June 1, 2026
CONTACT:
Ben Hill
615.253.1811
Ben.Hill@tnsos.gov
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Tennessee Secretary of State Tre Hargett proudly recognized eight Tennessee archivists for earning their Archives Management Certifications at the 2026 Tennessee Archives Institute.
Hosted by the Tennessee State Library & Archives, the Tennessee Archives Institute is an annual two-day workshop focusing on archival management, as well as records preservation principles and practices.
This April, the Institute hosted 27 participants from historical institutions and local archives across the state. Archivists who complete three years of coursework through the Institute graduate with an Archives Management Certification. This year's graduates include:
• Dr. Angel Sloss – American Baptist College
• Brian Harrill – Monroe County Archives
• Frank Stewart – Shelby County Archives
• Hillary Brown – Rutherford County Archives
• Jacob Smith – Rhea County Archives
• Lisa Lundstrom – Williamson County Archives
• Pam Looper – Overton County Archives
• Shanda Stinson – Moore County Archives
“The Archives Institute provides an excellent opportunity for local archivists to strengthen their preservation skills,” said Secretary Hargett. “I appreciate these Tennesseans’ continued commitment and dedication to serve their local communities.”
The Tennessee Archives Institute continues to serve as an important resource for archivists across the state.
“This unique experience provided through our State Library & Archives will ensure all program graduates remain effective as they strive to provide important services to their local archives,” said State Librarian and Archivist Jamie Ritter.
This year’s program enabled participants to explore core archival principles and practical strategies for strengthening their records management programs. Sessions focused on information governance fundamentals, research and reference support, accessioning and collections care, and digitization planning and implementation.
“This is one of our most exciting events every year for both our archives development team and the local archivists who participate,” said Assistant State Archivist Jami Awalt. “Having the opportunity to collaborate and learn from one another strengthens the statewide network of archivists, which benefits all Tennesseans.”
The two-day Institute took place at the Library & Archives, located on the northeast corner of Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park at 1001 Rep. John Lewis Way N., in Nashville. The National Historical Publications and Records Commission partly funded the 2026 Tennessee Archives Institute.
The Tennessee Library & Archives, a division of the Department of State, is Tennessee’s premier genealogical research facility. It collects and preserves books, journals, maps, photographs, records, and other documents of historical and reference value, focusing on Tennessee and its citizens. It is also home to many irreplaceable historical documents, including Tennessee's three Constitutions.
Visit the Library & Archives homepage here: https://sos.tn.gov/tsla
For more information about the Archives Development Program and the Tennessee Archives Institute, visit https://sos.tn.gov/tsla/services/archives-development-program
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