Executive

The Tennessee State Library and Archives will put all three of the state’s original constitutions on display to the public in commemoration of Statehood Day. The constitutions are typically protected in a vault, but all three versions will be in the Library and Archives’ lobby for public viewing June 1 to 2 from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. CDT.

The Tennessee Secretary of State’s office is pleased to announce six new members of the Civic Education and Engagement Advisory Committee. Since its inception as the Blue Book Curriculum Task Force, the committee was expanded to advise and assist Secretary of State Tre Hargett on the best ways to get students to become more civically engaged. The committee’s noteworthy achievements include the creation of lesson plans based on the Tennessee Blue Book, lesson plans used during the Student Mock Election, critical support of the annual civics essay contest and regional teacher workshops.

Sixty-two students will represent Tennessee at the National History Day competition this summer. The students are advancing after placing first or second in various categories at Tennessee History Day Saturday, April 7. Participants entered documentaries, exhibits, performances, websites and papers all based on this year’s theme, “Conflict and Compromise in History.” Out of 162 submitted projects, 92 students received medals for their efforts, 15 students were awarded special prizes and two educators were recognized as educators of the year.

Former Rep. Tommie F. Brown (D-Chattanooga) hosted a Black History Month program before the 104th Tennessee General Assembly Feb. 23, 2005, to honor the many contributions made by African-American members. Christian Suttles recited a portion of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s “I Have A Dream…” speech by memory. King originally delivered his famous speech Aug. 28, 1963, during the March on Washington.

Nearly 300 students from across Tennessee will compete in the annual Tennessee History Day state contest in downtown Nashville Saturday. The competition allows students to showcase their creativity and research skills by developing projects with historical themes. The students with the best-judged projects in the statewide competition will advance to the National History Day finals in College Park, Maryland, June 10 through June 14 with top finishers earning prestigious awards and scholarships.

The Tennessee Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped is now the Tennessee Library for Accessible Books and Media. The name change became official March 9. The library often leads the nation in how it reaches patrons who sometimes need more specialized service than their local library is able to provide.

Following the trail of an ancestor in trouble with the law or plagued with mental illness is often difficult. On April 14, the Tennessee State Library and Archives will host a free workshop entitled “Locked Up: Finding Ancestors in Prisons and Asylums.”

The Nashville Zoo at Grassmere is one of the most visited locations in Nashville, but the property’s historical significance is often overlooked. On April 5, the Tennessee State Library and Archives and Nashville Zoo will co-host a free program highlighting the history of the property and historic home through a new digital collection.

The winners of our 2017 civics essay contest are being honored in the Tennessee State Capitol. The students range from kindergarten to 12th grade representing school systems and programs across the state.

The number of new businesses keeps climbing suggesting the state’s economic growth will continue, according to a new report released by the Secretary of State's office. There were 8,915 new entity filings in the fourth quarter of 2017, representing an 8.5 percent increase compared to the same time the year before. Initial filings have now had positive year-over-year growth for 25 consecutive quarters. Domestic limited liability corporations (LLCs), which were up 13.1 percent, show the strongest growth and account for more than half of all new entity filings.