Auburntown Historical Society Prepares For Future With Archival Training



The Auburntown Historical Society is hosting a training workshop for aspiring archivists at its next monthly meeting set for Thursday, Sept. 17, at 7 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall of the Auburntown Church of Christ.

Linda Granstaff of the Wilson County Archives in Lebanon will discuss archiving historical records and materials. She has served as Co-Director of the Archives along with Thomas Partlow since 1998.

“Both she and Mr. Partlow have worked toward making the Wilson County Archives one of the best in Tennessee,” noted Danny Nichols, president of the Auburntown Historical Society. “It is a model that has won much acclaim and one worth visiting for anyone from the Auburntown area with roots in Wilson County.”

Nichols said that the AHS has been collecting materials since its formation four years ago, and the time has come for the volunteers who will be working on the comprehensive history of Auburntown to learn how to utilize the growing collection.

Operated by the county government, the Wilson County Archives was established in 1995 and is located at 111 South College Street in Lebanon.

“This is an impressive research center,” Nichols said. “We hope our volunteers will benefit from the experience gained there.”

Nichols said that any individual who is interested in learning more about historic research, archival endeavors and use of records and documents should attend the meeting, whether they are members of the Auburntown Historical Society or not.

“Of course, as our annual membership drive is beginning this month, we invite interested potential members to attend,” he said. “Members do not have to be only from Auburntown. We have members from Woodbury, surrounding communities and around the country.”

Nichols said that benefits of the $15 annual membership include monthly educational programs January-October, a monthly newsletter and opportunities to participate in projects that preserve the history of the area. Three such projects have been completed with publication of 2007 and 2008 editions of Treasured Memories and Recollections and a 2009 edition called Treasured Recipes and Recollections, which has sold approximately 300 copies.

Nichols reminded those who purchased a recipe book and have not picked it up to arrive at the Sept. 17 meeting at 6:30 p.m. to do so.

Looking ahead, the final meeting of the year is set for Oct. 29 at which time new officers will be elected and installed. Entertainment for the evening will be a potluck dinner comprised of dishes prepared from recipes in the Society’s recipe book.

“Mark your calendar,” Nichols said. “This should be a time of fun and excitement as we welcome the new leadership to the Society and celebrate with our new members.”

For more information about membership in the Society or any of its programs or publications, please visit www.auburntowntennessee.blogspot.com.