The Tennessee State Library and Archives is pleased to announce that Tennesseans will have free online access to the full run of The Tennessean (1812 to today) through the Tennessean Electronic Library (TEL).

Previously, Tennesseans were only able to access full-text articles from The Tennessean back to 2002. With the addition of the historical Tennessean, Tennessee residents will be able to search and view news articles, photos, advertisements, classified ads, obituaries and cartoons from 1812 to 2002.  The Tennessean began publication in 1907, but this service includes earlier titles such as the Nashville Whig and the Daily American. These papers reported not only Nashville-area news, but carried stories from around the state and the nation.

TEL has been providing access to electronic resources to libraries, schools and Tennesseans since 1999 in order to enhance the quality of their everyday lives, the depth of their educational experience, and the economic prosperity of their communities. TEL is administered by the Tennessee State Library and Archives, a division of the Tennessee Secretary of State’s office.

“By providing access to The Tennessean through TEL, we will greatly enhance access to first-hand accounts of Tennessee history as it unfolded,” Tennessee Secretary of State Tre Hargett said. “Libraries and newspapers keep the pulse and record of the state; both are essential to quality information and research in our communities.”

“Online access to Nashville newspapers from 1812 to the present will be a great asset for students and everyone who enjoys history,” notes State Librarian and Archivist Chuck Sherrill. “Until now, newspapers have been virtually unsearchable unless one knew the date of an event. And access was limited to those that were able to come to the State Library through onsite microfilm readers and library computers. Now everyone can search these files from any computer in the state”

Visit www.tntel.info to access The Tennessean today.