Tennesseans and War

News

Outdoor headshot photo of a man in a blue suit jacket and dark blue tie

David Hearnes visits the Center for Tennesseans and War

David 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.

A painting of soldiers crossing water

Tennessee and WW2 Symposium

The 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 East Tennessee Veteran Memorial Association to present stories of Tennesseans who fought in WW2. […]

A line of tables with flags and photos of veterans

WWII and the Smokies

The 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 the ways in which the conflict changed the Smokies.

Two men shaking hands

Two-Star Major General Stephen A. Clark

We 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 interview about his life and his career in the service. General Clark was born […]

A group of people at an event

History Department Awards Night

Tonight 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 have done this semester. He introduced next year’s paid intern, Nathaniel Adams, and recognized […]

A man holding an old canvas bag

Private John Russell Donation

The 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 A. Russell and Sallie Katherine Webb. He was the brother of Walter Clyde Russell, […]

Three people in a room surrounded by books

Morilak Family Donation and Interview

This 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 to 1984. His daughter, Kat Morilak, followed in her father’s footsteps and joined the […]

File folders in a red case

Tackle Box Donation

Last 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 in the Korean War! Sergeant Walter Seivers was born July 21, 1926. He attended […]