The Customs House Museum and Cultural Center's Executive Director, Frank Lott, has recently been honored with a joint proclamation from the City of Clarksville and Montgomery County Government for his extensive involvement and contributions to the arts, culture, and heritage of the community. The proclamation, presented by Clarksville Mayor Joe Pitts and Montgomery County Mayor Wes Golden, recognized Lott's work in the Clarksville-Montgomery County area, particularly his leadership at the museum since 1984 and his accomplishments as an artist and community leader. This commendation was part of a larger event celebrating the release of the third edition of the book “Historic Clarksville 1784-2024,” a detailed account of the area's evolution.
Lott's efforts, spanning decades, have significantly influenced the local cultural scene. His recent work includes overseeing the production of the history volume "Historic Clarksville" and steering the Customs House Museum & Cultural Center to new levels of excellence since taking his position as Executive Director in 2019. These achievements have not gone unnoticed, as Lott has received the 2025 Outstanding Service to the Museum Profession Award from the Southeastern Museums Conference and also the 2025 Award of Excellence from the Tennessee Association of Museums. Both awards spotlit his leadership and institutional impact within the state’s museum community.
The proclamation, detailed on Clarksville’s official website, articulates the numerous reasons for this honor. "Frank has been a key volunteer leader of the community’s museum since its founding in 1984," and under his diligent guidance, "the Customs House Museum and Cultural Center has soared to new heights of excellence as a visitor destination and showcase of local arts and history," the document states. Lott's work as an artist has also been showcased in a significant retrospective titled "A Dream Deferred: Hanley, Redmond, & Lott."
Aside from his role at the museum, Lott's dedication to preserving Clarksville's historical narrative has been clear through his involvement in developing interpretive exhibits across the region. Such exhibits, including those at the Pat Head Summitt Legacy Plaza and the Wade Bourne Nature Center, embody a part of Lott's work to truly conserve and celebrate the local heritage. The unanimous recognition by the mayors of both Clarksville and Montgomery County stands as a testament to the belief that Lott's endeavors have deeply enriched the cultural fabric of their community. They wholeheartedly offered up their proclamation of honor, distinction, and acclaim "for his exceptional contributions to the arts, culture, and heritage of Clarksville-Montgomery County."
