Metro Nashville Historical Commission

06/12/2026

Our Staff Spotlight series continues with Trevor Porter, who joined the Metropolitan Historical Commission in 2021.

Born and raised in Memphis, Trevor came to Nashville in 2007 to attend Tennessee State University, where he originally majored in music before discovering a passion for history. As an undergraduate, he interned with the MHC, beginning a connection to the commission that would shape his career. He holds a BS in History with a minor in Music from TSU and is currently pursuing a Master of Arts in Public History at Middle Tennessee State University.

In his role, Trevor contributes to research, surveys, documentation, archival management, and community engagement across the commission's work. He also helps prepare and present the MHC's annual Preservation Awards and the Nashville Conference on African American History and Culture.

06/05/2026

Our Staff Spotlight series continues with Dustin Summers, who serves as Office Manager and Fiscal Officer for the Metropolitan Historical Commission.

A Nashville native and U.S. Air Force veteran who served in Afghanistan during Operation Enduring Freedom, Dustin brings more than 15 years of Metro Government experience to the MHC in a range of administrative roles spanning human resources, payroll, safety coordination, and fiscal operations. His service in the military sparked a lasting interest in history that continues to inform his appreciation for preservation work today.

As Office Manager, Dustin ensures the day-to-day administrative and operational needs of the commission are met, providing the foundational support for MHC staff.

05/29/2026

Our Staff Spotlight series continues with Dr. Adam Fracchia, Archaeologist with the Metropolitan Historical Commission.

Adam joined the MHC in 2022 after leading a community archaeology program in Baltimore, where he collaborated with universities, the National Park Service, the Department of Defense, and the Maryland State Highway Administration. He has also taught with Middle Tennessee State University and the University of Delaware. Adam holds a doctorate in anthropology from the University of Maryland and a master's degree in historical archaeology from Illinois State University.

At the MHC, Adam provides guidance to other Metro departments on archaeology, curates Nashville's archaeological record, and leads a public archaeology program that empowers Nashvillians to become archaeological stewards of their community's heritage.

05/26/2026

Our Staff Spotlight series continues with Claudette Stager, who brings decades of preservation expertise to the Metropolitan Historical Commission in a part-time role.

Claudette retired from the Tennessee Historical Commission, where she served as Assistant Director for Federal Programs and Deputy State Historic Preservation Officer, having first joined that staff in 1985 as coordinator of the National Register of Historic Places program. At MHC, she has contributed to grant research, National Register nominations, historic profiles for the Nashville Conference on African American History and Culture, and field survey work.

Claudette holds a BA from Syracuse University and an MS in Historic Preservation from Eastern Michigan University, after which she worked as a preservation consultant in Wisconsin. Her scholarship includes co-editing "Looking Beyond the Highway: Dixie Roads and Culture" and contributing to the Society of Architectural Historians' online Archipedia. She currently serves on the board of the Nashville City Cemetery Association.

05/18/2026

In honor of Preservation Month, we're launching a new series highlighting the dedicated staff of the Metropolitan Historical Commission. We'll be sharing the stories of the people working every day to protect and celebrate Nashville's heritage.

We're proud to introduce Bryan Gilley, a Nashville native who joined the MHC in October 2023 as the Nashville City Cemetery Site Manager. Bryan brings a strong foundation in public service, having previously held roles with the Andrew Jackson Foundation at The Hermitage. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Public Administration and History from Middle Tennessee State University, where he is also pursuing a Master of Arts in Public History.

In his role, Bryan works to preserve Nashville's oldest existing public cemetery and ensure the stories of those buried there are told and remembered. He also serves as an ex officio member of the Nashville City Cemetery Association, representing the Historical Commission in that important partnership.

05/15/2026

An important story from WPLN featuring MHC Archaeologist Dr. Adam Fracchia, Commissioner Gary Burke, and Davidson County Historian Dr. Learotha Williams.

A nationally significant site in Nashville is getting $11 million in upgrades. Fort Negley built for the Union by Black laborers during the Civil War, will also get a fresh telling of its story.

05/11/2026

Join the Nashville Historical Foundation for the 2026 Ann Roberts Lecture Series, celebrating Nashville women on screen, in art, and in print. This year’s speakers include Demetria Kalodimos, James Hoobler, and Sandra Shelton. The three part series will take place May 14, 21, and 28 at 4:30 p.m. at Second Presbyterian Church, 3511 Belmont Blvd. Learn more and purchase tickets at the link below!

Click here to purchase tickets.

05/08/2026

🚗 Preservation Awards Free Parking!

Thank you to Nashville First Baptist Church, 108 7th Ave. S., for generously providing free parking for Preservation Awards guests. Guests may use Lot C, which is located behind the church and is accessible from 6th Ave. S., 7th Ave. S., or Demonbreun St. The Grand Lodge is located directly across Broadway.

We look forward to celebrating with you on Tuesday, May 12!

05/07/2026

Please join us for the Jefferson Street “Past, Present, and Future Panel Discussion” on Monday, May 18, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Pleasant Green Baptist Church. This community conversation will bring together historians, preservation leaders, neighborhood advocates, and development partners to explore Jefferson Street’s historic significance, current investments, and future vision as part of the Jefferson Street Corridor Study. We hope you’ll join us and share your vision for one of Nashville’s most important cultural corridors! Learn more at engage.nashville.gov/jeffersonstreetstudy

05/01/2026

Happy Preservation Month! To kick things off, we're excited to share an interview with our new Executive Director, Caroline Eller, published in this week's Nashville Scene!

As the office reaches 60 years, Nashville native Caroline Eller discusses taking over for longtime leader Tim Walker