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Rendering of Chattanooga History CenterThe Chattanooga History Center has made the news of late. Further comments seem appropriate while "history" is fresh in the minds of many Chattanoogans. My comments come from the perspective of a longtime volunteer with the center, starting at the old location on Chestnut Street. As a young 70, I've left my history major days at Vanderbilt University behind, but my commitment to Chattanooga's story remains. It is my story, beginning with frontier ancestors arriving here about 1800. And it is your story, too, even if you are new to our city.
The History Center is here to discover, preserve and present this story, as documented and as remembered. Yesterday is history, today is the product of history and tomorrow will be the history we create daily by decisions and deeds. History is not dusty academic theory but rather the building blocks of individuals and of communities.
For me, the History Center is about history with a purpose - also with surprises, humanity, drama and certainly humor. This institution is essential and well worth the expertise, dedication, patience, time and money required for completion. Though the slow process of building this project may make us impatient at times, we must continue to appreciate the small but highly qualified professional staff, which is totally committed and significantly underpaid. Credit is also due to the dedicated board of directors.
The center's postponement of projected openings reflects the optimism and resilience of the board, staff and donors. The final funding issue is a result of changes in the financial climate; not the least of these was the economic downturn which came at the beginning of the capital campaign and which adversely affected fundraising as potential donors struggled to adjust. Praise, not blame, is owed the center for continuing to move forward, at whatever rate - and for consistently avoiding debt. About government participation, I would be pleased indeed to see some of my own city and county tax dollars invested in this organization.
It is a privilege to be among the volunteers with the center. We are a diverse group in every respect. Opportunities to assist are varied: the office, special events, oral history interviews, computerized records, archives, etc. All are fascinating learning experiences.
As a volunteer, my own life has been enriched by people inquiring about the center and eagerly sharing their own histories. Some even offer personal possessions to be considered for our collections. This is an excellent way to preserve items for extended family enjoyment. Such donations may present, also, an opportunity to catalog your own family history on permanent record at the CHC. Future temporary exhibits will certainly rely on such for a more personal look at local everyday life in the past.
The center has continuously offered community enrichment, even without a finished facility. For example, there are scheduled speakers, events and tours on site. Executive Director Daryl Black is giving an extended presentation on the Civil War through March. Deputy Director Marlene Payne and Senior Educator Caroline Sunderland meet with teachers to see, hear and discuss educational programs, which are now in classrooms and will eventually expand into programs for History Center field trips. Curator of Collections Marie Bourassa Cullis arranges archive work experience for interns from local colleges and UTC, while managing a large collection of 3-D items, archives and photographs.
The center's focus is inclusive, welcoming every person's story. Diversity in our collections is notable, and all items are carefully preserved in a state-of-the-art environment. We honor outstanding Chattanooga "History Makers" at a yearly luncheon.
Completion of the center is relevant and essential to the future of our city. As a working volunteer there, I urge us all to do our part and get it done!
Rebecca Rolston Raymond is a Chattanooga History Center volunteer and a resident of Hixson.