|
The Tennessee Civil War National Heritage Area tells the whole story of America's greatest challenge, 1860-1875: the powerful stories of vicious warfare, the demands of the homefront and occupation, the freedom of emancipation, and the enduring legacies of Reconstruction.
We provide leadership and support to organizations across Tennessee, creating opportunities for education, interpretation, preservation, and economic development.
Leveraging federal, state, local and private funding, we empower communities and individuals to serve as good stewards of their historic places and stories. Professional Services and Outreach helps property owners and organizations develop heritage programs and projects. Through Collaborative Partnerships, organizations, local governments, and non-profits can apply for 50/50 matching funds for projects including interpretive tours, exhibits, educational materials, and preservation planning. For a copy of the application and instructions, click here.
Civil War Sesquicentennial
The Heritage Area serves on the Tennessee Civil War Sesquicentennial Commission, which plans events, educational opportunities, and heritage tourism opportunities for the 150th anniversary of the American Civil War. For more information about the Sesquicentennial's projects and resources, visit www.tncivilwar150.com. To read Dr. Van West's remarks from the signature event in Franklin, click here. Tennessee Civil War Trails
The Heritage Area partners with the Tennessee Departments of Tourist Development and Transportation to implement the statewide Tennessee Civil War Trails marker and signage program. To follow the Trail, visit
Tennessee Civil War 150 Series
Nashville Public Television and the Renaissance Center have created a number of documentaries that explore life in Tennessee during the Civil War. These award winning documentaries focus on a number of topics, including music, religion, the role of women, the experiences of African-Americans, and railways. To watch these documentaries, visit http://www.nptinternal.org/productions/civilwar/home/. |
Visit the Heritage Center in October to view Emancipation and Its Legacies
The Heritage Center of Murfreesboro and Rutherford County will host Emancipation and Its Legacies, a national traveling exhibition developed by the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History, from October 3, 2016, to October 31, 2016. Located at 225 West College Street, the Heritage Center is a partnership between the Center for Historic Preservation at Middle Tennessee State University, the Tennessee Civil War National Heritage Area, and Main Street: Murfreesboro/Rutherford County. This exhibit is free and open to the public. Click here for copies of our Emancipation Time Line Lesson Plan and Scavenger Hunt!
WHAT'S NEW
New driving tour focuses on Maury County's African American communities
The Tennessee Civil War National Heritage Area has released a new driving tour that focuses on Maury County's rich African American heritage. Read More
New publication on preserving African American places released
The Center for Historic Preservation has released a new publication about preserving African American places. Read More
New Heritage Tourism Booklet Highlights Tennessee's Reconstruction History
The Heritage Area has prepared and released a new guide to sites in Tennessee associated with Reconstruction. Read More
Two Tennessee Civil War Battlefields recognized
USA Today ranked two Tennessee Civil War battlefields as part of their top battlefields to visit. Read More
More Franklin Battlefield Land Reclaimed
Preservationists in Franklin, Tennessee signed a deal on May 27, 2014 to acquire 1.6 acres more of prime battlefield land associated with the Battle of Franklin. Read More
Gov. Haslam Appoints Heritage Area Director Van West As State Historian
Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam today announced the appointment of Dr. Carroll Van West as state historian. West replaces the late Walter T. Durham, who served 11 years in the honorary position. Read More
Civil War Trust Economic Impact Study Highlights Benefits of Battlefield Preservation
The Civil War Trust's recent Economic Impact Study highlights the economic and tourism benefits of battlefield preservation. Read More
New publication on Rutherford County's Civil War Battles
New publication on Rutherford County's Civil War Read MorePlowshares and Swords
Watch this clip of a Community Heritage lecture by Caneta Hankins, former Assistant Director of the Center for Historic Preservation, as she discusses Plowshares and Swords: Tennessee Farm Families Tell Civil War Stories. Ms. Hankins delivered this lecture at the Heritage Center of Murfreesboro and Rutherford County on November 6, 2013. Read More
Watch Mr. Lincoln, as portrayed by Dennis Boggs, deliver the Gettysburg Address at the Heritage Center
Mr. Lincoln, as portrayed by Dennis Boggs, visited the Heritage Center of Murfreesboro and Rutherford County to deliver the Gettysburg Address on the 150th anniversary of this timeless speech. Open the article below to learn more and listen to the Address. Read More
The Tennessee Civil War 150 App Available Free on Itunes
A project in partnership with the Tennessee Civil War Sesquicentennial Commission, the Tennessee Civil War 150 Iphone app is now available on Itunes. The highly popular app, launched in April, has received excellent reviews. Read More
