Tennesseans and War

Events

A group photo of people from a symposium

A Successful Symposium

Nine scholars from universities around the country came Knoxville to present their original research.

Intern Gracie Amburn interviews Nathaniel Adams, intern for CSTW and part of the TN National Guard.

Nathaniel Adams Interviewed by Gracie Amburn at CSTW

Nathaniel 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 and works at the Center for the Study of Tennesseans and War. As one […]

The Declaration of Independence

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, a Congressional war measure.  It was meant to convince potential allies overseas and fence-sitters […]

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.

Collage of event photos from Veterans Heritage Site Foundation dedication at Memorial Park

Sharp’s Ridge Veterans Memorial Park Dedication

Today 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 Knoxville Parks and Recreation Department to complete this project.  We held a dedication ceremony […]

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, […]