The Tennessee State Library and Archives hosted a ribbon cutting and grand opening ceremony with dignitaries, elected officials and Library and Archives staff, on Monday, April 12, to celebrate the opening of its new state-of-the-art building.
After the Bicentennial Mall’s Carillon Bells welcomed guests and the Tennessee Army National Guard Color Guard presented the colors, five-time Grammy Award winner Steven Curtis Chapman sang the national anthem.
Former U.S. Senator Lamar Alexander, Gov. Bill Lee, former Gov. Bill Haslam, Secretary of State Tre Hargett and State Librarian and Archivist Chuck Sherrill spoke about how the vision for the beautiful new Library and Archives became a reality.
“Today we give new life to a State Library and Archives that is chock full of stories, the raw materials of history that give meaning to our lives,” said former Senator Alexander. “We are grateful to Gov. Lee and Sec. Hargett for seeing through to the finish this important project that began in the 1990s and got a big boost from Gov. Haslam.”
“As we celebrate 225 years of statehood, we’re fortunate to have a state-of-the-art facility that will preserve Tennessee’s rich history,” said Gov. Lee. “The new Tennessee State Library and Archives Building will document the stories of Tennesseans who have shaped our great state, and I thank Secretary Tre Hargett for his leadership in bringing this project to completion.”
“Our state has a rich history full of stories from the generations that came before us,” said former Gov. Haslam. “Now we have a building that can capture that history and keep it safe for generations to come. Congratulations to Secretary Hargett and his team for making this happen.”
Lt. Gov. Randy McNally, Speaker Cameron Sexton, former Gov. Winfield Dunn and former State Librarian and Archivist Jeanne Sugg joined the speakers for the ribbon cutting ceremony.
“The new Tennessee Library and Archives is a state-of-the-art facility every Tennessean should visit at least once. Tennessee has a great and proud history. That history is preserved and protected by our state Library and Archives,” said Lt. Gov. McNally. “The library has always been an outstanding resource for all Tennesseans to study and research their state’s history. With this new facility, our state records, documents, newspapers and history will be more protected and accessible than ever. I am grateful to Tennessee Secretary of State Tre Hargett, State Librarian Chuck Sherrill and countless others who made this dream a reality for all of Tennessee.”
“This is an historic day for all Tennesseans, as the new Library and Archives is now officially open for business,” said Speaker Sexton. “The effective partnership between our General Assembly and Secretary Hargett in recent years has turned what once was a vision into a spectacular reality that is this state-of-the-art facility. Our new Library and Archives will better preserve Tennessee’s historical collections and make them even more accessible to current and future generations.”
Former Library and Archives staff member and former president of the Friends of the Tennessee State Library and Archives Mrs. Virginia Gooch Watson had the honor of cutting the ribbon. In 1953, Watson processed the first book moved from the Library and Archives’ original home in the State Capitol to their former building on 7th Ave. N.
After the ceremony, attendees were invited to enjoy tours of the new 165,000 square foot building.
“The journey from the idea for this new building to today was long and not without obstacles,” said Secretary Hargett. “We would not be here today without the strong support from the members of the Tennessee General Assembly as well as Governor Haslam who placed this building his budgets. Additionally, I am grateful to so many others who advocated for and contributed their time and talents to this building that will preserve Tennessee history for the next 100 years."
Founded in 1854, the State Library, a division of the Department of State, was created to collect, preserve and provide access to Tennessee's historical records and resources in accessible formats. In 1919, the State Archives program was added, creating the Tennessee State Library and Archives. Today, the Library and Archives is Tennessee's premier historical research facility and actively promotes the development of local libraries and archives across the state.
"We have been blessed to work with so many dedicated professionals who helped bring this project to fruition, including Tuck Hinton Architects and Thomas Miller & Partners, Turner Construction, the current and former members of the State Building Commission, the Department of General Services and Strategic Technology Solutions," said Sherrill. "We are excited to welcome visitors to this incredible new facility that will serve the people of Tennessee for generations to come.”
The Library and Archives is holding an open house for the new building at the intersection of Rep. John Lewis Way N. and Jefferson St. in Nashville on Tuesday, April 13, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. CDT. Visitors are invited to take self-guided tours. Staff will be available to explain the new features and work done in each area. Reservations are not required to attend the open house.
To schedule a visit to the Library and Archives after April 13, email ask@tsla.libanswers.com. Library and Archives guests are required to wear a mask.
To learn more about the Library and Archives collections and upcoming programs, follow their social media channels, Facebook: Tennessee State Library and Archives and Instagram: @tnlibarchives along with the Secretary of State’s Twitter account: @SecTreHargett.
Video from the ribbon cutting and grand opening ceremony is available on the Secretary of State's Facebook page and YouTube channel. For more information about the Library and Archives, visit the Secretary of State’s website, www.sos.tn.gov.
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