Every year TCWPA recognizes leaders from across the state for work in their communities to protect and interpret our Civil War sites. This year, leaders from Nashville, Franklin, and Spring Hill reflect the outstanding commitment to preservation efforts in Middle Tennessee.
President Hodges presented the annual 2019 Robert A Ragland award to Clay Bailey of Nashville for his outstanding leadership in the preservation of Fort Negley. Hodges reflected, “Clay was the founding Chair of the Friends of Fort Negley. Serving as the principal spokesperson, Clay led the fight to save the Fort Negley – Greer Stadium area from a proposed multi-use project. For nearly a decade Clay has been tireless in his work to highlight to the Nashville community the fort’s role during the Civil War and Reconstruction.” In recognition of Clay’s outstanding work, TCWPA provided a $500 grant to the Friends of Fort Negley for the continued preservation and interpretation of the site.
TCWPA recognized Historic Masonic Hall Foundation Director Rachael Finch and Director of Preservation Grace Abernethy at the Hall in downtown Franklin. TCWPA gave a grant of $500 to support the Foundation’s ongoing restoration and interpretation of the National Historic Landmark with a 200-year history including the Civil War era.
During the annual meeting at Rippavilla, TCWPA recognized Kate Wilson, Director of Rippavilla Plantation with a $500 grant for the work she, the City of Spring Hill, and community preservationists are doing to restore and interpret Spring Hill’s historic Rippavilla plantation, the on-site Freedman’s School, a post-Civil War cabin, and family and slave cemeteries.
