West Tennessee Historical Society facts for kids
| Abbreviation | WTHS |
|---|---|
| Predecessor | Memphis Historical Society |
| Formation | 1935 |
| Purpose | To "support historical programs, archives, publications, preservation, markers, museums, and other historical collections" relevant to West Tennessee. |
| Headquarters | Memphis, Tennessee |
|
Board President
|
Michael Freeman |
|
Executive Director
|
Carol Perel |
The West Tennessee Historical Society (WTHS) is a group that helps keep history alive. It is a nonprofit historical society. This means it works to preserve history without making money. The WTHS serves the twenty-one counties in West Tennessee.
The main office of the society is in Memphis. The group officially started in 1935. However, its history goes back to earlier historical groups in West Tennessee. The very first one was formed in 1857. The society publishes books about West Tennessee history. It also releases a yearly journal called the West Tennessee Historical Society Papers. The WTHS helps protect old buildings and important places. It also keeps a collection of historical documents and books. These are stored at the University of Memphis.
How the Society Started
The West Tennessee Historical Society has a long history. It began with a group called the Old Folks of Shelby County. This group was founded in 1857. Later, it became part of the Confederate Relief and Historical Association in 1866. This group changed its name twice. First, it became the Confederate Historical Association in 1869. Then, it was called Camp 28 in 1884.
The Memphis Historical Society took over from Camp 28 in 1900. In 1935, this society started to focus on all of West Tennessee's history. Before, it only focused on Memphis. Dr. Marshall Wingfield became the first President of the West Tennessee Historical Society.
Key Moments in WTHS History
The first issue of the society's yearly journal came out in 1947. This journal is called the West Tennessee Historical Society Papers. The society officially became a corporation in 1950. In 1974, the society's collection of historical items moved. It went from the Pink Palace Museum and Planetarium to the University of Memphis.
The society started protecting important buildings in 1989. It helped save the historic John Gray House in Germantown. This house was going to be torn down. In 1990, the society also helped save the Mississippi River Museum. This museum is located on Mud Island.
What the Society Does
The West Tennessee Historical Society does many things. It publishes its annual journal, the West Tennessee Historical Society Papers. The society has also published several books about West Tennessee history. Members also receive a monthly newsletter.
Each year, the society gives an award. This award honors a person or group. It is given for their great work in sharing West Tennessee history. The society also keeps a list of historical markers. These markers show important places in Shelby County.
Learn More
- List of historical societies in Tennessee
