“Telling the Story of Tennessee: New Places, Big Stories” will be the topic of Dr. Carroll Van West’s address at the annual dinner of the East Tennessee Historical Society on Tuesday, May 3, at the Foundry on World’s Fair Park. Both members and the general public are invited to attend. The event begins with a reception at 5:30 p.m. and will be followed by the dinner, lecture, and awards presentations which begin at 6:30 p.m.
Few places are as blessed as Tennessee with the diverse beauty of its land and the richness of its history. From the Appalachian birthplace of country music to the soulful sounds of Memphis and the fruitful river valleys of Middle Tennessee to the rugged pathways of the Cumberland Plateau, Tennessee mirrors the southern experience of opportunity and challenge for its citizens. Dr. Carroll Van West will highlight important events and stories from this history through a look at historical sites and modern-day heroes and organizations working to save them. Equally at home in the classroom and in working with grassroots projects, Dr. West, through his fine scholarship and service, has had an immeasurable impact on public history across the state. He was appointed by Governor Bill Haslam as Tennessee State Historian and is Director of the Center for Historic Preservation at Middle Tennessee State University, where he is also a professor.
The occasion will also feature the presentation of Awards of Excellence to organizations and individuals for special projects to preserve and promote the region’s history. These include the Teaching Excellence Award, History in the Media, Community History Award, Award of Distinction, and the Ramsey Award for Lifetime Achievement. Established in 1834, the East Tennessee Historical Society is widely acknowledged to be one of the most active history organizations in the state and enjoys a national reputation for excellence in programming and education.
The event will be held at the Foundry on World’s Fair Park, 747 World’s Fair Park Drive, Knoxville, and is open to the public. Tickets are $40 per person and include both the lecture and dinner. Reservations are requested by April 28. To make reservations or for additional information call 865-215-8883 or visit our website at www.eastTNhistory.org.
