Page 4 Tennessee Civil War National Heritage Area News Spring 2007

Spring 2007 http://histpres.mtsu.edu/tncivwar Vol. 4, No. 4

TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR

NATIONAL HERITAGE AREA NEWS

• Telling the Whole Story of America’s Greatest Challenge, 1860 –1875 •

Mark Your Calendar

Across Tennessee, historic schools still enhance the landscapes ofboth rural and urban communities. For generations of Tennesseans, these schools occupy a revered place in hearts and histories; the buildings are interwoven into memories of childhood, community, and a collective past. But beyond their nostalgic value, many historic school buildings have the potential to provide tremendous economic, social, and educational benefits to their communities.

When properly maintained, historic school buildings can represent out-standing examples of well-built, unique, enduring construction. During the Progressive Era, many solidly built, well-designed schools were built across the country to reflect that era’s educationalphilosophies. Similarly, during the New Deal, the Public Works Administration was responsible for an extensive school building program resulting in thousands of

sturdy, modern facilities. Because of their excellent construction, many of these buildings have survived in Tennessee, and their flexibility and durability makes them prime candi-dates for adaptive reuse.

In addition to solid construction, many historic school buildings contain striking architectural features that contribute to their overall character and value. Common features in late 19th- and early 20th-century school buildings include large windows, millwork, hardwood flooring, rich brick and limestone exteriors, and high, vaulted ceilings that contrib-ute to an open, adaptable, well-lit atmosphere. When former school buildings are rehabilitated for other purposes such as offices, apart-ments, or community centers, these features make these distinctive buildings even more valuable.

Unfortunately, most school admin-istrators, policymakers, and citizens maintain deep-rooted misconcep-tions that prevent finding successful new uses for older school facilities. Many believe that older schools are

structurally unsound and inferior to new construction. Some historic school buildings are unable to meet the state’s strict size and structural requirements required for operat-ing schools. Many historic school buildings remain in disuse because architects, engineers, and contrac-tors hired to evaluate them have neither an interest nor formal train-ing in restoration and reuse, being primarily trained in the precepts of new construction. As a result, his-toric school evaluations may not provide an adequate analysis for adaptive reuse. In-depth feasibility studies to evaluate a historic school building’s condition, when conduct-ed by professionals with experience in preservation and rehabilitation, offer a much more accurate view of the potential for continued use.

Why Franklin Matters! Exploring the Preservation and Interpretation of Franklin’s Civil War StoryJune 21–24, 2007Franklin, Tennessee (Cool Springs Marriott)This symposium is the summer’s most comprehensive Civil Warheritage event. It features comprehensive guided tours of manyhistoric buildings and landscapes; roundtable discussions led by noted Civil War scholars about the impact of the Battle of Franklin on the competing armies; the home front, occupation, and emancipation; and outstanding evening events. In addition, preservation and heritage

Saving Tennessee’s Historic Schools

For decades, schools have occupied prominent locations in Tennessee’s communities. Many of the state’s historic schools, although growing older, remain structurally sound and visually pleasing examples of heritage, values, and style. Although some historic school buildings no longer meet state-mandated require-ments for active schools, their solid construction, distinctive features, flexibility, and central locations make them outstanding candidates for renovation as offices, community centers, apart-ments, and almost anything else that those with knowledge of renovation and a little imagination can conceive. Adaptive reuse allows these buildings to continue to effectively serve their com-munities in new and imaginative ways for generations.

Funds and Resources for Historic School Rehabilitation and Reuse

The Tennessee Civil War National Heritage Area can provide assistance for rehabilitation through National Register nomina-tions, feasibility studies, and renovation recommendations. Our programs, often provided at little or no cost, have helped save historic schools across the state. Other resources to help protect and raise awareness for Tennessee’s historic schools include emergency intervention grant opportunities from the

Central Elementary in Obion County is ahistoric community landmark.

National Trust for Historic Preservation and grant opportuni-ties and historical markers through the Tennessee Historical Commission. Threatened historic schools can be nominated for the Tennessee Preservation Trust’s “Ten in Tennessee,” an annual list of the state’s most endangered historic sites. This list helps the trust garner support to save threatened resourc-es; of the fifty sites listed since the program began, only three have been lost.

Resource Links:Tennessee Civil War National Heritage Areahistpres.mtsu.edu/tncivwar

Tennessee Historical Commissionhttp://state.tn.us/environment/hist/

Tennessee Preservation Trustwww.tennesseepreservationtrust.org/ten

The National Trust for Historic Preservationwww.nationaltrust.org/

National Register of Historic Places Application Processhttp://www.cr.nps.gov/nr/

Saving Tennessee’s Historic Schools (cont.)

MTSU, a Tennessee Board of Regents university, is an equal opportunity, nonracially identifiable, educational institution that does not discriminate against individuals with disabilities. AA241-0407

Tennessee Civil War National Heritage AreaCenter for Historic PreservationMiddle Tennessee State UniversityBox 80Murfreesboro, TN 37132

5-31412

Non-ProfitOrganization

U.S. POSTAGEPAID

Permit No. 169Murfreesboro, TN

tourism professionals will discuss how to make battlefield preserva-tion work in your community and how Franklin serves as a national model of why battlefield preservation makes dollars and sense.

Whatever your interest in the years of America’s greatest chal-lenge—whether you want to know more about the heroism and terror of those years or if you’re considering Civil War tourism as a local economic tool—this event promises to satisfy.

For more information or to register for the conference, please visit www.franklinscharge.com or contact Stacey Watson at info@franklinscharge.com.

The restored Boiling Springs Academy at Brentwood’s Primm Park now provides heritage education opportunities for students.

continued

The Heritage Area was also instru-mental in helping preserve a historic school in west Tennessee. Located on the Decatur/Henderson County line, the Doe Creek School and Church stands as one of the last one-room log schoolhouses in rural west Tennessee. This historic Reconstruction-era log school and church remained in active use until the 1950s. Concerned by the building’s recent rapid decay, several former students created the Restoration Committee, dedicated to restoring the building to its original character. To assist in the restoration, the Heritage Area provided a structural assessment and recommendations. In February, alumni along with local and stateelected officials began a community-driven partnership to renovate andpreserve this unique structure. Plans call for the restoration to be completed by late summer 2007.

Murfreesboro’s historic Bradley Academy is another excellent example of rehabilitation and adaptive reuse. Built in 1917 as a school for African Americans, it later fell into disuse and disrepair. In 1990, the Bradley Academy Historical Association, with assistance from the Center for Historic Preservation, reclaimed the building and renovated it for use as a multipurpose community center. The historic building now serves as a museum, a meeting facility, and an education center. Bradley Academy is one of the few remain-ing African American heritage sites in Murfreesboro to survive urban renewal.

continued

Page 2 Tennessee Civil War National Heritage Area News Spring 2007

The Tennessee Civil War National Heritage Area (TCWNHA) is a statewide program dedicated to the interpretation and preserva-tion of Tennessee’s Civil War and Reconstruction resources. Partially funded by the National Park Service, the TCWNHA is one of several projects administered by the Center for Historic Preservation at Middle Tennessee State University.

Tennessee Civil WarNational Heritage AreaCenter for Historic PreservationMiddle Tennessee State UniversityBox 80Murfreesboro, TN 37132615-898-2947615-898-5614 faxhttp://histpres.mtsu.edu/tncivwarcivilwar@mtsu.edu

A member of the Alliance of National Heritage Areaswww.nationalheritageareas.com

TCWNHA Staff

Carroll Van WestDirector

Laura Stewart HolderManager

Michael Thomas GavinPreservation Specialist

Antoinette G. van ZelmHistorian

Melissa ZimmermanHeritage Programming Specialist

Stacey GrahamResearch Professor

Saving Tennessee’s Historic Schools (cont.)

Spring 2007 Tennessee Civil War National Heritage Area News Page 3

Through increased awareness and education about older school con-struction and renovation, it’s possible to challenge common misconceptions that threaten our historic schools. Although there are cases when dam-age from deferred maintenance and neglect is too extensive to fix, many historic schools can still be cost-effectively renovated and reused. Tennessee has great examples ofhistoric school buildings that have been renovated into communitycenters, affordable housing, offices, and public administrative offices.

It’s not as hard as it sounds. With strong local partnerships, some creativity, and public/private fund-ing, historic school buildings across Tennessee can be renovated forthe economic, social, and aesthetic benefit of their communities.

Schools in DangerWhile there are many succesfulcases of adaptive reuse in Tennessee, some of our most historic schools remain threatened by deferred main-tenance and neglect. The now-aban-doned Morristown College campus in Morristown powerfully demonstrates how the American Civil War trans-formed the people and places of Appalachia. Originally part of the 1864 Battle of Morristown battlefield and the subsequent Federal occupation camp, the campus attracted mission-aries after the war, who established a Freedmen’s Bureau school for African Americans. For over 100 years,

Morristown College graduated African American leaders including ministers, educators, businessmen, scientists, attorneys, and civil rights activists. Today, the once-beautiful buildings of the historic school stand vacant, neglected for so long that restoration seems like an insurmountablechallenge.

Schools on the Brink of RehabilitationOther historic schools, however, have gained the attention of both public and private groups and people committed to their renovation and reuse.

Memphis’s Melrose School isa historic school on the brink of rehabilitation. The school is located in Orange Mound, one of the oldest African American neighborhoodsin the state. The New Deal built Melrose in 1938 and its students excelled in academics, music, the-ater, and sports. From 1946 to 1972, high school students graduated from Melrose, which closed as a junior high in 1979. The building, once slated for demolition, was saved by local residents working with University of Memphis professors and multiple community groups, who convincedcity officials to use the school’sextensive demolition funds ($800,000) as seed money for the restoration and conversion of the school into a cultural and historical center.

continued

TCWNHA Board of Advisors

Beverly BondUniversity of Memphis

Lee Curtis Tennessee Department of Tourist Development

Vilma Scruggs FieldsChattanooga African American Museum

Jack FishmanLakeway Publishers

Glenn GallienThe Nature Conservancy

Jack GilpinTennessee State Parks

Brock HillCumberland County Executive

Stuart JohnsonStones River National Battlefield

Alton KelleyBelle Meade Plantation

Larry LoftonUSDA, Natural Resources Conservation Services

Bobby L. LovettTennessee State University

Randy LucasAttorney

Patrick McIntyreTennessee Historical Commission

Ben NanceTennessee Division of Archaeology

Dan PomeroyTennessee State Museum

Fred ProutyTennessee Historical Commission

T. Clark ShawCasey Jones Village

Michael ToomeyEast Tennessee Historical Society

Ann ToplovichTennessee Historical Society

Richard TuneTennessee Historical Commission

Ex Officio

Bart GordonU.S. Congress

Douglas HenryTennessee Senate

Steve McDanielTennessee House of Representatives

Success Stories The Heritage Area and the Center for Historic Preservation have taken the lead in many adaptive reuse historic school projects. These projects demon-strate that community commitment and reciprocal public/private partnerships can transform historic schools into vital community institutions that contribute to economic development.

Today, the buildings at Morristown College are abandoned and decaying. But similar institutions whose fate once seemed equally bleak have become models of preservation and reuse. The 1848 Lee School in Paris, Tennessee, served as a private academy through the war years; in 1893, it was enlarged and converted to become the town’s largest public downtown school. Once classes ended, use and basic mainte-nance of the school building ceased. In 2003, Lee School alumni and local civic leaders asked the Heritage Area, the Center for Historic Preservation, and the National Trust for Historic Preservation for help. The National Trust provided funds to immediately stop water damage from a leaky roof. The center developed a roadmap to develop and sustain the school as a multiple-use facility. Paris and Henry County residents did the rest. The school now serves as a thriving, mul-tipurpose location for arts and music classes, artists in residence, and a Sylvan Learning Center.

Saving Tennessee’s Historic Schools (cont.)

Morristown College is threatened by deferred maintenance and neglect.

The rare one-room log Doe Creek schoolhouse has generated extensive community involve-ment and support.

The Lee School is a model of public/private partnerships and successful adaptive reuse.

Bradley Academy, Murfreesboro’s historic African American school, is an excellentexample of rehabilitation.

The Heritage Area was also instru-mental in helping preserve a historic school in west Tennessee. Located on the Decatur/Henderson County line, the Doe Creek School and Church stands as one of the last one-room log schoolhouses in rural west Tennessee. This historic Reconstruction-era log school and church remained in active use until the 1950s. Concerned by the building’s recent rapid decay, several former students created the Restoration Committee, dedicated to restoring the building to its original character. To assist in the restoration, the Heritage Area provided a structural assessment and recommendations. In February, alumni along with local and stateelected officials began a community-driven partnership to renovate andpreserve this unique structure. Plans call for the restoration to be completed by late summer 2007.

Murfreesboro’s historic Bradley Academy is another excellent example of rehabilitation and adaptive reuse. Built in 1917 as a school for African Americans, it later fell into disuse and disrepair. In 1990, the Bradley Academy Historical Association, with assistance from the Center for Historic Preservation, reclaimed the building and renovated it for use as a multipurpose community center. The historic building now serves as a museum, a meeting facility, and an education center. Bradley Academy is one of the few remain-ing African American heritage sites in Murfreesboro to survive urban renewal.

continued

Page 2 Tennessee Civil War National Heritage Area News Spring 2007

The Tennessee Civil War National Heritage Area (TCWNHA) is a statewide program dedicated to the interpretation and preserva-tion of Tennessee’s Civil War and Reconstruction resources. Partially funded by the National Park Service, the TCWNHA is one of several projects administered by the Center for Historic Preservation at Middle Tennessee State University.

Tennessee Civil WarNational Heritage AreaCenter for Historic PreservationMiddle Tennessee State UniversityBox 80Murfreesboro, TN 37132615-898-2947615-898-5614 faxhttp://histpres.mtsu.edu/tncivwarcivilwar@mtsu.edu

A member of the Alliance of National Heritage Areaswww.nationalheritageareas.com

TCWNHA Staff

Carroll Van WestDirector

Laura Stewart HolderManager

Michael Thomas GavinPreservation Specialist

Antoinette G. van ZelmHistorian

Melissa ZimmermanHeritage Programming Specialist

Stacey GrahamResearch Professor

Saving Tennessee’s Historic Schools (cont.)

Spring 2007 Tennessee Civil War National Heritage Area News Page 3

Through increased awareness and education about older school con-struction and renovation, it’s possible to challenge common misconceptions that threaten our historic schools. Although there are cases when dam-age from deferred maintenance and neglect is too extensive to fix, many historic schools can still be cost-effectively renovated and reused. Tennessee has great examples ofhistoric school buildings that have been renovated into communitycenters, affordable housing, offices, and public administrative offices.

It’s not as hard as it sounds. With strong local partnerships, some creativity, and public/private fund-ing, historic school buildings across Tennessee can be renovated forthe economic, social, and aesthetic benefit of their communities.

Schools in DangerWhile there are many succesfulcases of adaptive reuse in Tennessee, some of our most historic schools remain threatened by deferred main-tenance and neglect. The now-aban-doned Morristown College campus in Morristown powerfully demonstrates how the American Civil War trans-formed the people and places of Appalachia. Originally part of the 1864 Battle of Morristown battlefield and the subsequent Federal occupation camp, the campus attracted mission-aries after the war, who established a Freedmen’s Bureau school for African Americans. For over 100 years,

Morristown College graduated African American leaders including ministers, educators, businessmen, scientists, attorneys, and civil rights activists. Today, the once-beautiful buildings of the historic school stand vacant, neglected for so long that restoration seems like an insurmountablechallenge.

Schools on the Brink of RehabilitationOther historic schools, however, have gained the attention of both public and private groups and people committed to their renovation and reuse.

Memphis’s Melrose School isa historic school on the brink of rehabilitation. The school is located in Orange Mound, one of the oldest African American neighborhoodsin the state. The New Deal built Melrose in 1938 and its students excelled in academics, music, the-ater, and sports. From 1946 to 1972, high school students graduated from Melrose, which closed as a junior high in 1979. The building, once slated for demolition, was saved by local residents working with University of Memphis professors and multiple community groups, who convincedcity officials to use the school’sextensive demolition funds ($800,000) as seed money for the restoration and conversion of the school into a cultural and historical center.

continued

TCWNHA Board of Advisors

Beverly BondUniversity of Memphis

Lee Curtis Tennessee Department of Tourist Development

Vilma Scruggs FieldsChattanooga African American Museum

Jack FishmanLakeway Publishers

Glenn GallienThe Nature Conservancy

Jack GilpinTennessee State Parks

Brock HillCumberland County Executive

Stuart JohnsonStones River National Battlefield

Alton KelleyBelle Meade Plantation

Larry LoftonUSDA, Natural Resources Conservation Services

Bobby L. LovettTennessee State University

Randy LucasAttorney

Patrick McIntyreTennessee Historical Commission

Ben NanceTennessee Division of Archaeology

Dan PomeroyTennessee State Museum

Fred ProutyTennessee Historical Commission

T. Clark ShawCasey Jones Village

Michael ToomeyEast Tennessee Historical Society

Ann ToplovichTennessee Historical Society

Richard TuneTennessee Historical Commission

Ex Officio

Bart GordonU.S. Congress

Douglas HenryTennessee Senate

Steve McDanielTennessee House of Representatives

Success Stories The Heritage Area and the Center for Historic Preservation have taken the lead in many adaptive reuse historic school projects. These projects demon-strate that community commitment and reciprocal public/private partnerships can transform historic schools into vital community institutions that contribute to economic development.

Today, the buildings at Morristown College are abandoned and decaying. But similar institutions whose fate once seemed equally bleak have become models of preservation and reuse. The 1848 Lee School in Paris, Tennessee, served as a private academy through the war years; in 1893, it was enlarged and converted to become the town’s largest public downtown school. Once classes ended, use and basic mainte-nance of the school building ceased. In 2003, Lee School alumni and local civic leaders asked the Heritage Area, the Center for Historic Preservation, and the National Trust for Historic Preservation for help. The National Trust provided funds to immediately stop water damage from a leaky roof. The center developed a roadmap to develop and sustain the school as a multiple-use facility. Paris and Henry County residents did the rest. The school now serves as a thriving, mul-tipurpose location for arts and music classes, artists in residence, and a Sylvan Learning Center.

Saving Tennessee’s Historic Schools (cont.)

Morristown College is threatened by deferred maintenance and neglect.

The rare one-room log Doe Creek schoolhouse has generated extensive community involve-ment and support.

The Lee School is a model of public/private partnerships and successful adaptive reuse.

Bradley Academy, Murfreesboro’s historic African American school, is an excellentexample of rehabilitation.

Page 4 Tennessee Civil War National Heritage Area News Spring 2007

Spring 2007 http://histpres.mtsu.edu/tncivwar Vol. 4, No. 4

TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR

NATIONAL HERITAGE AREA NEWS

• Telling the Whole Story of America’s Greatest Challenge, 1860 –1875 •

Mark Your Calendar

Across Tennessee, historic schools still enhance the landscapes ofboth rural and urban communities. For generations of Tennesseans, these schools occupy a revered place in hearts and histories; the buildings are interwoven into memories of childhood, community, and a collective past. But beyond their nostalgic value, many historic school buildings have the potential to provide tremendous economic, social, and educational benefits to their communities.

When properly maintained, historic school buildings can represent out-standing examples of well-built, unique, enduring construction. During the Progressive Era, many solidly built, well-designed schools were built across the country to reflect that era’s educationalphilosophies. Similarly, during the New Deal, the Public Works Administration was responsible for an extensive school building program resulting in thousands of

sturdy, modern facilities. Because of their excellent construction, many of these buildings have survived in Tennessee, and their flexibility and durability makes them prime candi-dates for adaptive reuse.

In addition to solid construction, many historic school buildings contain striking architectural features that contribute to their overall character and value. Common features in late 19th- and early 20th-century school buildings include large windows, millwork, hardwood flooring, rich brick and limestone exteriors, and high, vaulted ceilings that contrib-ute to an open, adaptable, well-lit atmosphere. When former school buildings are rehabilitated for other purposes such as offices, apart-ments, or community centers, these features make these distinctive buildings even more valuable.

Unfortunately, most school admin-istrators, policymakers, and citizens maintain deep-rooted misconcep-tions that prevent finding successful new uses for older school facilities. Many believe that older schools are

structurally unsound and inferior to new construction. Some historic school buildings are unable to meet the state’s strict size and structural requirements required for operat-ing schools. Many historic school buildings remain in disuse because architects, engineers, and contrac-tors hired to evaluate them have neither an interest nor formal train-ing in restoration and reuse, being primarily trained in the precepts of new construction. As a result, his-toric school evaluations may not provide an adequate analysis for adaptive reuse. In-depth feasibility studies to evaluate a historic school building’s condition, when conduct-ed by professionals with experience in preservation and rehabilitation, offer a much more accurate view of the potential for continued use.

Why Franklin Matters! Exploring the Preservation and Interpretation of Franklin’s Civil War StoryJune 21–24, 2007Franklin, Tennessee (Cool Springs Marriott)This symposium is the summer’s most comprehensive Civil Warheritage event. It features comprehensive guided tours of manyhistoric buildings and landscapes; roundtable discussions led by noted Civil War scholars about the impact of the Battle of Franklin on the competing armies; the home front, occupation, and emancipation; and outstanding evening events. In addition, preservation and heritage

Saving Tennessee’s Historic Schools

For decades, schools have occupied prominent locations in Tennessee’s communities. Many of the state’s historic schools, although growing older, remain structurally sound and visually pleasing examples of heritage, values, and style. Although some historic school buildings no longer meet state-mandated require-ments for active schools, their solid construction, distinctive features, flexibility, and central locations make them outstanding candidates for renovation as offices, community centers, apart-ments, and almost anything else that those with knowledge of renovation and a little imagination can conceive. Adaptive reuse allows these buildings to continue to effectively serve their com-munities in new and imaginative ways for generations.

Funds and Resources for Historic School Rehabilitation and Reuse

The Tennessee Civil War National Heritage Area can provide assistance for rehabilitation through National Register nomina-tions, feasibility studies, and renovation recommendations. Our programs, often provided at little or no cost, have helped save historic schools across the state. Other resources to help protect and raise awareness for Tennessee’s historic schools include emergency intervention grant opportunities from the

Central Elementary in Obion County is ahistoric community landmark.

National Trust for Historic Preservation and grant opportuni-ties and historical markers through the Tennessee Historical Commission. Threatened historic schools can be nominated for the Tennessee Preservation Trust’s “Ten in Tennessee,” an annual list of the state’s most endangered historic sites. This list helps the trust garner support to save threatened resourc-es; of the fifty sites listed since the program began, only three have been lost.

Resource Links:Tennessee Civil War National Heritage Areahistpres.mtsu.edu/tncivwar

Tennessee Historical Commissionhttp://state.tn.us/environment/hist/

Tennessee Preservation Trustwww.tennesseepreservationtrust.org/ten

The National Trust for Historic Preservationwww.nationaltrust.org/

National Register of Historic Places Application Processhttp://www.cr.nps.gov/nr/

Saving Tennessee’s Historic Schools (cont.)

MTSU, a Tennessee Board of Regents university, is an equal opportunity, nonracially identifiable, educational institution that does not discriminate against individuals with disabilities. AA241-0407

Tennessee Civil War National Heritage AreaCenter for Historic PreservationMiddle Tennessee State UniversityBox 80Murfreesboro, TN 37132

5-31412

Non-ProfitOrganization

U.S. POSTAGEPAID

Permit No. 169Murfreesboro, TN

tourism professionals will discuss how to make battlefield preserva-tion work in your community and how Franklin serves as a national model of why battlefield preservation makes dollars and sense.

Whatever your interest in the years of America’s greatest chal-lenge—whether you want to know more about the heroism and terror of those years or if you’re considering Civil War tourism as a local economic tool—this event promises to satisfy.

For more information or to register for the conference, please visit www.franklinscharge.com or contact Stacey Watson at info@franklinscharge.com.

The restored Boiling Springs Academy at Brentwood’s Primm Park now provides heritage education opportunities for students.

continued

Page 0 Tennessee Civil War National Heritage Area News Fall 2003 Page 0 Tennessee Civil War National Heritage Area News Fall 2003

A new exhibit created by the Heritage Area is traveling throughout middle Tennessee this spring and summer. "Free at Last! Emancipation and Reconstruction in Tennessee" emphasizes the significance of emancipation and provides an introduction to the joys and challenges shared by African Americans in the aftermath of slavery. After several weeks at Lebanon’s Roy Bailey African American History Center, the exhibit is now at the Sam Davis Home in Smyrna. It will travel to the Granville Museum (May 23–June 15) in Jackson County, the McLemore House (June 16–August 10) in Franklin, and Oaklands Historic House Museum (August 13–September 21) in Murfreesboro.

Just in time for National Women’s History Month, the Heritage Center of Murfreesboro and Rutherford County unveiled the exhibit "From the Nation’s Capital to Neighborhood Classrooms: Rutherford County Women, Past and Present." This new, temporary exhibit explores the outstanding contributions of ten local women chosen from the thousands of prominent educators, artists, professionals, housewives, and farmwives who have made a difference in Rutherford County’s history. The exhibit will be on view through the end of the year at the Heritage Center, 225 W. College Street, in Murfreesboro.

Our fourth Legacy of Stones River Symposium, “Remembering the Civil War,” drew over 150 people to Murfreesboro’s historic antebellum courthouse. Well-known scholars gave outstanding presentations on the preserva-tion of Civil War sites and the commemoration of wartime sacrifice and emancipation. Participants also enjoyed stirring tours of the National Cemetery and the Hazen Brigade Monument at Stones River National Battlefield. U.S. Congressman Bart Gordon dedicated the park’s new rostrum while the Olde Towne Brass Band of Huntsville, Alabama, provided period music. The symposium was sponsored by the Heritage Area, the National Park Service, the Department of History at MTSU, Eastern National, the Center for Historic Preservation, the Friends of Stones River National Battlefield, and Teaching American History: Discover TAHO!

Helping Communities and Citizens Preserve the Best of the Past

From Civil War Fort to State Park: A History of Fort Pillow State Historic Area, a new publication written and devel-oped through a partnership between the Heritage Area and Rhodes College, is now available at Fort Pillow State Park. The booklet provides a well-researched and accessible account of what took place at Fort Pillow during the spring of 1864, allowing visitors to gain a greater understanding of key events in and around west Tennessee during the Civil War.

The East Tennessee Historical Society (ETHS) in Knoxville is preparing to unveil its newest informational kiosk. The user-friendly kiosk will direct visitors to major Civil War sites across east Tennessee. Visitors can search by category or by county using a state-of-the-art touch screen that will allow them to print out pertinent information about the plac-es they plan to visit. The kiosk will be a great complement to ETHS’s upcoming Civil War permanent exhibit and video, scheduled to open later this year.

In January, the National Trust for Historic Preservation invited Dr. Van West to join its board of advisors as a repre-sentative for Tennessee. Advisors represent the skills, inter-ests, accomplishments, and diverse constituencies involved in the preservation movement across the United States. Each state has two representatives, who work closely with the Trust and its regional offices to assist with preservation-related issues including heritage education, tourism, diver-sity, and economic development.

Dr. Stacey Graham joined the Heritage Area in February as the new research professor. A native of Murfreesboro, she received her B.A. from the University of Michigan and her M.A. and Ph.D. in history from UCLA. Graham brings out-standing research and teaching experience to the position as well as a dedication to the interpretation and preservation of Tennessee’s historic sites. Graham is using her research background to develop practical, accessible projects that benefit both communities and scholars and will begin teach-ing in the fall.

Helping Communities and Citizens Preserve the Best of the Past

Over 150 attendees participated in the fourthLegacy of Stones River Symposium; Congressman Bart Gordon addresses the crowd at the new Stones River National Battlefield rostrum. This resource is available

at Fort Pillow State Park.

This historic log cabin is a focal point of ETHS’s new Civil War exhibit.

Tommy Murdic helps install the Reconstruction exhibit at the McLemore House in Franklin.

Dr. Stacey Graham joined ourstaff in February.

Page 0 Tennessee Civil War National Heritage Area News Fall 2003 Page 0 Tennessee Civil War National Heritage Area News Fall 2003

A new exhibit created by the Heritage Area is traveling throughout middle Tennessee this spring and summer. "Free at Last! Emancipation and Reconstruction in Tennessee" emphasizes the significance of emancipation and provides an introduction to the joys and challenges shared by African Americans in the aftermath of slavery. After several weeks at Lebanon’s Roy Bailey African American History Center, the exhibit is now at the Sam Davis Home in Smyrna. It will travel to the Granville Museum (May 23–June 15) in Jackson County, the McLemore House (June 16–August 10) in Franklin, and Oaklands Historic House Museum (August 13–September 21) in Murfreesboro.

Just in time for National Women’s History Month, the Heritage Center of Murfreesboro and Rutherford County unveiled the exhibit "From the Nation’s Capital to Neighborhood Classrooms: Rutherford County Women, Past and Present." This new, temporary exhibit explores the outstanding contributions of ten local women chosen from the thousands of prominent educators, artists, professionals, housewives, and farmwives who have made a difference in Rutherford County’s history. The exhibit will be on view through the end of the year at the Heritage Center, 225 W. College Street, in Murfreesboro.

Our fourth Legacy of Stones River Symposium, “Remembering the Civil War,” drew over 150 people to Murfreesboro’s historic antebellum courthouse. Well-known scholars gave outstanding presentations on the preserva-tion of Civil War sites and the commemoration of wartime sacrifice and emancipation. Participants also enjoyed stirring tours of the National Cemetery and the Hazen Brigade Monument at Stones River National Battlefield. U.S. Congressman Bart Gordon dedicated the park’s new rostrum while the Olde Towne Brass Band of Huntsville, Alabama, provided period music. The symposium was sponsored by the Heritage Area, the National Park Service, the Department of History at MTSU, Eastern National, the Center for Historic Preservation, the Friends of Stones River National Battlefield, and Teaching American History: Discover TAHO!

Helping Communities and Citizens Preserve the Best of the Past

From Civil War Fort to State Park: A History of Fort Pillow State Historic Area, a new publication written and devel-oped through a partnership between the Heritage Area and Rhodes College, is now available at Fort Pillow State Park. The booklet provides a well-researched and accessible account of what took place at Fort Pillow during the spring of 1864, allowing visitors to gain a greater understanding of key events in and around west Tennessee during the Civil War.

The East Tennessee Historical Society (ETHS) in Knoxville is preparing to unveil its newest informational kiosk. The user-friendly kiosk will direct visitors to major Civil War sites across east Tennessee. Visitors can search by category or by county using a state-of-the-art touch screen that will allow them to print out pertinent information about the plac-es they plan to visit. The kiosk will be a great complement to ETHS’s upcoming Civil War permanent exhibit and video, scheduled to open later this year.

In January, the National Trust for Historic Preservation invited Dr. Van West to join its board of advisors as a repre-sentative for Tennessee. Advisors represent the skills, inter-ests, accomplishments, and diverse constituencies involved in the preservation movement across the United States. Each state has two representatives, who work closely with the Trust and its regional offices to assist with preservation-related issues including heritage education, tourism, diver-sity, and economic development.

Dr. Stacey Graham joined the Heritage Area in February as the new research professor. A native of Murfreesboro, she received her B.A. from the University of Michigan and her M.A. and Ph.D. in history from UCLA. Graham brings out-standing research and teaching experience to the position as well as a dedication to the interpretation and preservation of Tennessee’s historic sites. Graham is using her research background to develop practical, accessible projects that benefit both communities and scholars and will begin teach-ing in the fall.

Helping Communities and Citizens Preserve the Best of the Past

Over 150 attendees participated in the fourthLegacy of Stones River Symposium; Congressman Bart Gordon addresses the crowd at the new Stones River National Battlefield rostrum. This resource is available

at Fort Pillow State Park.

This historic log cabin is a focal point of ETHS’s new Civil War exhibit.

Tommy Murdic helps install the Reconstruction exhibit at the McLemore House in Franklin.

Dr. Stacey Graham joined ourstaff in February.