The Tennessee State Library and Archives (TSLA) will host two special events on Saturday, January 26. The first, “Looking Back: The Civil War in Tennessee,” is an initiative to create an online archive of Civil War photographs, documents and artifacts to commemorate the 150
th anniversary of the Civil War. The second is a free workshop on Civil War era photography presented by the Vacant Chair Photography Studio of White Bluff, Tennessee.
The “Looking Back: The Civil War in Tennessee” event will take place from 9 a.
m. until 1:00 p.m. Archivists and curators from the Tennessee State Library and Archives and the Tennessee State Museum will scan or digitally photograph original Civil War memorabilia owned by local residents for this new exhibit. Some of the items will be featured in the exhibit. The archivists will not actually take possession of the items from their owners.
Individuals may call (615) 741-1883 or e-mail civilwar.tsla@tn.gov to schedule a reservation with the archivists. Reservation forms and available times may be found on the State Library and Archives’ section of the Office of the Secretary of State web site at http://tn.gov/tsla/cwtn/events.htm
“This is an important project for the Tennessee State Library and Archives,” Secretary of State Tre Hargett said. “The Civil War was a major event in our state’s history, so we need to take appropriate steps to make sure these treasures are properly preserved for future generations.”
Attendees at the event will receive copies of the digital photographs and tips on how to preserve their Civil War memorabilia.
Archivists plan to visit all 95 of Tennessee’s counties in search of material for the exhibit, which will commemorate the Civil War’s 150th anniversary.
The free workshop Civil War era photography, focusing on the wet plate/collodion process, will take place from 9:30 a.m until 11 a.m. The presenters from Vacant Chair Studio will discuss the history and role of photography in the mid-1800s. They will explain the process and exhibit examples of the images created. Because seating is limited, reservations are required and can be made by phone 615-741-2764 or by email workshop.tsla@tn.gov
The Tennessee State Library and Archives is located next door to the State Capitol at 403 7th Avenue North. Parking is available in front, on the side, and in back of the Library and Archives building.