Resources & Links

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Resources

State Links

West Tennessee Links

Bemis Historical Society – Historic Bemis, Tennessee, Listed on the National Registry of Historic Places (December 1991) A cotton mill town constructed in 1900 – Where Industry and Friendliness Blend Into Progress

Big Black Creek Historical Association – The Big Black Creek Historical Association (BBCHA) was founded in 2006 with the express purpose to identify, preserve and promote historical sites with the communities of Denmark, Mercer, Leighton and Woodland, all small towns West of Jackson, TN.

Buford Pusser Home & Museum – The Buford Pusser Home and Museum stands as a moment in time, as if waiting for Sheriff Buford Pusser to return home from another shift serving the public. The modest brick ranch home contains the original furnishings, photos, cars, guns and memorabilia of the Pusser family. Buford Pusser was the subject of several major motion pictures. The “Walking Tall” movies tell about his life and tragic death. Located in Adamsville, Tennessee

Memphis Fire Museum – America’s premier interactive fire museum is in the legendary Fire Engine House No. 1 in downtown Memphis. Step back in time to a turn-of-the-century firehouse. Fight the flames of a burning skyscraper from a snorkel basket. Take a look at the horse-drawn era of firefighting from the horse’s perspective! Test your ability to find an escape route to survive a fire. Feel the heat of the Fire Room. Learn about the most devastating fires in the history of Memphis. Learn the proud history of Memphis’ first African-American firefighters.

Casey Jones Home & Railroad Museum – Casey Jones was a railroad engineer who became an internationally known icon due to his heroic last ride on April 30th, 1900 when he saved all the passengers on his train. He slowed down the train as much as possible before impact when there was a train stalled on the tracks ahead near Vaughan, Mississippi on a run from Memphis to Canton, MS He lived in Jackson, Tennessee with his wife and three children. Visit the Casey Jones Home & Railroad Museum here in Casey Jones Village in Jackson.

Cordova Museum – The MISSION of Cordova Museum is to collect and preserve the town’s history as well as lineage of the early settlers and close neighbors. It’s GOAL is to promote community bonding and historic appreciation among established residents, newcomers, and visitors of Cordova.

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Tipton County Tennessee –Genealogy and History – Website offers information on Tipton County for research and sharing.

Newman to Now: Newman’s Memphis – Memphis Heritage and Emily Cohen have created a digital exhibit that is a then and now comparison using Don Newman photos and contemporary photos by Gary Walpol. The exhibit is a unique, interactive visualization that includes a map, timeline, newspaper articles, video interviews, and a virtual walking tour with Jimmy Ogle. It also includes visual arts and history lesson plans created by SCS teachers

Tennessee Great War Commission was created through legislation passed by the General Assembly of the State of Tennessee in 2013 and supports the U.S. WWI Centennial Committee’s efforts to honor all American WWI veterans, to educate people about this period in our history, to remember and recognize the citizens of each state who served, and to honor service and sacrifice by soldiers and their families. This site shares information regarding the story of the Volunteer State and its citizens during the war.

The Olive Branch Genealogy Club meets the 3rd Wednesday from January to November at noon in the B. J. Chain Public Library, 6619 Hwy 305 N. (Cockrum Rd.), Olive Branch, MS. There is a speaker at each meeting addressing a topic relative to Mississippi, Tennessee, or Arkansas. All interested in family research, from beginners to skilled, are welcome, Meetings are open to the public and there are no dues. Contact number is 662-895-4365. Website: http://www.obgc.limewebs.com

The Cotton Museum of the South – Green Frog The Cotton Museum of the South strives to preserve West Tennessee’s agricultural heritage as an educational resource for the community and the region by telling the story of the cotton plant, its role in world affairs, its influence in the development of technology, and how it shaped local culture. Focusing on cotton production during the first half of the 20th century, the museum takes visitors through the cotton ginning process from boll to bale and provides a window into the life of rural southerners from that period. This experience will engage visitors in a dialogue with the past that will span generations.

Davies Manor Plantation – The mission of the Davies Manor Association, Inc. is to preserve and enhance Davies Manor Plantation as a portrayal of early Shelby County farm life for the education and enjoyment of visitors. Located in Bartlett, Tennessee

Decatur County – The Decatur County TNGenWeb site is dedicated to the on line presentation of historical and genealogical information related to Decatur County, Tennessee. As part of the TNGenWeb project, we are committed to providing free access to this information to current and future researchers.

Descendants of Early Settlers of Shelby County and Adjoining Counties – Virtually unknown to most local residents, for nearly four decades Mid-Southerners have had a blood-line organization devoted to the preservation and promotion of the six-county-area surrounding Memphis. The Descendants are eager to connect with prospects who qualify to become members.

Dig Memphis (Digital Archive of Memphis Public Library) – The Memphis and Shelby County Room houses thousands of books, reports, pamphlets, 600 maps, 35,000 photographs and hundreds of oral histories. In addition, the Memphis and Shelby County Room contains the Memphis Information File which contains 400,000 vertical files of newspaper and magazine articles, pamphlets and other small items.

Discoveries of Gibson – Take a complete tour of the Gibson Beale Street Showcase in Memphis. This memorable tour of Gibson’s Memphis guitar factory consists of an intimate viewing of the facility as Gibson’s skilled Luthiers craft some of the finest guitars in the world. An opportunity to witness the intricate process of binding, neck-fitting, painting, buffing, and tuning that creates these incredible musical instruments. See and hear how Gibson has helped shape the world of music for over 100 years and continues to set the pace for the musical innovations of tomorrow.

Discovery Park of America – World-class educational and entertainment experience theme park with more than 70,000 square feet of exhibits focused on nature, science, technology, history, and art.

Dyer County Historical Society – The Mission of the Dyer County Historical Society is to promote the history of Dyer County. As our first project, the board decided to focus on the preservation of the historical artifacts of Dyer County, including a place to exhibit those artifacts to the public. Thus the Dyer County Museum was born.

Elmwood Cemetery – Elmwood is a historic cemetery with available lots that provides a beautiful final resting place to families as it shares its history, art and nature with the community; this is our mission statement. Elmwood is the final resting place of those who created Memphis history and has emerged today as Memphis’ finest and oldest active cemetery. Tours and events available

The Jewish Historical Society of Memphis and the Mid-South, in cooperation with Bornblum Judaic Studies, University of Memphis, hosts fascinating and world-renowned speakers throughout the year. JHS also sponsors trips of historical interest. The Society meets at the Memphis Jewish Community Center, 6560 Poplar Ave, Memphis, TN. Through their website you can connect you to genealogical data bases and research organizations

Historical Newsreels on youtube by British Pathé. This company was once a dominant feature of the British cinema experience. Before the advent of television, millions around the globe came to movie theatres for their weekly dose of filmed news. The birth of this phenomenon took place when renowned French filmmaker Charles Pathé came to London in 1910 to introduce an innovative medium to British audiences – the cinema newsreel. Over the course of a century, British Pathé reported on everything from armed conflicts and seismic political crises to the curious hobbies and eccentric lives of ordinary British people. In so doing, the organization set the benchmark for cinematic journalism, blending information and entertainment with unparalleled success and influencing whole generations of Britons. This collection begins with before pathe in 1896 to present day.

Gibson County – Gibson County is located in West Tennessee, one of the state’s three “grand divisions,” and was created in 1823 from the Chickasaw Indian Cession, and is named in honor of John H. Gibson. The county seat is Trenton.

Hardeman County APTA – The Pillars and the Little Courthouse – Tour the Pillars and the Little Court House Located in Bolivar, TN

Henderson, Decatur and adjacent counties – This site is a public repository for genealogical and historical research of Henderson, Decatur and adjacent counties

Historic Memphis – You won’t find more vintage photos of Historic Memphis in one place anywhere on the internet.

Historical Markers of Shelby County – On this Shelby County Register of Deeds site find a complete listing of Shelby County Historical Markers

International Rock-a-Billy Hall of Fame – The International Rock-a-Billy Hall of Fame and Museum is a resource center dedicated to preserving and promoting Rockabilly Music. The Hall of Fame recognizes the pioneers of Rockabilly music while the Museum displays the memorabilia reflecting its heritage.

Our Memphis History – Come join us for a look at our wonderful city. Our history is sometimes complex, sometimes funny but always entertaining. Whatever our history says about us, it’s OUR history. Let’s talk about how we became the city we are today. View blog, pod casts and more. http://ourmemphishistory.com/

Jackson Purchase Historical Society – The region of primary interest to the Jackson Purchase Historical Society includes the present day counties of Ballard, Carlisle, Calloway, Fulton, Graves, Hickman, Marshall, and McCracken in Kentucky and Henry, Lake, Obion, and Weakley in Tennessee. However, being historians, the Society’s interest in the general heritage of this region extends to bordering counties also.

Lauderdale County – Lauderdale County was created in 1835 from Haywood, Dyer and Tipton Counties. It was named in honor of James Lauderdale, an Indian War and War of 1812 officer who fell leading troops against the British in 1814, prior to the Battle of New Orleans. Located in West Tennessee, one of Tennessee’s Three Grand Divisions, Ripley is the county seat.

Memphis Public Library – History and Genealogy Index – Memphis Public Library online research

Memphis Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum – The Memphis Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum’s exhibition about the birth of rock and soul music, created by the Smithsonian Institution, tells the story of musical pioneers who, for the love of music, overcame racial and socioeconomic barriers to create the music that shook the entire world.

Memphis Tours – Experience Memphis History! Walking tours, presentations, riverboat excursions and history lectures with Memphian Jimmy Ogle.

Montgomery County Historical Society – The Montgomery County Historical Society was formed in 1924. Our charter is to promote interest in and the enjoyment of the history of Montgomery County, Tennessee, and adjacent areas; to ascertain, preserve and promote local history; to identify and preserve local historic sites, structures, artifacts and other materials and promote their preservation

Mud Island River Park and Museum – To preserve and promote the natural and cultural history of the Lower Mississippi River Valley through excellence in education, interpretation and exhibits. Visit the park and museum in Memphis, Tennessee

N.C. & St. L. Depot & Railroad Museum – Come and tour one of the best railroad museum around. The staff will be honored to lead you or your group on a tour, or just come by and check us out for a grand railroading good time. Located in Jackson,
Tennessee

National Ornamental Metal Museum – The Metal Museum is the only institution in the United States devoted exclusively to the preservation and promotion of fine metalwork. Unlike ordinary museums, it isn’t just a place where art is displayed; it’s a place where art is made. At the Metal Museum you can see works of art, see artists work, learn the craft and craft the art.

Obion County Museum – The museum is now a part of Discovery Park of America whose mission is to enhance children and adults’ educational experiences and to inspire them to reach their full potential. Located in Union City, Tennessee

Paris – Henry County Heritage Center – The Heritage Center is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation and presentation of the history of Paris and Henry County, Tennessee.

The Parsons & Greater Area Historical Museum – Spanning subjects as diverse as; Native Americans, early settlers, occupations, the Railroad, Tennessee River Life, churches, schools, theater and dinosaurs.

Shelby County Archives – Government site for records, deeds, and archives.

Tennessee River Museum – From Muscle Shoals to Paducah, from dinosaurs to the T.V.A., history in the lower Tennessee River Valley is both unique and fascinating! Its story awaits your discovery at Hardin County’s “Tennessee River Museum.” Here, exhibits chronicle prehistoric times, life of the Mississippi Mound Builders, the tragic story of the “Trail of Tears,” the Civil War on the River, the Golden Age of Steamboats, and the Tennessee River today. Located in Savannah, Tennessee

Tipton County – Genealogy and History site

Tipton County Museum – The Tipton County Museum is a place for learning, a place for discovering, and a place for exploring. Admission is Free!!! One of the first facilities in the country to bring together military history, environmental education, and historical preservation, the Tipton County Museum is truly unique.

The Veterans’ Museum – The Veterans’ Museum was founded on the site of The Dyersburg Army Air Base in 1997. The base had been a training facility during World War II for B-17 pilots. Located in Halls, Tennessee

Weakley County – Genealogy and History site

West Tennessee: A Cultural Odyssey – The West Tennessee Regional Art Center is a great place to experience fine art in a beautifully renovated historic structure. Located in Humboldt, Tennessee

Crossroads to Freedom connects the world with Memphis history through an archive of documents, newspapers, images and oral histories. Our goal is to empower Memphians to tell the stories of our city and region as a vital aspect of participation in the future of our community.

The Memphis Landmarks Commission represents City of Memphis government’s commitment to protecting our city’s historic, architectural, and cultural landmarks. Created in 1976, the Landmarks Commission is an advocate for historic preservation and the distinctiveness to Memphis neighborhoods that is created by the presence of so many special buildings.

Memphis Heritage was founded in 1975 and remains the only non-profit in Shelby County which promotes historic preservation.

THE TENNESSEE GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY was founded in 1952 and received its charter from the state of Tennessee in 1954. It is a non-profit, tax-exempt organization, completely staffed by volunteers. The society is presently located near Memphis in the historic area of Old Germantown at 7779 Poplar Pike, Germantown, TN 38138-5952. 901-754-4300.

Dr. Curt Fields portrays Gen. Ulysses S. Grant. His presentations are in first person, quoting from General Grant’s Memoirs; and he draws from articles and letters the General wrote, statements he made in interviews or wrote himself, and first-person accounts of people who knew the General or were with him and witnessed him during events. 901-490-4511

Streetcar Advertising in America is an interesting source of products and transportation information. Most people do not realize what critical role streetcar advertising played in establishing many of the consumer products and brands that we enjoy today.

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The Lynching Sites Project of Memphis is part of a growing network of citizens who want the whole an accurate truth to be told about the history f Shelby County Tennessee. “We believe that we can heal and grow in understanding when we face openly the history of racial violence in our community.”

The website lists many upcoming events regarding the remembrance of those victims at the sites of their tragic deaths. It is an extensive site with videos and description of local groups including school students who support and participate in these events.

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Historic Archives of Rosemark and Environs, Inc. (HARE)

Chartered with the Secretary of State for the State of Tennessee on October 7, 2009, Historic Archives of Rosemark and Environs, Inc.’s stated purpose is to “create and publish An Illustrated History of the People and Towns of Northeast Shelby County and South Central Tipton County – Salem, Portersville, Idaville, Kerrville, Armourtown, Bethel, Tipton, Mudville, Macedonia, Gratitude, Barretville, and Rosemark, Tennessee; and to create and publish a collection of maps of the area, both separately and in combination. HARE will also catalog and preserve photographs of historic interest, local familial archival materials, and items of historic interest, as well as a collection of oral history tape recordings. It is the intention of HARE to make as much of this information as possible available through internet access, to edit and publish other materials of local historic interest, and to contribute to the preservation of local historic sites. HARE is formed exclusively for literary and educational purposes.”

Tennessee Archive of Moving Image and Sound – Preserving the audio and video history of East Tennessee at the Knox Library

Dating back to 1915, the moving image collection currently contains more than 5,000 reels and videotapes of home movies, documentaries, advertisements, industrial and training films, commercial films, television programming, and newsreels, all with local or regional connections. Its audio collection includes vintage radio programming, sound recordings, and oral histories and field recordings from the region, which date back to the 1930s.

Memphis Appeal Index 1843-1869

Index to the Civil War in Memphis Newspapers 1860-1866

Index to the Memphis Bulletin, 1860, 1863-1867

Index to the Memphis Enquirer 1836-1840, 1846-1849, 1850, 1851

Index to Obituaries in the Memphis Appeal 1843-1899

Index to Obituaries in the Memphis Commercial Appeal, 1894-1900

Other Links

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