Tennessee Department of State: Tennessee State Library and Archives

News Archive

State Archivists to Visit Erwin in Search of Civil War Memorabilia

(Published: October 13, 2011)

Representatives from the Tennessee State Library and Archives and the Tennessee State Museum will be in Erwin Oct. 27 to record and digitize Civil War memorabilia owned by local residents for a new exhibit.

Archivists will be at the Erwin Town Hall, 211 North Main Ave., from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. During those times, they invite area residents to bring in photographs, documents and other artifacts related to the Civil War.

Parker’s Crossroads Hosts Second Civil War Exhibit

(Published: October 11, 2011)

Parker's Crossroads, a small community located along Interstate 40 halfway between Nashville and Memphis, is becoming an increasingly popular destination for Civil War history buffs.

For the second time this year, the Parker’s Crossroads visitors’ center is hosting a traveling Civil War exhibit on loan from the Tennessee State Library and Archives (TSLA). The exhibit focuses on 1861, the year the Civil War began. To commemorate the Civil War’s 150^th anniversary, TSLA plans to prepare exhibits chronicling each year of the war.

Librarians Statewide Prepare to Offer Early Literacy Training

(Published: September 13, 2011)

Children don’t develop literacy skills overnight. There are many fun and easy things that parents and caregivers can do to prepare their children to learn to read.

With assistance from the Tennessee State Library and Archives (TSLA), public librarians around the state are learning new ways to help parents and caregivers increase children’s early literacy skills.

Last month, participating librarians attended one of two statewide workshops to learn about the Public Library Association’s Every Child Ready to Read, 2^nd Edition® (ECRR 2) kit.

Dispatches from Officers in Civil War African-American Unit Now Available at TSLA

(Published: August 30, 2011)

Glory, an Academy Award-winning movie released in 1989, documented the lives of African-American troops who served in the U.S. Colored Infantry during the Civil War. Now, for the first time, the Tennessee State Library and Archives (TSLA) has a collection of letters from officers who led one of those units.

Archivists from TSLA and the Tennessee State Museum are in the midst of a project, called Looking Back: The Civil War in Tennessee, in which they plan to visit every county in the state in search of Civil War era documents and artifacts. During the county visits, local citizens bring in items that the archivists electronically scan or digitally photograph.

This ongoing statewide project, in honor of Tennessee’s Civil War Sesquicentennial, allows for the digitization of historic family documents and artifacts for public access and educational use.

State Library & Archives to Display Art from Tennessee School for the Blind

(Published: August 29, 2011)

Claude Monet painted his legendary water lilies in dark reds while he had severely impaired eyesight. Although blind at the end of his life, his blurred impressions of nature made him one of the most famous artists of all time. Students at the Tennessee School for the Blind have not let physical challenges keep them from creating visual arts, either.

As a prelude to “Art Beyond Sight Awareness Month” in October, the Tennessee State Library & Archives (TSLA) is exhibiting artwork created by students at the Tennessee School for the Blind. Art Beyond Sight is a national program that promotes art education for the blind and vision impaired.

The free exhibit opens Sept. 6 in the lobby of TSLA’s building in downtown Nashville. The exhibit will remain on display until Sept. 30. The exhibit is accessible during TSLA’s normal business hours, Tuesdays through Saturdays from 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m.

The TSLA building is located at 403 Seventh Avenue North in Nashville, next to the State Capitol. Parking is available around the building.

Thousands of Tennesseans’ Biographies Now Accessible with Internet Tool

(Published: August 11, 2011)

People around the world are familiar with Jack Daniel’s, but they may not know much about the man behind the brand name - the son of a wealthy Scottish immigrant who combined whiskey making techniques from his father’s homeland with Tennessee maple sugar to create a distinctive new type of libation. Nor do they know much about his nephew, a one-time Tennessee state senator who learned how to market that whiskey to the world

Tennesseans can now find the history of the Daniel family - along with more than 30,000 others – with the help of an online index available on the Tennessee State Library and Archives’ (TSLA) web page at http://www.tn.gov/tsla/history/misc/biography.htm

State Archivists to Visit Dover in Search of Civil War Memorabilia

(Published: August 2, 2011)

Representatives from the Tennessee State Library and Archives and the Tennessee State Museum will be in Dover Aug. 16 to record and digitize Civil War memorabilia owned by local residents for a new exhibit.

Archivists will be at the Stewart County Visitors Center, 117 Visitors Center Lane in Dover, from 10:30 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. During that time, they invite area residents to bring in photographs, documents and other artifacts related to the Civil War.

The archivists will scan or take digital photographs of the materials, some of which will be featured in an upcoming exhibit titled, “Looking Back: The Civil War in Tennessee.” The archivists will not actually take possession of the items from their owners.

Singer Ronnie Milsap Promotes Library for Blind and Physically Handicapped

(Published: August 1, 2011)

Multiple Grammy Award-winning singer Ronnie Milsap is promoting the Tennessee Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (LBPH) in a public service announcement that is being distributed to radio stations across the state.

Milsap, whose hit songs include “Smoky Mountain Rain,” “Any Day Now” and “I Wouldn’t Have Missed It for the World,” recently recorded the 60-second spot free of charge. Milsap, who was born with a congenital disorder that caused him to lose his eyesight as a child, has been an LBPH patron for many years.

In the spot, Milsap talks about the wide selection of audio, Braille and large-print books and the new digital players for downloading and playing audio books that are available at the library.

Parker’s Crossroads Hosts “Looking Back” Civil War Exhibit

(Published: July 19, 2011)

Parkers Crossroads Exhibit Travelers along Interstate 40 can do more than stretch their legs while stopping between Nashville and Memphis: They can also expand their knowledge of Civil War history.

The Tennessee State Library and Archives’ (TSLA) exhibit titled “Looking Back: The Civil War in Tennessee” is now on display in Parker’s Crossroads, a historical community along I-40 halfway between the state’s two largest cities.

World Book Encyclopedia Available Through Tennessee Electronic Library

(Published: July 13, 2011)

World Book offers the most well-known encyclopedias ever published. Now everyone in Tennessee has a virtual set, thanks to the Tennessee Electronic Library (TEL).

Through the TEL web site, Tennesseans can access all the reference products available from World Book, including a Spanish language edition.

The online product is an expanded version of World Book’s print encyclopedias. Without the space constraints of the printed page, World Book has added more pictures, sound clips and more up-to-date information online.

Online Guide to Church Records at TSLA

(Published: July 13, 2011)

The Tennessee State Library and Archives has a wide range of church records in its collection. Church records can be very useful for genealogy researchers as they often contain membership lists, baptism, confirmation, marriage and burial records.

TSLA has added the index Guide to Church Records at TSLA: Manuscripts & Books to its web site. The index divides the church records into three groups: church records on microfilm, church records in Manuscript collections and published church records in our library collection. Patrons with questions about any of these collections should e-mail TSLA for additional information.

State Archivists to Visit Chattanooga in Search of Civil War Memorabilia

(Published: July 12, 2011)

Representatives from the Tennessee State Library and Archives and the Tennessee State Museum will be in Chattanooga July 26 to record and digitize Civil War memorabilia owned by local residents for a new exhibit.

Archivists will be at the Hunter Museum of American Art, 10 Bluff View in Chattanooga, from 10 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. that day. During those times, they invite area residents to bring in photographs, documents and other artifacts related to the Civil War.

Celebrating Eighty Years with the Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped

(Published: July 5, 2011)

Eighty years ago, President Herbert Hoover signed the Pratt-Smoot Act into law, establishing the National Library Service for the Blind & Physically Handicapped (NLS) and launching the distribution of raised type books for people with visual disabilities.

On Wednesday, Secretary of State Tre Hargett, Gov. Bill Haslam, State Librarian and Archivist Chuck Sherrill and local library patrons will commemorate the anniversary during a ceremony at the State Capitol.

Tennessee’s Library for the Blind & Physically Handicapped (LBPH), a partner with NLS, opened in 1971 to provide free library services for the blind and anyone who cannot use standard print books. Currently 7,890 Tennesseans are registered users who have borrowed more than 180,000 books in the last nine months alone.

New Web Application Uses GIS to Map Civil War Sites in Tennessee

(Published: June 15, 2011)

Most Tennesseans may not stop to reflect on the state’s role in the Civil War as they go about their daily lives, but now interactive technology coupled with extensive historical research can map out the battles that took place where present day grocery stores, schools and businesses stand.

The first of its kind in the nation, the Tennessee Civil War Geographic Information System (GIS) Survey shows hundreds of locations where Civil War battles, engagements, skirmishes and other military actions took place. The interactive GIS application for the Civil War in Tennessee is now available at: http://tnmap.tn.gov/civilwar/.

Tennessee State Library and Archives Announces New Hours and Amenities

(Published: June 14, 2011)

The Tennessee State Library and Archives (TSLA) will change its operating hours at the end of June. Along with the change in hours, TSLA will begin providing access to manuscript collections on Saturdays. Visitors will also soon have a patron lounge where they can take breaks from their research or eat lunch without leaving the building.

Starting July 1, TSLA will be open Tuesdays through Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Central Time. Professional librarians and archivists will be on duty during all business hours and the manuscripts section will be open during those hours. Patrons will still be able to send inquiries to the reference desk any time at reference.tsla@tn.gov.

New Exhibit Gives Annual Snapshot of Civil War

(Published: June 6, 2011)

A century and a half ago, Tennesseans were divided by something far more important than their college football loyalties or their barbecue preferences: More than 187,000 citizens served in the Confederate Army while about 51,000 fought for the Union Army.

The Tennessee State Library and Archives (TSLA) begins a year-by-year examination of the Civil War in a new exhibit that opened this week. TSLA will chronicle each year of the war in its corresponding 150th anniversary year. The first of the exhibits, which will be available for viewing through early August, will focus on the events leading up to the war and the first year of conflict in 1861. Next year’s exhibit will highlight 1862.

New Public Service Announcements Promote Summer Reading

(Published: June 2, 2011)

Please check out the Office of the Secretary of State’s new public service announcements promoting summer reading programs at libraries across Tennessee. The announcements are being distributed to radio stations across the state, free of charge, by the Tennessee Association of Broadcasters.

Listen to the spots: 30 Second Version | 60 Second Version

State Archivists to Visit Springfield in Search of Civil War Memorabilia

(Published: May 31, 2011)

Representatives from the Tennessee State Library and Archives and the Tennessee State Museum will be in Springfield Friday to record and digitize Civil War memorabilia owned by local residents for a new exhibit.

Archivists will be at the Robertson County Archives, 504 S. Willow St. in Springfield, from 10 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. During that time, they invite area residents to bring in photographs, documents and other artifacts related to the Civil War.

Obion County Teens Win in National Library Video Challenge

(Published: May 25, 2011)

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, 13 percent of Tennesseans lack basic literacy skills, but a group of teens from Obion County is hoping to address that problem by encouraging more of their peers to spend time at the library.

The Obion County Public Library Teen Advisory Group was recently named the Tennessee winner of the Collaborative Summer Library Program (CSLP) “You Are Here” Teen Video Challenge. Contestants were asked to submit videos that help promote reading and summer reading programs at libraries. Teen groups representing libraries in 20 states participated in the first year of competition.

The Tennessee State Library and Archives, which is part of the Secretary of State’s office, helped promote the contest in Tennessee.

Technology Advances Genealogical Research at the Tennessee State Library and Archives

(Published: May 23, 2011)

While President Obama spent part of today in Ireland learning about his family roots, it's now easier than ever for Tennesseans to do genealogical research without ever leaving the Volunteer State. The Tennessee State Library and Archives (TSLA) recently welcomed the addition of the ScanPro2000, the latest development in professional microfilm technology.

Previously, visitors and researchers at TSLA needed to manually scroll through microfilm on large machines and insert a quarter to print each page. The ScanPro2000 attaches to a computer to read microfilm and saves pages as documents for storage on a USB drive and will soon send images via e-mail. This small machine takes up less room than most printers and allows users to zoom, straighten, regulate brightness and contrast and adjust focus with the click of the mouse.

Tennessee, Virginia Officials to Collaborate on Civil War Archiving Project

(Published: May 12, 2011)

Long before the term was used in a political context, Tennessee and Virginia were literally two of our country’s biggest “battleground states” – serving as the sites for more Civil War battles than any other states.

Now archivists from the two states are teaming up in the border town of Bristol to create digital records of that part of their history

Representatives from the Tennessee State Library and Archives, the Tennessee State Museum and the Library of Virginia will spend two days this month at the Bristol Public Library, examining Civil War era documents and artifacts brought in by Tennessee and Virginia residents.

State Library and Archives Hosting Workshop on Genealogy Research

(Published: May 11, 2011)

As seen on numerous popular television shows, DNA testing has revolutionized the way that crimes are solved. Now, DNA testing is the newest tool in genealogy research and the topic of the Tennessee State Library and Archives’ (TSLA) next public services workshop.

On June 18 at the State Library and Archives building, J. Mark Lowe will explain DNA fundamentals, how to use DNA to conduct research and how to confirm results in his class “Understanding the Basics of DNA Testing for Genealogical Research.”

Discover the Amazing History of Your Family Online

(Published: May 10, 2011)

Genealogy is one of the most popular hobbies in America today - and the Tennessee Electronic Library (TEL) is the place to get started with genealogical research.

Through the library’s web site, Tennesseans can discover their family histories with HeritageQuest, an easy-to-search collection of genealogical and historical sources that goes back to the 1700s. Search by name, year or location to find family information.

April 24 – 30, 2011 is Preservation Week

(Published: April 27, 2011)

April 24 – 30, 2011 is designated as Preservation Week as a cooperative project of American Library Association, Society of American Archivists and National Archives and others. It is a reminder that preservation helps everyone and educates everyone with records.

The following link to more information on Preservation Week.

Preservation Week ends with May Day a reminder to plan ahead and be prepared for any disaster.

Free Practice Tests Available Through the Tennessee Electronic Library

(Published: April 18, 2011)

There seems to be a test for everything these days. Students and people who are changing careers are especially challenged with stressful - at times overwhelming - required tests. The Tennessee Electronic Library (TEL) can help. TEL is available to everyone in Tennessee and provides the tools needed to prepare for a variety of exams and take studying to the next level.

State Archivists to Visit Hohenwald in Search of Civil War Memorabilia

(Published: April 11, 2011)

Representatives from the Tennessee State Library and Archives and the Tennessee State Museum will be in Hohenwald April 21 to record and digitize Civil War memorabilia owned by local residents for a new exhibit.

Tennessee Electronic Library Is a Bargain for Schools and Libraries

(Published: March 21, 2011)

It would cost Tennessee schools and libraries about $94 million a year to purchase the resources that are available to them free of charge through the Tennessee Electronic Library (TEL).

TEL is an online collection of more than 400,000 resources, with over 150,000,000 articles, videos, e-books, podcasts and other reference materials available to any Tennessean with Internet access. TEL pays about $1.5 million annually to provide subscriptions to those materials.

State Archivists to Visit Cheatham County in Search of Civil War Artifacts

(Published: March 15, 2011)

Representatives from the Tennessee State Library and Archives and the Tennessee State Museum will be in Ashland City April 1 to record and digitize Civil War memorabilia owned by local residents for a new exhibit.

Archivists will be at the Cheatham County Public Library, 188 County Services Drive in Ashland City, from 9:30 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. that day. During that time, they invite area residents to bring in photographs, documents and other artifacts related to the Civil War.

State Archivists to Visit Knoxville in Search of Civil War Memorabilia

(Published: March 2, 2011)

Representatives from the Tennessee State Library and Archives and the Tennessee State Museum will be at the East Tennessee History Center, 601 South Gay Street in Knoxville, March 9 and March 10 to record and digitize Civil War memorabilia owned by local residents for a new exhibit.

Archivists will be at the East Tennessee History Center from 2 p.m. until 6 p.m. March 9 and from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. March 10. During those times, they invite area residents to bring in photographs, documents and other artifacts related to the Civil War.

Library for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Hosts Career Day

(Published: February 28, 2011)

Up to 15 percent of Tennesseans are deaf or hard of hearing, which means their career paths are sometimes more challenging to navigate. To share the opportunities that await students who are deaf or hard of hearing in the future, Library Services for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing is hosting its Career Day March 3.

The event, which will be held from 9:30 a.m. until 1 p.m. at the Nashville Public Library, will give 7^th through 12^th grade students who are deaf or hard of hearing opportunities to learn how much of an impact a quality education can have on their future career successes. The program will feature adults working in various professions who are deaf or hard of hearing. Students are encouraged to bring their lunches and stay to make friends

Tennessee Students Compete for Honors at District History Day Contests

(Published: February 23, 2011)

Beginning this weekend, students from across the state will be demonstrating their research abilities, knowledge and creativity in the world’s leading program for history education.

The district level competitions for Tennessee History Day are scheduled to take place from Feb. 25 through March 7 in Memphis, Murfreesboro, Knoxville and Chattanooga. More details about the times and locations of the district competitions are available at http://www.tennesseehistory.org/historyday.htm or by calling 615-741-8934.

Tennessee Electronic Library Launches Kids’ Site

(Published: February 7, 2011)

Elementary school children struggling with their homework have a new ally in the Kids InfoBits, one of the features available on the Tennessee Electronic Library’s new Kids’ Page. With a few mouse clicks, students can use Kids InfoBits to get concise, easy-to-read information about various subjects, including the dawn of the electronic age, the seven wonders of the ancient world and the origin of the symbols used by the country’s two major political parties.

Kids InfoBits is just one of several online databases available under the new Homework Help section of the Kids’ Page. Others include the LearningExpress Library, where students can take practice tests or sharpen their knowledge with skill-building courses and exercises, and the Internet Public Library for Kids, a kid-friendly spot for web surfing.

Tennessee State Library and Archives Featured on Hit NBC Show

(Published: February 4, 2011)

While actress and singer Vanessa Williams made history by becoming the first African American woman to be crowned Miss America, one of her ancestors was among a group that made an important first in Tennessee history. Recently, the Tennessee State Library and Archives (TSLA) helped the “Desperate Housewives” star trace her Tennessee lineage.

In the Feb. 4 episode of the popular genealogy tracking show “Who Do You Think You Are?” TSLA’s research specialist Kathy Lauder helped Williams uncover the history of her West Tennessee ancestors. Williams was delighted to learn that her paternal great grandfather, William Feilds, was a teacher just like both of her parents. But Lauder’s findings surprised Williams, who is perhaps best known for her hit song "Save the Best for Last.”

More Black History Month Resources Now Available at the Tennessee State Library and Archives

(Published: February 3, 2011)

The Tennessee State Library and Archives (TSLA) is proud to announce several new resources that have become available in time for this month’s celebration of Black History Month. People interested in learning about African-American history in Tennessee are encouraged to use these new books and other primary source materials.

“The State Library and Archives has a wealth of information that can be useful to students, teachers and others who are doing research related to Black History Month,” said Secretary of State Tre Hargett. “I hope Tennesseans will take full advantage of the materials available in our collections.”

State Archivists to Visit Greeneville in Search of Civil War Memorabilia

(Published: February 2, 20101)

Representatives from the Tennessee State Library and Archives and the Tennessee State Museum will be at Greeneville High School, 210 Tusculum Blvd. in Greeneville, on Feb. 18 to record and digitize Civil War memorabilia owned by local residents for a new exhibit.

Canceled Due to Weather! State Archivists to Appear in Carthage in Search of Civil War Memorabilia

(Published: January 19, 2011)

Representatives from the Tennessee State Library and Archives and the Tennessee State Museum will be at the Smith County Heritage Museum, 107 Third Avenue East in Carthage, Jan. 26 to record and digitize Civil War memorabilia owned by local residents for a new exhibit.

Tennessee State Library and Archives to Host a New Exhibit Commemorating Tennessee’s Veterans

(Published: December 7, 2010)

Tennessee earned the nickname “the Volunteer State” by sending 2,000 willing soldiers to fight in the War of 1812. Now a new exhibit at the Tennessee State Library and Archives chronicles the exploits of those soldiers – as well as other Tennesseans who have served in the military before and since.

This new exhibit, titled The Volunteer State Goes to War: A Salute to Tennessee Veterans, covers everything from the veterans of the Revolutionary War who helped found our state to Tennessee men and women serving in the military today.

Teen Video Challenge Offers Chance for One Tennessean to Win Cash, Possibly National Air Time

(Posted 11/29/2010)

Aspiring teenage videographers have a chance to win a $250 prize in Tennessee’s “You Are Here” Teen Video Challenge.

The contest is sponsored by the Collaborative Summer Library Program (CSLP), which is a grassroots consortium of 49 states, the District of Columbia, American Samoa and the Mariana Islands that promotes summer reading programs at public libraries. The Tennessee State Library & Archives, a division of the Tennessee Department of State, is coordinating the competition in Tennessee.

State Library & Archives to Commemorate Civil War’s 150th Anniversary

(Posted 11/4/2010)

The Tennessee State Library & Archives is sponsoring a pair of activities this month in connection with the kickoff event for the Civil War Sesquicentennial.

The Sesquicentennial will be a series of events held from 2011 to 2015 to commemorate Civil War history. To prepare for the Sesquicentennial, archivists from the State Library & Archives and the Tennessee State Museum have been visiting counties across the state in search of Civil War era artifacts. The archivists have been making digital records of the items Tennesseans have shared with them on those visits.

From now through Nov. 30, some of the digital photographs and digitally-scanned documents collected so far by the archivists will be on display in the lobby of the State Library & Archives building, which is located at 403 Seventh Ave. North across from the Tennessee State Capitol in downtown Nashville. The State Library & Archives is open from 8 a.m. until 6 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays. There is no charge for viewing the exhibit.

Korean War Sources at TSLA

(Posted 10/28/2010)

The document "Korean War Sources at the Tennessee State Library and Archives" is now available on our web site. TSLA holds a number of manuscript collections, record groups and published materials on the Korean War and the estimated 10,500 Tennesseans who served in the war.

State Library and Archives to Host Workshop on Researching Native American Ancestry

(Posted 10/25/2010)

People who want to learn more about their Native American ancestors are encouraged to attend the latest in a series of workshops and seminars sponsored by the Tennessee State Library and Archives. The workshop, titled “Researching Your Native American Ancestry,” will be presented by Pixy Morgan, a librarian and researcher of historical, political and genealogical materials. She is currently the publications manager for Arnold Engineering Development Center.

The workshop, which is free and open to the public, will be held from 9:30 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. Dec. 11 in the State Library and Archives building. The building is located at 403 Seventh Avenue North in downtown Nashville, directly across the street from the Tennessee State Capitol. The State Library and Archives is a division of the Tennessee Department of State.

State Library and Archives to Host Workshops to Help Students Prepare for History Day Competition

(Posted 10/20/2010)

The Tennessee State Library and Archives will be hosting a pair of workshops to give students and teachers pointers on how to find and use the research materials available at the State Library and Archives. These workshops will focus on assisting students with research on their selected topics for the National History Day competitions that will be held in Tennessee in 2011.

National History Day is a series of competitions in which middle and high school students prepare exhibits, research papers, web sites, documentary films and live performances on various historical topics. Students whose projects are judged the best at local, regional and statewide competitions are eligible to compete with other students from across the country in the national finals. The theme for the 2011 competition is “Debate and Diplomacy in History: Successes, Failures, Consequences.”

State Archivists to Visit Gallatin in Search of Civil War Memorabilia

(Posted 9/13/2010)

Representatives from the Tennessee State Library and Archives and the Tennessee State Museum will be in Gallatin on September 24th to record and digitize Civil War memorabilia owned by local residents for a new exhibit.

Archivists will be at the Sumner County Archives, 365 North Belvedere Drive in Gallatin, from 10:00 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. that day. During that time, they invite area residents to bring in photographs, documents and other artifacts related to the Civil War.

Tennessee Electronic Library Helps to Answer: "What Do I Read Next?"

(Posted 8/16/2010)

The Tennessee Electronic Library (TEL) has introduced a new tool to help readers find the perfect “next book.” TEL has partnered with Gale, a division of Cengage Learning that is recognized as a leader in providing electronic research and educational resources, to offer Books & Authors, an Internet resource that offers a new way to explore the endless possibilities and combinations of books, authors and topics.

TEL is a virtual library that provides free access for Tennesseans to thousands of magazines, scholarly journals, newspapers, podcasts and videos – as well as hundreds of academic tutorials and practice exams.

Historic Tennessee Newspapers to Be Available Online

(Posted 7/30/2010)

Thousands of issues of old newspapers from across Tennessee will be available to the public online, courtesy of the Tennessee State Library and Archives.

Using grant funding provided by the National Endowment for the Humanities as part of the National Digital Newspaper Program, the State Library and Archives will make available dozens of urban and rural newspapers from across the state.

The State Library and Archives, which is part of the Tennessee Department of State, has been preserving newspapers on microfilm since 1957. The two-year process of converting those microfilmed documents into digital records will be managed by the University of Tennessee.

State Library and Archives to Provide Database of Civil War Battlefields

(Posted 7/27/2010)

The Tennessee State Library and Archives (TSLA) will use a $40,750 grant from the National Park Service’s American Battlefield Protection Program to develop an online database of the state’s Civil War battlefields that will be available for federal, state and local planning agencies as well as the general public.

This project will use Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technology to create the database. The database will link information from the Civil War Sourcebook for Tennessee to Civil War maps and documents archived at TSLA. This enhanced resource will be available on TSLA’s section of the Tennessee Department of State web site.

State Archivists to Appear at the Rutherford County Archives on August 6 in Search of Civil War Memorabilia

(Posted 7/19/2010)

Representatives from the Tennessee State Library and Archives and the Tennessee State Museum will be in Murfreesboro on August 6 to record and digitize Civil War memorabilia owned by local residents for a new exhibit.

Nashville City Directory

(Posted 7/13/2010)

A scan of the directory for 1868 has been added to our collection of Scanned Copies of Nashville City Directories.

New TSLA Exhibit Chronicles Some of Tennessee’s Biggest Disasters

(Posted 6/8/2010)

Dutchman's Bend Train Crash

Many communities in Tennessee were hit hard by the recent flooding, but the state’s residents have endured many disasters before.

A Yellow Fever epidemic in the 1870s caused more than 7,000 deaths in Memphis alone. The sinking of the steamboat Sultana on the Mississippi River in 1865 claimed more lives than the sinking of Titanic 47 years later. And a head-on collision between two trains in Nashville in 1918 still ranks as one of the worst train wrecks of all time.

All of those calamities - and others - are documented in a new exhibit on display at the Tennessee State Library and Archives building in downtown Nashville. The exhibit, titled “Tennessee Disasters,” chronicles some of the worst moments in the Volunteer State’s history, as well as the determination and resilience of the people who lived through them.

Rescuing Flood Damaged Collections

(Posted 5/13/2010)

The web page Rescuing Flood Damaged Family Collections provides instructions for salvaging family papers, books and photographs. The page also includes links to handouts and to other web sites with preservation guidelines.

State Archivists to Visit Maryville Friday in Search of Civil War Memorabilia

(Posted 5/6/2010)

Representatives from the Tennessee State Library and Archives will be visiting Maryville Friday to record and digitize Civil War memorabilia owned by local residents for a new exhibit.

Archivists will be at the Blount County Library, 508 N. Cusick Street in Maryville, from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. During that time, they invite residents of the area to bring in photographs, documents and other artifacts related to the Civil War.

State Library & Archives Avoids Flood Damage

(Posted 5/5/2010)

The Tennessee State Library and Archives benefitted from its location near the top of Capitol Hill during recent flooding in Nashville. Although some water came into the building during heavy rains, no records were damaged. TSLA remains open to the public on its regular schedule.

Index to Tennessee Legislative Petitions

(Posted 4/28/2010)

A name and subject index to Tennessee Legislative Petitions (1799-1829) has been added to the TSLA web site. Legislative petitions are original documents that were submitted to the Tennessee General Assembly, requesting that legislative action be taken on matters of concerns to individuals, municipal governments or county governments.

Secretary Hargett Appoints Charles Sherrill as State Librarian and Archivist

(Posted 1/14/2010)

Charles Sherrill, a Middle Tennessean with 25 years of experience as a library administrator, will begin his new job as State Librarian and Archivist Feb. 5, Secretary of State Tre Hargett announced this week.

The State Librarian and Archivist directs operations at the Tennessee State Library and Archives (TSLA), the agency that collects, stores and displays state documents and records. The State Library and Archives also operates the Tennessee Regional Library System, provides training and support for other public libraries throughout the state and oversees the Tennessee Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, which offers free library services to people with disabilities.

“I am very pleased to have someone with Mr. Sherrill’s background and skills in this esteemed position,” Secretary Hargett said. “Our goal is to increase the awareness of the great programs available to Tennesseans through the State Library and Archives. Our goal is to extend our outreach beyond our downtown Nashville location and I know Mr. Sherrill will provide excellent leadership and vision not only to TSLA, but also to libraries throughout our great state. "

Nashville City Directory

(Posted 1/14/2010)

A scan of the directory for 1867 has been added to our collection of Scanned Copies of Nashville City Directories.

Tennessee Myth and Legend Exhibit

(Posted 1/6/2010)

If you have lived in this state for a while, you have probably heard stories about famous Tennesseans such as Casey Jones, Davy Crockett and Daniel Boone. But have you ever heard about the time it rained blood or about the woman who lived to be 149 years old?

The Tennessee Myth and Legend exhibit, located at the Tennessee State Library and Archives Building in downtown Nashville, touches all of these topics as well as ghosts, the Bell Witch, Tommy Knockers, opossums, giant catfish, falling stars, Elvis, Jack Daniels and Jesse James. Read more...

Go to online exhibit

Nashville City Directory

(Posted 12/8/2009)

A scan of the directory for 1866 has been added to our collection of Scanned Copies of Nashville City Directories.

1930 Tennessee Death Certificate Index

(Posted 11/24/2009)

Listings for 1930 have been added to the Statewide Index to Tennessee Death Records.

Tennessee in World War II

(Posted 10/28/2009)

The resource guide "Tennessee in World War II: A Guide to Collections at TSLA" is now available. The guide lists a sampling of WWII era collections available at TSLA.

Consumer Health Resources Featured on the Tennessee Electronic Library

(Posted 10/22/2009)

The Tennessee Electronic Library provides free access to consumer health resources. Find information about the H1N1 and season flu viruses and other health-related topics, as well as a directory of statewide community health services. Visit the consumer health links featured on the TEL Portal at http://tntel.tnsos.org/consumerhealth.htm

African American Research Materials and Genealogy

(Posted 10/15/2009)

The documents Guide to African American Genealogy-Related Documents Prior to 1865 in the Collections of TSLA and Selected Bibliography of African American Genealogical Resources in TSLA have been added to the TSLA web site.

1929 Tennessee Death Certificate Index

(Posted 9/23/2009)

Listings for 1929 have been added to the Statewide Index to Tennessee Death Records.

Abraham Lincoln Exhibit

(Posted 9/1/2009)

This exhibit showcases portraits of Abraham Lincoln. It also discusses the continued use of the penny to commemorate his anniversaries (centennial, sesquicentennial and bicentennial). If you have ever wondered what “Honest Abe” looks like without his beard, this exhibit is for you. Read more ...

Go to online exhibit.

State of Tennessee Applies for Stimulus Funding

(Posted 8/28/2009)

The state of Tennessee has applied for stimulus funding to increase broadband internet availability to its citizens. Read more ...

Civil War Funeral Home Records

(Posted 8/25/2009)

The Civil War index Burial Records of Federal Soldiers by W.R. Cornelius and Company is now available on the TSLA web site.

2009 Tennessee Archives Institute Registration

(Posted 8/18/2009)

Registration is now open for the 2009 Tennessee Archives Institute (TAI). This year, the program will be held October 21-23 at Fall Creek Falls State Park.

The Tennessee Archives Institute is a training program on archives and records management conducted by the Tennessee State Library and Archives (TSLA). This two and one-half day series of workshops provides participants with an opportunity to interact and exchange ideas with archival staff from around the state.

Registration is $85 and includes 2 nights lodging and instructional materials.

Inmates of the Tennessee State Penitentiary

(Posted 8/6/2009)

The index to Inmates of the Tennessee State Penitentiary 1851-1870 is now available on the TSLA web site. This index is a companion to Inmates of the Tennessee State Penitentiary 1831-1850.

Death Notices in Nashville Newspapers

(Posted 7/24/2009)

The index Death Notices in Nashville Newspapers 1855-1907 is now available on the TSLA web site.

Resource Guide for Land Grants

(Posted 7/2/2009)

The Resource Guide Early North Carolina / Tennessee Land Grants at the Tennessee State Library and Archives is now available.

Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) Director Radice visits Washington County

(Posted 5/28/2009)

On Monday, May 18, 2009, IMLS Director Anne-Imelda Radice and her staff conducted a whirlwind tour of museums and libraries in Washington County, TN. The visit was a result of an invitation by US Representative Phil Roe, who accompanied Dr. Radice on the tour. The day began with an early morning tour of the Gray Fossil Site, and then moved to the Hands On Museum for a Picturing America grant presentation. The tour ended at the Johnson City Public Library, where State Librarian and Archivist Jeanne Sugg, Watauga Regional Director Nancy Renfro and Johnson City Public Library Director Bob Swanay shared information on the state of libraries in Tennessee.

IMLS provides approximately $3.1 M in funding to the libraries of Tennessee through the Library Services and Technology Act.

Tennessee Regional Libraries Digitization Project

(Posted 5/21/2009)

Thanks to the availability of grant funds, the Tennessee State Library & Archives (TSLA) has been the recipient of twelve scanners and twelve external hard drives for use in digitizing collections of historical importance in Tennessee.

Our hope is to continue the effort of the Volunteer Voices project to digitize and present original archival and library special collection materials from all parts of the state. This project is a collaboration between TSLA, the Regional Library System, and participating repositories. We hope to identify original materials of value that can be scanned for institutions that have limited equipment or training to preserve items within their collections.

For more information go to Tennessee Regional Libraries Digitization Project web page.

Now Available: The State of State History in Tennessee in 2008

(Posted 5/7/2009)

Written by State Historian Walter Durham, The State of State History in Tennessee in 2008: The Underground Railroad in Tennessee to 1865, is now available.

Excerpt from the book:

"In 2004 and again in 2006, I published studies called The State of State History in Tennessee. The works surveyed the organizations and activities that preserve and interpret Tennessee history and bring it to a diverse public. This year I deviate by making a study of the Underground Railroad in Tennessee and bringing it into the State of State History series. No prior statewide study of this remarkable phenomenon has been produced, a situation now remedied."

New TSLA Web Site!

(Posted 4/30/2009)

TSLA is launching a Web site redesign. As we continue to work on the improved site, please take a look, and give us your feedback.

NEW SERVICE: TSLA E-Docs

(Posted 4/21/2009)

Selected materials at TSLA are now available for delivery by e-mail.

1928 Death Index Added to Web Site

(Posted 4/21/2009)

Listings for 1928 have been added to the Statewide Index to Tennessee Death Records.

New Building

(Posted 4/13/2009)

Nighttime rendering of the proposed new building for the Tennessee State Library and Archives. The Joint Venture Team is comprised of Kem Hinton, Tuck Hinton Architects, PLC. and Don Miller of Thomas, Miller & Partners, LLC. In planning since 1996, the new building will be located at the north end of the Bicentennial Mall and will offer a memorable research experience as well as state-of-the art storage and retrieval systems.