NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Senate Speaker Pro Tempore Ferrell Haile, Majority Leader William Lamberth, Majority Whip Johnny Garrett, Rep. Terri Lynn Weaver and Secretary Hargett awarded an archival grant to the Sumner County Archives on Monday, Dec. 13, 2021.

“I appreciate Secretary Hargett and his staff for their investment in our community and our local archives,” said Senate Speaker Pro Tempore Haile (R-Gallatin). “This funding will help us better protect our important historical information and improve access to it so our citizens will always be able to learn about the important events that shaped the rich narrative of Sumner County.” 

“The Sumner County Archives houses irreplaceable documents and records preserving the history of our community and our people. This investment serves to ensure these treasures are safeguarded and accessible to the public for future generations,” said Majority Leader Lamberth (R-Portland). “We are grateful to Secretary Hargett and our local archivists for the important work they do preserving Sumner County’s place in our state’s history.”

“These documents are significant because they contain the brilliant narrative of our community’s past,” said Majority Whip Garrett (R-Goodlettsville). “We must do all we can to ensure they are preserved. I appreciate Secretary Hargett's investment in the Sumner County Archives."

“We are very proud of our fantastic county archives building and the great work the employees and volunteers are doing here,” said Rep. Weaver (R-Lancaster). The ability to preserve, study and use this collection ensures Sumner County’s place in our state’s history is always preserved.”

These archival grants, which are used to support local archive development across the state, are funded by the Tennessee General Assembly and administered by the Tennessee State Library & Archives, a division of the Department of State. The Sumner County Archives received a $4,995 archives development grant to purchase a new microfilm reader, which will improve access to county documents dating back to Sumner County’s establishment in 1789.

“Archive grants are a critical piece to preserving local history by helping to protect irreplaceable county documents that are invaluable to Tennessee’s history,” said Secretary Hargett. “This grant is one way to ensure the stories of Sumner County residents live on for the benefit of future generations.

More than $45,000 in state funds is being awarded to develop and enhance 21 archives across Tennessee.