Timothy 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, 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 the Air Force drone pilot program. His interview, and more to come, offer a […]
On 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 of Franklin (1784) by applying the principle of popular sovereignty. The Revolutionary War and […]
If 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 Valley High School. The table and signs were made by students and faculty. Telegrams […]
The 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 veterans and their stories from previous eras.
On 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 in 1957. His impeccable career covered 4 major combat operations that include Operation Desert […]
The 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 the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs. Dr. Chris Magra, director for CSTW, spoke about […]
The 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 to work on their projects as the semester continues on into November. Stay tuned […]
On 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 at Marble Springs State Historic Site. Dr. Magra lectured on the battle with special […]
John 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 experiences, and his career in the military. We thank John for visiting the Center […]