NASHVILLE, Tenn. – From frontier outpost to cosmopolitan city, explore the stories behind Nashville’s most iconic buildings at the Tennessee State Library & Archives’ free speaker event with special guest speaker Jim Hoobler on Friday, April 22, 2022, from noon to 1 p.m. CT. 

“Among the skyscrapers we see today, Nashville has many impressive historic buildings that hold stories of our city’s past,” said Secretary of State Tre Hargett. “I encourage anyone interested in learning more about the rich history of our Capitol city to join us during your lunch break for this free presentation.” 

This lecture will take attendees on a journey into the past, exploring the stories behind some of Nashville’s most well-known buildings, including the Ryman Auditorium, Belmont, Greenbrier Distillery and more.

Before his recent retirement, Hoobler served as Director of the Tennessee Historical Society, Curator of the Tennessee State Capitol, Senior Curator of Art & Architecture of the Tennessee State Museum and Curators Committee Chair of the American Alliance of Museums. He was a member of several historical boards in Nashville. Hoobler is the author of many books, catalogs and articles about Nashville, including his recently published book, This Used to Be Nashville.

“Jim Hoobler, has dedicated his entire career to preserving, restoring and highlighting state and local history,” said Chuck Sherrill, Tennessee State Librarian and Archivist. “Everyone who attends this lecture is bound to discover something new about Nashville’s historic architecture."

This lecture will be held in person at the Library & Archives and is free to attend. Attendees are welcome to bring their lunch. To make a reservation, visit bit.ly/TSLALecture. Seating is limited.

The Library & Archives is located at 1001 Rep. John Lewis Way North on Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park, across from the Tennessee State Museum. Parking is available for guests in the Library & Archives garage on Jackson Street/Junior Gilliam Way.

For the latest information about this event, follow the Library & Archive’s social media channels: Facebook: Tennessee State Library and Archives and Instagram: @tnlibarchives and the Secretary of State’s Twitter account: @SecTreHargett.

To learn more about the Library & Archives or schedule a research visit, call 615-741-2764, email ask@tsla.libanswers.com or visit sos.tn.gov/tsla/plan-your-visit.