The state of Tennessee has taken a moment to shine a spotlight on the guardians of its past. The Tennessee Historical Commission recently announced the winners of its annual Certificate of Merit Awards. Recognizing hard work and dedication to historic preservation, the awards this year go to several individuals and groups for their contributions to keeping Tennessee's history alive and accessible.
In a new release on their official website, the THC praised the vested efforts, not just of individuals, but businesses and organizations who tirelessly work to "protect and enhance our treasured heritage." This year’s awards honor those who have gone above to ensure the survival of historic sites, the maintenance of cemeteries, and the promotion of local history throughout the state.
The preservation of two historically significant African American cemeteries, the African Methodist/Wyly and Reacons, is among the highlights of this year’s ceremony. Bob Holliday spearheaded the projects, including a comprehensive GPR survey, which will be able to be marked in future projects. His work extends beyond the cemeteries, with an initiative to remove hazardous elements and the creation of a Cultural Resource Vegetation Plan at Johnsonville State Historic Park.
Local historian J. Channing Greene has been acknowledged for the comprehensive care taken for cemeteries around Newport, TN. His commitment includes detailed research, headstone cleaning, and respectfully placing flags on veteran graves. Similarly, Serena Gilbert has been recognized for her efforts in preserving the Promise Land Historic Site. According to the THC, Gilbert's work has not only safeguarded the historic Promise Land School’s structure through capital improvement but also promoted the narrative of the community through her association with the Promise Land Heritage Association.
Metro Nashville Historical Commission has garnered praise for revitalizing the Sunnyside Mansion, repairing significant structural damages, and breathing new life into the historic outbuildings for public use. Preservation efforts are essential not only for the sake of narratives long passed but for those who continue to find purpose and place within these storied walls and grounds.
The recognition extended to the sector of public programming and literature as well, with the Grundy County Historical Society being honored for their work compiling a three-volume book series documenting the cemeteries within their county. This immense effort will serve as a critical research tool, charting the burial grounds that trace the history of Tennesseans laid to rest and the lineage of community memories they represent.
Each recipient exemplifies that the task of historic preservation is sprawling and ongoing. Unspoken in the accolades, but fundamentally understood, is that the recognition is less a finish line and more a marker in the continuous journey to safeguard the echoes of yesteryear for a future that might still learn from them. Each May, during National Preservation Month, Tennessee pauses to remember that without such dedicated preservation warriors, the stories of its past may have long disappeared into the annals of time. For more information, take a peek over at the THC's official announcement here.
