The Shelby County History Day at Davies Manor on April 30^th was a well-attended event. Several speakers enjoyed lively audiences as they spoke on subjects that included: Trail of Tears, genealogy, Davy Crockett, and Marcus Winchester.

Exhibits, including axe throwing, were enjoyed by many! The West Tennessee Historical Society enjoyed sales of past issues of the WTHS Papers and several books by John Harkins.

Congratulations to the organizers. We look forward to next year’s event.

The Fire Museum of Memphis, 118 Adams Ave, opened a new exhibit on Wednesday, May 11. The exhibit is called the Emergency Dispatch Center. It is an opportunity for visitors to see how a 9-1-1 operator works. Visitors will be able to sit down and answer a series of simulated 9-1-1 calls and choose what type of emergency response to send. The exhibit will be dedicated to Henry Brenner. Brenner was a former board of directors for the Shelby County 9-1-1 Emergency Communication District and for the Fire Museum of Memphis. He was one of the key individuals behind the start of the Fire Museum.

The next issues of the WTHS Papers, edition 2021, is at the printers and should be in the mail soon!

St Benedict at Auburndale high school, in Cordova, has received several copies of past WTHS Papers and Historic Shelby County by John Harkins. Paul Bryant, school librarian, stated that the library is grateful for the donation and that they are a great addition to their collection.

The Ultimate Tennessee Road Trip for History Buffs

Tennessee is a veritable wonderland for lovers of history and heritage. The region’s rich past lives on in the form of carefully preserved, historic attractions around the state. The best way to experience all these layers of time and culture is a road trip. Depending on where in the state you’ll be starting from, take your pick from historic homes, Civil War sites, battlefields, museums, history of Native Americans, civil rights, women’s suffrage, and pioneers. Treat this list like a choose-your-own-adventure guide, piecing together the stops on your ultimate road trip back in time.

Easy planning begins at the Tennessee Vacation website The Ultimate Tennessee Road Trip for History Buffs - The Ultimate Tennessee Road Trip for History Buffs - Tennessee Vacation (tnvacation.com

Don’t forget to visit our wonderful state parks and recreation centers. Lodging and camping available at most parks. Find A Park — Tennessee State Parks (tnstateparks.com)