"Looking Back" is coming to Brownsville

During the Civil War, 19-year-old Sarah Madison Taylor wrote in her diary of one of Col. Fielding Hurst's raids on Brownsville. This photograph and her diary are prime examples of items being sought by the Tennessee State Library and Archives during the "Looking Back" event.

To commemorate the 150th anniversary of the Civil War, the Tennessee State Library and Archives (TSLA) will send a team of professional archivist and conservators to Brownsville, Tenn., September 9-10, in an effort to digitally preserve Civil War era manuscripts, artifacts and photographs held in private hands. Area residents are invited to document these items and other artifacts during the two day event that will be held at the Delta Heritage Center.

Items will be scanned or photographed and returned to the owner within an hour. Participants will receive basic conservation supplies for their items, digital copies of the images and the opportunity to have their Civil War memorabilia preserved, digitized and shared online for future generations. Digital copies of these items, representing the Civil War heritage of Tennessee families, will become part of a virtual exhibit, "Looking Back: The Civil War in Tennessee."

All items will be carefully handled in accordance with archival standards and returned to their owners. Items eligible for digitization include: all items pertaining to the Civil War; letters, photographs, diaries, weapons (swords, knives, etc.), military passes and discharges, hand-drawn maps and sketches and uniforms. Items must be original (no photocopies) and owned by the person bringing them in.

Those wishing to participate must contact TSLA to reserve an appointment time. Call 615-253-3470 or email civilwar.tsla@tn.gov. Reservation request forms are available at the Delta Heritage Center, 121 Sunny Hill Cove, Brownsville.