tennessee ancestors. Barker will discuss the importance of visiting an archive when seeking out records that are not online.

“This unique lecture will expose attendees to the world of genealogy records available at their local archives and will be a valuable resource for those interested in gaining hands-on research experience,” Secretary of State Tre Hargett said. “I encourage anyone interested to reserve their seats as soon as possible.”

The lecture will take place from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. CDT Saturday, June 23, in the Library and Archives auditorium. The Library and Archives is located at 403 Seventh Ave. N., directly west of the Tennessee State Capitol in downtown Nashville. Free parking is available around the Library and Archives building.

Although the lecture is free and open to the public, registration is required due to seating limitations in the auditorium. To reserve seats, please visit https://researchinginarchives.eventbrite.com.

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

Original Constitutions, Workshop Planned for Statehood Celebration

The Tennessee State Library and Archives will put all three of the state’s original constitutions on display to the public in commemoration of Statehood Day. The constitutions are typically protected in a vault, but all three versions will be in the Library and Archives’ lobby for public viewing June 1 to 2 from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. CDT.

“Seeing these wonderful documents makes Tennessee history come alive,” said Secretary of State Tre Hargett. “Not many Tennesseans can say they’ve seen one of our constitutions up close, much less all three. Hopefully, this exhibition will demonstrate how the Library and Archives works tirelessly to protect and chronicle our great state’s history.” 

As part of this celebration, the Library and Archives will also host a free lecture on Tennessee’s first governor John Sevier and Tennessee’s road to statehood. Gordon Belt, Library and Archives Public Services director and author of the book John Sevier: Tennessee’s First Hero, will discuss how Tennessee became a state and the prominent role Sevier played in Tennessee's early history, eventually becoming the state’s first governor.

The lecture will take place from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. CDT Saturday, June 2, in the Library and Archives auditorium. The Library and Archives is located at 403 Seventh Ave. N., directly west of the Tennessee State Capitol in downtown Nashville. Free parking is available around the Library and Archives building.

Although the lecture is free and open to the public, registration is required due to seating limitations in the auditorium. To reserve seats, please visit sevierstatehood.eventbrite.com.

Viewing the state constitutions is free. No reservation is required.

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

"Locked Up" Workshop Explores Tracing Ancestors in Prisons and Asylums

Following the trail of an ancestor in trouble with the law or plagued with mental illness is often difficult. On April 14, the Tennessee State Library and Archives will host a free workshop entitled “Locked Up: Finding Ancestors in Prisons and Asylums.”

Using examples from actual records in Tennessee and elsewhere, State Librarian and Archivist Chuck Sherrill will discuss how to locate the records, what to glean from the information and how to deal with confidentiality restrictions.

“Learning from Chuck Sherrill, who has written and edited 21 books on Tennessee genealogical records, will be a valuable tool to anyone interested in genealogical research,” said Secretary of State Tre Hargett. “I would encourage anyone interested to reserve their seats for this fascinating event as soon as possible.”

The workshop will be 9:30-11 a.m. CDT Saturday, April 14, in the Library and Archives auditorium. The Library and Archives is located at 403 Seventh Ave. N., 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 in the auditorium.

To reserve seats, please visit https://prisongenealogy.eventbrite.com.

Chuck Sherrill has served as State Librarian and Archivist of Tennessee since 2010. He has a unique combination of skills as librarian, archivist and genealogist. His education includes master’s degrees in History and Library Science from Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio. Sherrill has been active in genealogical research and publishing since he was a teenager. He has written and edited 21 books of Tennessee genealogical records. Among them are “Tennessee Convicts: Early Records of the State Penitentiary,” and “Tennesseans in Court.”

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

Library and Archives Hosts Free Workshop on African-American Family Research

Connecting families with records that tie them together is often a barrier in African-American research. On Feb. 17, the Tennessee State Library and Archives will host a free workshop on African-American genealogy.

Family portrait of Henry W. Allen, Catherine B. Allen, and Minta B. Allen. Daybook entry under Mrs. H. W. Allen.
Calvert Brothers Studio Glass Plate Negatives
Tennessee State Library and Archives

Patrons will watch Discovering the Missing Threads and Patches in my Family’s History: A Pre-recorded Webinar and Discussion featuring Deborah Abbott, Ph.D. Abbott is a professional genealogist who specializes in advanced African-American research, manuscript collections and genealogy methodology. She has also been highlighted on various projects with Ancestry.com.

"Anyone interested in their family's history can find a wealth of information at the Library and Archives. I'm honored this workshop will highlight the collections and records available to the public that traces African-American history in Tennessee," said Secretary of State Tre Hargett.

Dr. Deborah Abbott, Ph.D.

Abbott will highlight how genealogists shouldn’t ignore the basics. Her webinar demonstrates how to understand all records and the history that surrounds them which can bridge the gap between slavery and freedom.

Certified genealogist and fellow of the Utah Genealogical Association, J. Mark Lowe, will moderate the discussion.

The workshop will be 9:30 a.m. until 11 a.m. CST Saturday, Feb. 17, in the Library and Archives auditorium.

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 in the auditorium. To reserve seats, please visit https://abbottworkshop.eventbrite.com.

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

Library and Archives Hosts Genealogy Workshop the Saturday after Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is a time when many of us reconnect with family members and share stories. At the Tennessee State Library and Archives, families can also explore stories of their relatives who lived generations ago.

On the Saturday after Thanksgiving, the staff at the Library and Archives is encouraging Tennesseans to visit the library and celebrate “Family History Day” by learning more about genealogical research.

"I invite Tennesseans looking to discover more about their heritage. This event is a wonderful opportunity for families to come together to reflect and be thankful for each other and their ancestors," Secretary of State Tre Hargett said. "I encourage people to reserve their seats as soon as possible."


Gordon Belt, director of the Library and Archives’ public services section, will present a genealogy workshop for beginners entitled, "Genealogy A to Z," which will provide tips and guidance for anyone interested in starting their family history research. The workshop will also include advice on researching Library and Archives' collections, which can offer a wealth of information for those researching their ancestry. After the workshop, Library and Archives staff members will be on hand to help visitors with their research.

The session will be held from 9:30 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 25, at the Library and Archives auditorium, and research assistance will be available until 4:30 p.m. While the workshop is free, reservations are required due to limited seating. To make a reservation, visit genealogy101.eventbrite.com. Please note that Library and Archives will be closed Thursday, Nov. 23, and Friday, Nov. 24, for the Thanksgiving holiday, so it is important to make reservations beforehand.

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

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

Land Platting Workshop video now available online...

On Sept. 23, Presenter J. Mark Lowe, a certified genealogist and a renowned author and lecturer who specializes in original records and manuscripts throughout the South, delivered a presentation on how platting a property tract map may help identify many important features of a community, including ferries, mills, cemeteries, trails, historic homes and many other landmarks. With the aid of a few inexpensive tools, researchers can construct their own plats of land tracts as described in deeds, wills, court records or land grants.

Registration for this lecture drew a full house, so due to high demand we are making a video of Lowe's lecture available to the public. If you missed it the first time, or if you attended and wanted to revisit the lessons learned in this informative session, we encourage you to view the video at: https://sos.tn.gov/products/tsla/library-and-archives-workshop-land-platting



On Saturdays, the Tennessee State Library and Archives periodically hosts free "Workshop Series" lectures, featuring experts from our staff and researchers from outside our institution. The goal of the "Workshop Series" is to share information about materials and services offered by the Library and Archives and to provide opportunities for scholars, genealogists and historical researchers to share their work. Each lecture draws upon the resources of the Library and Archives and informs our audience about the historic value of our vast collection, and how they may use it in their own research.

See the entire "Workshop Series" video catalog here: https://sos.tn.gov/tsla/library-and-archives-workshop-series

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

Folklife artists share their craft...

Please join us at the Library and Archives on Oct. 14 from 10 a.m. to noon to learn more about the soon-to-be-released digital collection and learn more about folklife in Tennessee.

We are excited that peach pit carver Roger Smith will be present as a featured artist at the upcoming event. Roger R. Smith of Culleoka, Tennessee, is a cattle farmer and retired meter reader for the Duck River Electric Company.

While he doesn’t consider himself an artist, he carves amazing figures out of peach seeds using only his pocket knife. Mr. Smith creates animals, reptiles, people and even an entire baseball stadium complete with peach pit players, spectators and automobiles. He estimates that each figurine takes about four to eight hours to complete. Mr. Smith’s work has been on display at the Tennessee State Museum as well as the White House where his Santa carving was displayed on the tree as part of Christmas at the White House before becoming a permanent part of the White House ornament collection.

In addition, former Director of the Tennessee Arts Commission Folklife Program, Robert Cogswell, will speak about the collection and old-time buckdancer Thomas Maupin will be performing. Although the workshop is free and open to the public, registration is required due to seating limitations in the auditorium. To reserve seats, please visit folklifetsla.eventbrite.com.

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

Library and Archives Hosts Free Folklife Event

In partnership with the Tennessee Arts Commission, the Tennessee State Library and Archives will host a free event about folklife Oct. 14. Folklife is a multifaceted tradition which values oral stories, songs, art and many other cultural aspects.

The Library and Archives' abundant resources assert Tennessee as a premier resource for national folk studies. This upcoming event will highlight the publication of a large digital image collection consisting of approximately 22,000 photographs, slides, and negatives. Over 300 of these images will be released on the Tennessee Virtual Archive to coincide with the event, with the rest of the images to be published over subsequent years.

Dr. Robert Cogswell will speak about the collection he developed over three decades during his tenure as Director of the Tennessee Arts Commission Folklife Program. Dr. Cogswell retired from the Commission in 2014. Thomas Maupin, winner of the National Education Association’s National Heritage Fellowship award and renowned old-time buckdancer, will also perform. In addition, Roger R. Smith of Culleoka, Tennessee, will be on hand to talk about his craft. Smith carves figures from peach pits, including animals, reptiles, people, and even an entire baseball stadium complete with players, spectators, and automobiles. Smith’s work has been on display at the Tennessee State Museum as well as the White House. Free children’s craft activities will also be available during the event.

The event will be 10 a.m. until noon CDT Oct. 14 in the Library and Archives auditorium.

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 in the auditorium.

To reserve seats, please visit: https://folklifetsla.eventbrite.com.

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

Library and Archives Hosts Free Workshop on Land Platting

UPDATE: Due to high demand, we have received the maximum number of registrations we are able to seat for our upcoming workshop, “Land Platting: State Grants and Local Deeds” by J. Mark Lowe. Registration is now closed. We look forward to seeing those who have registered for this presentation on Sept. 23rd.

If you wish to have your name added to our reserve waiting list to attend this workshop, please email workshop.tsla@tn.gov. When a registered attendee cancels in advance of this event, we will notify a waiting list member that a spot has opened up. You are also welcome to arrive on the day of the event to be on standby in case a spot opens up. Please note, however, that we cannot guarantee you a spot due to seating limitations in our Auditorium.

For those unable to attend, we plan to video record this session for publication on our website at a later date. We look forward to sharing that video with you in the coming weeks. Meanwhile, thank you for your interest in our Workshop Series. We’ll continue to keep you updated on future events. 


Locating the land of an ancestor can uncover a wealth of knowledge. On Sept. 23, the Tennessee State Library and Archives will host a free workshop about land platting. It will be a basic review of the steps in locating the description of property in Tennessee and platting that description onto a map.

Plat of Hiwassee District. Tennessee Virtual Archive.

Presenter J. Mark Lowe is a certified genealogist and fellow of the Utah Genealogical Association. He’s also a renowned author and lecturer who specializes in original records and manuscripts throughout the South. His expertise has been featured on several genealogical television series including African American Lives 2 (PBS), Who Do You Think You Are? (TLC) and The UneXplained (BIO).

Lowe will demonstrate how platting a property tract map may help identify many important features of a community, including ferries, mills, cemeteries, trails, historic homes and many other landmarks. With the aid of a few inexpensive tools, researchers can construct their own plats of land tracts as described in deeds, wills, court records or land grants.

"This workshop allows us to see and interpret history through our greatest natural resource: land. Lowe’s insight will serve as a valuable tool for Tennesseans looking to discover more about their heritage," Secretary of State Tre Hargett said. "I look forward to this event and encourage people to reserve their seats as soon as possible."

The workshop will be 9:30 a.m. until 11 a.m. CDT Saturday, Sept. 23, in the Library and Archives auditorium.

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 in the auditorium. To reserve seats, please visit loweworkshop.eventbrite.com.

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