News
News
- Center Intern, Lily Beall, Wins First Place at UT’s Arts and Sciences Undergraduate Research Symposium!Center Inter, Lily Beall, won first place at UT’s Arts and Sciences Undergraduate Research Symposium! This is a huge accomplishment! This award comes with a certificate, a medal, and a monetary prize. We at the Center for the Study of Tennesseans… Read more: Center Intern, Lily Beall, Wins First Place at UT’s Arts and Sciences Undergraduate Research Symposium!
- Center Intern, Lily Beall, Speaks at UT’s Arts and Sciences Undergraduate Research SymposiumThe Center for the Study of Tennesseans and War’s intern, Lily Beall, spoke at the University of Tennessee’s Arts and Sciences Undergraduate Research Symposium on her work about women who served during World War II. Lily shared her research that women… Read more: Center Intern, Lily Beall, Speaks at UT’s Arts and Sciences Undergraduate Research Symposium
- The Center Receives Public History Award from the Society for Military HistoryThis past week, Center Director Dr. Chris Magra attended the Awards Luncheon to receive an award from the Society for Military History! The Center for the Study of Tennesseans and War won the Public History award from the Society for Military… Read more: The Center Receives Public History Award from the Society for Military History
- Center Recieves Donation from Overseas ServicemanThe Center for the Study of Tennesseans and War received a box of gifts from AE2 (AW) Nicholas J. Wood, USN, stationed in Japan. Wood sent the Center a letter expressing his gratitude for the work the Center does in preserving… Read more: Center Recieves Donation from Overseas Serviceman
- Director Chris Magra to Speak at Witherspoon Lecture at Maryville CollegeOur director, Dr. Chris Magra, is scheduled to speak at Maryville College’s Witherspoon Lecture with his talk titled, “Wataugan Self-Governance: The Trans-Appalachian South and the Declaration of Independence, 1763-1776” — on Monday, March 23, in the Clayton Center for the Arts.… Read more: Director Chris Magra to Speak at Witherspoon Lecture at Maryville College
- The Center for the Study of Tennesseans and War Wins Award!The Center for the Study of Tennesseans and War won the Public History award from the Society for Military History! This annual award recognizes the contribution of public historians to the field of military history. The Center was selected based on… Read more: The Center for the Study of Tennesseans and War Wins Award!
- Center Director Dr. Chris Magra Speaks at Knoxville Volunteer Rotary ClubOn Friday, February 27, 2026, Dr. Chris Magra spoke at the Knoxville Volunteer Rotary Club about the Center for the Study of Tennesseans and War and shared his insights on Knoxville during World War II.
- Timothy Vane Interviewed by Center Director Dr. Chris MagraTimothy Vane was interviewed by the Center’s Director, Dr. Chris Magra, on February 17, 2026. For more information on Timothy Vane, view his record here: https://cstw.utk.edu/our-digital-archive/cold-war-records/. We appreciate Tim for coming to the Center and sharing his story with us.
- Dr. Chris Magra interviews CSTW Volunteer and Retired Air Force Drone Pilot Dr. Jase HoffmanDr. Chris Magra, Director for the Center of Tennesseans and War (CSTW), interviewed CSTW volunteer and retired Air Force drone pilot, Dr. Jase Hoffman. Dr. Hoffman began volunteering at the Center last Fall. Dr. Hoffman was a key part of developing… Read more: Dr. Chris Magra interviews CSTW Volunteer and Retired Air Force Drone Pilot Dr. Jase Hoffman
- Center Director, Dr. Chris Magra, speaks at Blount Mansion to Commenorate the 250th Anniversary of the United States and its Relationship to TennesseeOn February 21, 2026, Center Director, Dr. Chris Magra, spoke at Knoxville’s Blount Mansion about the 250th Anniversary of the United States and its relationship to Tennessee. Appalachian settlers established independent western governments like the Watauga Association (1772) and the State… Read more: Center Director, Dr. Chris Magra, speaks at Blount Mansion to Commenorate the 250th Anniversary of the United States and its Relationship to Tennessee
- Happy Valley High School Honors Fallen Military AlumniIf you walk through the main entrance of Happy Valley High School in Elizabethton, Tennessee, you will be greeted with a new display to honor the school’s fallen military alumni. The display features 14 fallen service members who graduated from Happy… Read more: Happy Valley High School Honors Fallen Military Alumni
- CSTW Supports University of Tennessee VeteransThe Center for the Study of Tennesseans and War supported University of Tennessee, Knoxville veterans by donating food and drink at the Veteran Success Center on campus on Veteran’s Day. The Center also set up materials from our archive to celebrate… Read more: CSTW Supports University of Tennessee Veterans
- Center Interview General James M. “Mike” HolmesOn November 14, 2025, the Center for the Study of Tennesseans and War interviewed Air Force General James M. “Mike” Holmes. General James M. “Mike” Holmes is 4-Star General in the United States Air Force. He was born in Knoxville, TN… Read more: Center Interview General James M. “Mike” Holmes
- CSTW Staff and Interns Support Local VeteransThe Staff and Interns for the Center for the Study of Tennesseans and War (CSTW) supported local veterans at the inaugural Veteran Town Hall, established by the University of Tennessee, Knoxville’s Veteran Success Center, the Tennessee Department of Veteran Services, and… Read more: CSTW Staff and Interns Support Local Veterans
- Fall 2025 Intership Continues to ThriveThe Fall 2025 intership continues to thrive at the Center for the Study of Tennesseans and War at the University of Tennessee. This year, the interns have worked on social media, StoryMap projects, archival digitization, and more. The interns will continue… Read more: Fall 2025 Intership Continues to Thrive
- Naval History ConferenceOur Director, Dr. Chris Magra, was invited to present a research paper at the McNeil Center last week. The McNeil Center is part of the University of Pennsylvania. The Center is one of the premiere American history organizations in the United… Read more: Naval History Conference
- Dr. Chris Magra Speaks at Sevier Day to Commemorate the King’s Mountain BattleOn September 20, 2025, Dr. Chris Magra, Director for the Center for the Study of Tennesseans and War, spoke at Knoxville’s Sevier Day to Commemorate the Battle of King’s Mountain which took place on October 7, 1780. This event took place… Read more: Dr. Chris Magra Speaks at Sevier Day to Commemorate the King’s Mountain Battle
- John Saylor Interviewed at CenterJohn Saylor was interviewed by the Center’s Director, Dr. Chris Magra, on September 15, 2025. Saylor is a War on Terror Veteran. Coming from a military family, Saylor was excited to join the military. Saylor’s interview discusses his history, his war… Read more: John Saylor Interviewed at Center
- Stories of the Manhattan Project: Wilbur S. AndersonOn July 29, 2025, Gail E. Link, daughter of uranium courier during the Manhattan Project, Wilbur S. Anderson, was interviewed a second time by the Center’s Director, Dr. Chris Magra. Anderson was drafted on June 1, 1943 but later worked with… Read more: Stories of the Manhattan Project: Wilbur S. Anderson
- Bill Conner Interviewed by Gracie Amburn at CSTWThis is a follow-up interview with Bill Conner, a retired Air Force Master Sergeant and currently the Military and Family Readiness Manager, 134th Air Refueling Wing at McGhee Tyson Airport. Conner has served with the United States Air Force and the… Read more: Bill Conner Interviewed by Gracie Amburn at CSTW
- Center Intern, Emma Patterson, Wins Achievement AwardEmma Patterson, a friend and intern to the Center for the Study of Tennesseans and War, has been awarded the Achievement Award in the Arts and Sciences, Classics Division for her EUReCA poster and presentation. This research started with her internship… Read more: Center Intern, Emma Patterson, Wins Achievement Award
- Center Intern, Gracie Amburn, Wins AwardCenter Intern, Gracie Amburn, wins award at the Arts and Science Undergraduate Research Symposium (ASUReS), University of Tennessee, Knoxville.
- Stories of the Manhattan Project: Wilbur S. AndersonMarch 11 2025. Dr. Chris Magra, director for the Study of Tennesseans and War, interviewed Gail E. Link about her father, Wilbur S. Anderson about his service in World War II. Anderson was drafted on June 1, 1943 but later worked… Read more: Stories of the Manhattan Project: Wilbur S. Anderson
- New Documentary Shares Insight into Tennessee’s Civil War PastOn December 31st, 1862 on the banks of Stone’s River, one of the most hellish battles of the Civil War would take place. However, as bullets rained and cannons thundered, one man within the ranks of the Army of Tennessee, facing… Read more: New Documentary Shares Insight into Tennessee’s Civil War Past
- Dr. James Williams Interviewed by Gracie Amburn at CSTWDr. James Williams is an associate professor in the Retail, Hospitality, and Tourism Management Department at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Before joining the faculty, Williams served in the Air Force. We are proud to work with Dr. Williams and share… Read more: Dr. James Williams Interviewed by Gracie Amburn at CSTW
- Tom Cruise Interviewed by Gracie Amburn at CSTWThe Center for the Study of Tennesseans of War was pleased to interview Tom Cruise, current director for the Veterans Success Center at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, and Air Force veteran, serving six years as crew chief of the F-16.… Read more: Tom Cruise Interviewed by Gracie Amburn at CSTW
- Stories of the Manhattan Project: An Interview with Gail E. LinkMarch 11 2025. Dr. Chris Magra, director for the Study of Tennesseans and War, interviewed Gail E. Link about her father, Wilbur C. Anderson about his service in World War II. Anderson was drafted on June 1, 1943 but later worked… Read more: Stories of the Manhattan Project: An Interview with Gail E. Link
- A Successful SymposiumNine scholars from universities around the country came Knoxville to present their original research.
- Nathaniel Adams Interviewed by Gracie Amburn at CSTWNathaniel Adams was interviewed by intern Gracie Amburn on February 7, 2025. At the time of this interview, Nathaniel Adams has served for over 14 years in the Army National Guard. Adams is a senior at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville… Read more: Nathaniel Adams Interviewed by Gracie Amburn at CSTW
- Dr. Ricardo A. Herrera: Declaration of Independence SymposiumDr. Ricardo A. Herrera will be our keynote speaker at the Declaration of Independence Symposium to be held on March 1 at 9:00 AM to 3:30 PM.
- The Military History of the Declaration of Independence Symposium March 1, 2025 at the UTK Baker Center As the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence approaches, it is important to remember that this foundational document was written during a war. The Declaration was, in large part,… Read more: The Military History of the Declaration of Independence Symposium
- Dr. Chris Magra Interviews Korean War VeteransDr. Chris Magra interviewed several Korean War Veterans: Conley Miracle, Bill Clark, Charles Anderson, Bernet (Posy) Poczobut, Ray Hayes, and Harold Maples on January 8, 2025. The interview is live on our YouTube channel. More for information, please contact the center.
- Daughters of the American Revolution, Cavett Station
- Center’s Interns Visit UT’s Special Collections
- Adam Alfrey visits the Center for Tennesseans and War
- David Hearnes visits the Center for Tennesseans and WarDavid Hearnes, executive director for the Blount Mansion in historical downtown Knoxville, Tennessee, visited the Center for the Study of Tennesseans and War to speak with its interns. Hearnes discussed the rewards of public history, historic preservation, and community service opportunities.
- Pat Gang, historian, meets with the Center’s Interns
- Sharp’s Ridge Veterans Memorial Park DedicationToday marked a milestone for the Center. We completed a two-year public history project to install some of the Center’s research in the Sharp’s Ridge Veterans Memorial Park in Knoxville, TN. We partnered with the Veterans Heritage Site Foundation and the… Read more: Sharp’s Ridge Veterans Memorial Park Dedication
- Tennessee and WW2 SymposiumThe East Tennessee Historical Society held a symposium July 8-10, 2024 on historical connections between our region and World War II. Center Director Dr. Chris Magra was invited to talk about our archives. He partnered with Dr. John Romeiser and the… Read more: Tennessee and WW2 Symposium
- WWII and the SmokiesThe Veterans Heritage Site Foundation held a ceremony to honor WWII veterans who lived in the Smoky Mountains on Saturday, June 15 in Townsend, TN. Veterans invited our Director, Dr. Chris Magra, to speak about the history of the war and… Read more: WWII and the Smokies
- Two-Star Major General Stephen A. ClarkWe were honored today to host Retired Two-Star Major General Stephen A. Clark and his wife Cynthia for a visit to the Center for the Study of Tennesseans and War. General Clark sat down with Center Director Chris Magra for an… Read more: Two-Star Major General Stephen A. Clark
- History Department Awards NightTonight was the history department’s awards ceremony where we were able to recognize the great work of some of our interns and staff. Center Director Chris Magra spoke for a bit about the importance of the Center and the work we… Read more: History Department Awards Night
- Private John Russell DonationThe Center is privileged to be the new home of a collection from Private John Russell of Elizabethton, TN, including a duffel bag from his time in the service. Private John Edward Russell was born on 18 April 1908 to James… Read more: Private John Russell Donation
- Morilak Family Donation and InterviewThis week at the Center, we were extremely lucky to receive a visit from the Morilak Family. Major John Morilak served as an aircraft maintenance specialist for the Air Force during the Vietnam War. He served for twenty years, from 1964… Read more: Morilak Family Donation and Interview
- Tackle Box DonationLast week we received a donation from the East Tennessee Veterans Memorial Association. The donation may seem like a simple tackle box, but once it is opened, you’ll find a whole collection of letters written home from a Tennessee veteran serving… Read more: Tackle Box Donation
- Interview with Robert YokleyLast week, the Center was honored to interview Robert Yokley. Yokley was born and raised in middle Tennessee. He enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1969 to serve in Vietnam. He was injured by shrapnel from a booby trap during his… Read more: Interview with Robert Yokley
- Interns Return With Gifts!!The Center is proud to welcome students back to campus for the Spring 2024 Semester! While we don’t have our undergraduate interns in residence this semester, they are still making their presence felt. One of our Fall interns, Caroline Workman, brought… Read more: Interns Return With Gifts!!
- Intern Family TiesYesterday we were fortunate that one of our interns, Gracie Amburn, brought in some of her family’s collection so that we could preserve some pictures and share in their history. Her great-great uncle, Private First Class Ordway Perry (March 24, 1925),… Read more: Intern Family Ties
- Interview with Chad FaulknerEarlier this month we were honored to receive a visit from Chad Faulkner, who shared his story with the Center. Faulkner is a retired Army veteran who lives in Knoxville who served from 1997-2017. In his twenty years of service, he… Read more: Interview with Chad Faulkner
- Interview with Captain Connor PearceAfter our Veteran’s Day event today, we were lucky to host Captain Connor Pearce for an interview. Captain Pearce’s story is one of a winding road and personal persistence. He was born in Columbia, South Carolina and is a native of… Read more: Interview with Captain Connor Pearce
- Veteran’s Day EventToday, in partnership with the Veteran’s Success Center, we were happy to celebrate Veteran’s Day. Our interns put on an exhibit using some of the materials we have in our archives, and we provided some food and coffee for those who… Read more: Veteran’s Day Event
- Donation from the Johnson-Milner FamilyYesterday, the Center was honored to host Scott Milner for a visit. Scott is the stepson of the late Dr. Charles Johnson, the founder of the Center. He came by to visit and to make a very generous donation of Dr.… Read more: Donation from the Johnson-Milner Family
- Visit from Adam H. AlfreyToday we at the Center had the privilege of hosting Adam H. Alfrey, the Assistant Director for Historical Services at Knox County Public Library and the East Tennessee Historical Society. Adam spoke with our interns about how to plan and actualize… Read more: Visit from Adam H. Alfrey
- Interview with Major Kelly WaughOne of the Center’s interns, Sam Gerstner, sat down to interview her instructor Major Kelly Waugh on behalf of the Center. The video of this interview can be found on the Center’s YouTube page. We are so grateful that Major Waugh… Read more: Interview with Major Kelly Waugh
- Visit from Dr. Warren DockterToday, we were very lucky to have a visit from Dr. Warren Dockter, the President & CEO of the East Tennessee Historical Society. Dr. Dockter spoke with our interns about his career path, his work on East Tennessee’s history, and provided… Read more: Visit from Dr. Warren Dockter
- Veterans Day EventThe Center for the Study of Tennesseans and War has partnered with the Veteran’s Success Center to honor the lives and military service of people in our region. This Veteran’s Day event will showcase interviews with Tennessee veterans from World War… Read more: Veterans Day Event
- William Blount’s ImpeachmentCenter Director Dr. Chris Magra gave an invited lecture at the Blount Mansion in Knoxville, TN on September 28. He talked about his own research on one of the founders of the state of Tennessee. William Blount was an ardent Federalist,… Read more: William Blount’s Impeachment
- Gold Star Mother & Family DayThis weekend, Center Director Chris Magra will be speaking at Gold Star Mother & Family Day, hosted by the Veterans Heritage Site Foundation. Please join us as we thank those who have served and their loved ones who have made incredible… Read more: Gold Star Mother & Family Day
- Interview With Former P.O.W. William RobinsonThe Center was honored to interview Captain William Robinson on Friday, August 8, 2023. He is the longest held enlisted P.O.W. in American history. He was held prisoner in Vietnam for over seven years. You can listen to this Tennessean’s story… Read more: Interview With Former P.O.W. William Robinson
- Special Collections VisitOur interns hard at work at Special Collections at Hodges Library. Thanks to Laura Romans and her crew at Special Collections for their great presentation and for pulling so many useful resources for us!