The Bristol Historical Association is dedicated to the identification, preservation, interpretation and presentation of local history. | | |
IN THIS ISSUE
- President's Letter to Friends and Members
- September 14: Tina McDaniel and Dr. Daryl Carter present a program of Historical Interest
- RHYTHM AND ROOTS BHA PARKING SEPTEMBER 11-13
- October 10, 2026 Robert Preston House Event
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ANNUAL BHA Meeting at the Virginian Golf Club with David Doane and "The Battle of King's Mountain" Sunday, November 15, 2026
- State of Virginia Award to Joyce Kistner
- Photo with Delegate Israel O'Quinn and Senator Todd Pillon
- Library Display: 250th Birthday of the United States
- Tennessee Ernie Ford's son, Buck Ford, passing in June, 2026
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New Membership Form - be sure to give your latest email address
| | A Letter from Barbara Smith, BHA President | | |
Bristol Historical Association Celebrates 250 Years of Our Country.
Fall is approaching, summer is winding down, and slowly routines will creep into our lives. But all eyes continue to be on America's 250th Birthday.
I hope you have taken time to visit the Bristol Historical display cabinet in the Bristol Public Library. Joyce Kistner has arranged an interesting exhibit of contrasting 1776-2026 items for your viewing. The Bristol Historical Association is extra proud of Joyce as she was recently awarded a Resolution from Delegate O’Quinn and Senator Todd Pillion for her community contributions. Please read all about this remarkable trailblazing public servant later in this newsletter.
Also celebrating America 250 is the opening of the Robert Preston House on Lee Highway. Much has been written about and celebrated through the years of this extraordinary historic home in our backyard. Thanks to Jan Rainero and Isabelle Ladd, it will be open for viewing on October 10. Robert Preston was a surveyor commissioned by Governor Thomas Jefferson to survey this “western” part of the state. Ensconced in this newsletter is a sneak preview of the many treasures found in and around the Robert Preston House. Stay tuned for more details.
The Bristol Historical September speaker brings us the story of Black Bottom, a long-forgotten area of downtown Bristol. Tina McDaniel and Dr. Daryl Carter, Associate Dean for Black American Studies at ETSU, will examine this history Monday, September 14 at 6:30 at the Bristol Public Library. Details may be found in this newsletter.
Do not forget to reserve your parking spaces for Rhythm and Roots September 11-13. Thanks to Amy Hopper, Isabelle Ladd, and Butch Flannagan for organizing our main fundraiser for the year.
It is a true pleasure working with this very dedicated team assuring the history of Bristol and the surrounding areas is preserved and presented. To become a member or to receive more information, go to our website www.bristolhistoricalassociation.com.
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Bristol Historical Association Program
September 14, 2026, 6:30 PM
The Souls of Bristol's Black Bottom: Reclaiming a Place, Restoring a Story
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Join community story steward Tina McDaniel and Dr. Daryl Carter, Professor, Associate Dean, and Director/Black American Studies at East Tennessee State University, for a program exploring the history, significance, and legacy of Bristol's Black Bottom.
Dr. Carter will provide historical context by examining the rise of Black business districts across America following Emancipation, their role as centers of entrepreneurship, culture, and community during segregation, and the profound impact of Urban Renewal on these neighborhoods.
Building on that broader history, McDaniel will share the story of Bristol's Black Bottom—once a vibrant African American business district located where the Bristol, Virginia Courthouse now stands. Drawing from her research, she will discuss Bristol's Black Bottom, what was lost when the neighborhood was dismantled, and the ongoing work to reclaim its history through The Souls of Bristol's Black Bottom initiative supported by the Anne & Gene Worrell Foundation and Virginia Humanities.
Together, the presentations will place Bristol's story within the larger history of Black placemaking in America and explore why preserving these histories matters today. The program will highlight current efforts to restore memory, strengthen community connections, and ensure that the legacy of Black Bottom becomes a visible and lasting part of Bristol's shared history.
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BRISTOL HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION, INC.
Rhythm & Roots Reunion Parking: Sept 11-13, 2026
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The Bristol Historical Association is looking forward to our annual fundraiser during the Rhythm & Roots Reunion weekend, September 11 - 13! Once again, we will be managing parking lots during this festival to raise funds for our many and diverse programs and projects!
We are offering two modes of parking:
1) Daily Parking, $20.00 per day, first come, first served;
2) 3-Day Weekend Reserved Parking pass, $75.00 per space. SEE FLYER (below)
For those reserving weekend parking spaces, you will have the privilege of leaving your assigned lot at any time during the weekend, assured that you will have a space waiting for you upon your return.
Instructions regarding check-in will be furnished via the email address you provide to us when you reserve your space.
To purchase a weekend parking pass, send a check payable to the Bristol Historical Association, along with your contact information in the form of an email address and cell number, to:
Amy Hopper,
133 Spanish Oak Road,
Bristol, TN 37620.
Email Amy at amyhopper2014@gmail.com
or 423-341-5270 TEXT ONLY
Depending upon the demand for daily or weekend parking, some lots may be designated to accommodate both types of parking as needed and as space is available.
We look forward to seeing you at Rhythm & Roots!
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October 10, 2026 Robert Preston House Event
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Celebrate the Robert Preston House in October during this 250th year of the United States of America. Visit the Robert Preston House at Walnut Grove.
Robert Preston received his surveyor's bond and was appointed as the first surveyor of Washington County, Va in 1779 by the Governor of Virginia, Thomas Jefferson. Robert Preston served in this capacity until he died in 1831.
The surveying equipment examples are now housed in the Robert Preston House and shown in the photos below. The Pictures in this article were taken this summer and show the many improvements that were made possible by grants and gifts of many who respect the history of this home.
The Bristol Historical Association's efforts have saved the Robert Preston House, and it is included in the Virginia Landmarks Register and the National
Register of Historic Places, and is the first landmark in Virginia on the map denoting the Virginia Lewis and Clark Legacy Eastern Trail.
Read more about Robert Preston Here
More information about this celebration will be announced in the coming month.
Benefactors and BHA members will have special recognition for their gifts and services to restoring the Robert Preston House.
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ANNUAL BHA Meeting at the Virginian Golf Club November 15th Program:
BATTLE OF KING'S MOUNTAIN
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Bristol Historical Association Annual Meeting, Sunday, November 15, 2026, held at the Virginian at 12:30 PM with David Doan, re-enactor.
Much has been written about the Battle of Kings Mountain. It is appropriate to visit it again during our country's 250th anniversary celebration. It was the year 1780. The tide of the Revolution had turned against the colonists. The British, forced out of New England, gained new allies in the divided South and were winning victories. Charleston had fallen along with many other battles. Then the impossible occurred. The frontiersmen of the western mountains began a long March gathering an army from the Muster Grounds of Abingdon, the Pemberton Oak in Sullivan County, and down to Sycamore Shoals. Onward they marched to the hills of South Carolina to a place called Kings Mountain. Here, they opened fire, destroying Major Ferguson's army and opening the gates to the victory at Yorktown.
Don’t miss our speaker on Sunday, November 16th, to learn more.
| | See websites below to learn more about each state's events | | |
Bristol Historical Association’s One-Year Exhibit at the Bristol Public Library
Now 2026 – Then 1776
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BHA is celebrating the 250th Anniversary of the United States and our country’s heritage, patriotism, security, and freedom through a special year-long exhibit at the Bristol Public Library. Enjoy the grand times and events that will commemorate the semiquincentennial of God’s country all around the world.
This exhibit of almost 50 artifacts was curated and assembled by BHA members Joyce Kistner, Carter Miles, Barbara Smith, and Susan Long.
Photo by Carter Miles
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250th Anniversary of the United States of America Now and Then Collection
1. Pen and papers --Quill pin with 18 th century inkwell
2. Silver fork --Tin fork
3. Electric lamp --Candle
4. AI -- Bible
5. Modern house – Log house
6. Digital Clock --Roosevelt Clock 1940
7. Silver Robot --Iron horse and wagon
8. People of America --John Smith and Indians
9. Construction glasses-- Wireframe Glasses
10. Cellphone-- Camera
11. Taylor Swift --Carter Family (acrylic painting 2026)
12. President Donald Trump – President George Washington
13. Red and blue hat with flower --Dark velvet shawl taffeta with fringe
14. Computer technology-- Typewriter
15. Prepackaged food --Farm food
16. Baby America, brown leather baby shoes circa 1920 –Baby carriage
| | State of Virginia Award to Joyce Kistner | | |
It was great to see Joyce Kistner recognized for her decades of service to Bristol yesterday evening! Thank you to Delegate Israel O'Quinn and Senator Todd Pillion for securing the passing of HR 2044 to honor her.
From her service as a teacher at Stonewall Elementary, to her work with the historical society and the library, to her time on the electoral board, to her many years of service, and to her trailblazing spirit as the first woman to ever be elected to a school board in Southwest Virginia, Joyce is quite the remarkable public servant.
I'm thankful for all she's done for our city, and I'm thankful to call her a friend and a mentor.
Click here to read the document.
| | Tennessee Ernie Ford's Son, Buck Ford's Passing | | |
Jeffrey Buckner "Buck" Ford, born in 1950, passed away on June 21, 2026, in Nashville, Tennessee
This is Buck’s oldest son, Tucker, reaching out on his behalf.
On Father’s Day Sunday at 1:50 in the afternoon, Jeffrey Buckner Ford left this world for the next. He had been diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer that he fought valiantly, bravely, and without ever losing his signature sense of humor. He was surrounded by his family, who held his hands as he was ushered away from his illness.
Once he was at peace, he opened his door to find a sailboat; he climbed aboard and rode the peaceful waves out of our sight, off to be reunited with his son Patrick, his brother Brion, his father Ernie, his mother Betty, and all of the countless other friends and family he made throughout his life’s journey.
The Ford Family thanks you for your thoughts and prayers, and will announce details for services at a later date. To quote one of Dad’s favorite passages from The Lord of the Rings:
“All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us.”
Read more about Tennessee Ernie Ford on our website
| | Buck Ford photos on his trip to Bristol 2019 taken by Amy Hopper of the Bristol Historical Association | | |
Become A Member Today!
Not a Member?
Need to Renew your Membership?
Need to change your email address?
Click HERE
for our New 2026 Membership Form
Or send your check to:
BHA P.O. Box 204 Bristol, TN 37621
Did you know that a variety of membership levels are available?
Please see the updated levels and opportunities offered as of October 2026.
When you renew or join this year, please consider the new "One Hundred Club" level. A donation and membership totaling $100 or more establishes you as a member of the "One Hundred Club".
Please consider adding a donation to your membership dues at any level. Any gift is very greatly appreciated! For those of you who have already renewed at any of these levels and/or given a little extra above and beyond your membership dues, BHA thanks you for helping fund our mission of identifying, preserving, interpreting, and promoting Bristol's History! BHA is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.
Your donation will support ongoing programs and activities, such as our historical speaker series, school education program, and the acquisition of a downtown headquarters, all of which help BHA make connections between the past and the present. When you make this donation, you become an investor and partner in the future of an organization that preserves and celebrates the best of our community's history.
As a member of BHA, you will enjoy participation in all BHA events and programs while supporting its vital mission. As we embark into our 46th year, there is a renewed focus to be faithful to our founding principles and broaden our efforts to educate a new generation.
If you are not already a member of BHA, we encourage you to join today. Just click on the link below to join BHA or to renew your annual membership. And remember, BHA memberships make great gifts!
Click the following link for a membership application and information about membership levels:
Join BHA: 2026 Membership Form
BHA'S YOUTUBE CHANNEL: BHA YOUTUBE CHANNEL
BTES Channel 207 shows past BHA programs
You can read past newsletters and stories and view both historical and modern photos on our website, always up to date with the latest news.
Visit us at www.BristolHistoricalAssociation.com
Click Here for our Web Site
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Editor : Amy Hopper
Design and Layout: Rebekah McGrady
Contributing editors and typists:
Barbara Smith, Jan Rainero, Butch Flannagan
Linda Kirk, Susan Long, and Joyce Ann Kistner
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