State Of Tennessee Announces Historic Preservation Fund Grants

Nashville, Tenn. – Governor Phil Bredesen and the Tennessee Historical Commission have announced grants to 23 community organizations for programs and activities that support the preservation of historic and archeological sites, districts and structures.

“Historic places are an important part of our state’s heritage, and this program helps fund the work of local governments, non-profit agencies and other entities committed to protecting these special elements of our state’s history,” said Governor Bredesen.  “Collectively, these 23 projects represent more than $500,000 in assistance that I’m very pleased the state of Tennessee is able to provide.”

The grants awarded come from federal funds that are allocated to Tennessee through the Department of Interior under the provisions of the National Historic Preservation Act. The programs authorized by this Act are administered by the Tennessee Historical Commission on behalf of the State Historic Preservation Officer. The General Assembly supports the grant program through allocation of matching funds.

“Historic sites enrich our state’s economy and are valued centerpieces of our communities. Through these diverse grants, our office helps support the study of our state’s unique history and contributes funds to help protect and revitalize Tennessee’s treasured historic buildings, sites and neighborhoods,” said Patrick McIntyre, executive director of the Tennessee Historical Commission.

The types of programs and activities authorized and assisted under the provisions of the National Historic Preservation Act include activities such as nominating properties to the National Register of Historic Places, reviewing federal projects to avoid adverse effects to historic properties, administering Historic Preservation investment tax credits, and assisting preservation programs of local governments and helping them achieve certified status.  The Historical Commission carries out these programs both directly and through the provision of grant support to third party applicants.

The grant recipients and/or sites of the projects include:

In Bedford County:

• The Shelbyville Historic Zoning Commission - $1,680 to publish design guidelines for three historic districts in Shelbyville, Tenn.

In Grundy County:

• Grundy County Swiss Historical Society - $9,000 to repair roof structure at the Stoker-Stampfli House in Gruetli-Laager, Tenn.

In Henry County:

• Robert E. Lee School Association - $25,000 for the fourth and final phase of restoration of the Robert E. Lee School in Paris, Tenn.

In Jefferson County:

• Glenmore Mansion and the Association for the Preservation of Tennessee Antiquities - $20,000 to continue restoration of Glenmore Mansion in Jefferson City, Tenn.

In Lewis County:

• The City of Hohenwald and Historic Preservation Commission - $1,719 to produce a walking tour guide for the Residential Historic District.

In Maury County:

• The Land Trust for Tennessee, Inc. - $5,000 to survey, document and prepare a National Register nomination for the Big Bigby Rural Historic District in Maury County.
• Tennessee Children’s Home - $19,000 for continued restoration work on Ferguson Hall in Spring Hill, Tenn., to restore it to its 1850’s appearance.

In Obion County:

• Friends of Westover School - $25,000 to restore exterior and interior of Westover School in Union City, Tenn.

In Putnam County:

• Tennessee Technological University / Upper Cumberland Studies - $15,000 to digitize historic property survey data to include in the historic property survey and inventory database.

In Rutherford County:

• Middle Tennessee State University Department of Geography - $20,000 to digitize historic property survey location data and to develop and refine a GIS system for the historic property survey and inventory.
• Middle Tennessee State University Department of Anthropology - $4,000 for special events designed to promote awareness through its Archeology Awareness Week.

In Shelby County:

• City of Memphis, Division of Planning and Development - $52,100 to survey, document and prepare a National Register nomination for the industrial and commercial district structures in Memphis, Tenn.

In Sullivan County:

• Bristol Historical Association - $12,000 to conduct analysis of historic finishes for a Historic Structures Report for the Edward Washington King House in Bristol, Tenn.

In Sumner County:

• Clark Chapter #13 of the United Daughters of the Confederacy - $14,000 to continue phase II of restoration and repairs for Trousdale Place in Gallatin, Tenn.

In Washington County:

• East Tennessee State University – $10,000 to conduct an archeological study of the Pogue Creek State Natural Area in Fentress County.

In Williamson County:

• The City of Franklin and Heritage Foundation – $13,200 to survey and document historic stone walls and bridges in the city of Franklin and Williamson County; and to initiate public education sessions and a resource guide.

Multi-County Grants:

• The East Tennessee Development District - $37,000 to continue a historic preservation planning function for the East Tennessee Development District.
• The Greater Nashville Regional Council - $25,000 to continue a historic preservation planning function for the Greater Nashville Regional Council.
• The Southeast Tennessee Development District – $45,000 to continue a historic preservation planning function for the Southeast Tennessee Development District.
• The Southwest Tennessee Development District - $45,000 to continue a historic preservation planning function for the Southwest Tennessee Development District.
• The Upper Cumberland Development District – $50,000 to continue a historic preservation planning function for the Upper Cumberland Development District.
• The South Central Tennessee Development District - $45,000 to continue a historic preservation planning function for the South Central Tennessee Development District.
• Tennessee Preservation Trust - $15,000 to conduct the annual Statewide Preservation Conference in Cookeville, Tenn., April 9-12, 2008.

For more information about the Tennessee Historical Commission, please visit www.tdec.net/hist/.