Tennessee archivists coming to Chattanooga to digitize World War I records

Tennessee archivists coming to Chattanooga to digitize World War I records
Tennessee archivists coming to Chattanooga to digitize World War I records

Employees with the Tennessee State Library and Archives are coming to Chattanooga to make digital records of area residents' World War I artifacts.

"Over Here, Over There: Tennesseans in the First World War" is a statewide effort to record how World War I affected Tennesseans. Archivists are traveling the state to digitally scan and photograph diaries, military records, maps, photographs, weapons, uniforms and other artifacts related to World War I that are owned by private citizens, a news release states.

"We were overwhelmed by the response to our request for Civil War items, so we hope this project will help us create a rich record of World War I history as well," Secretary of State Tre Hargett said. "Creating digital records of historical artifacts makes them easily available to anyone with internet access. It's important that we do this now before more of these century- old items are lost or damaged beyond repair."

The Chattanooga event will be at the downtown Chattanooga Public Library, 1001 Broad St. Items will be digitally recorded 2-6 p.m. on Nov. 1 and 9 a.m.-1 p.m. on Nov. 2. The archivists will not take possession of the items, but they will provide tips on how to care for them.

Anyone interested in reserving time with an archivist is asked to email WorldWarI.tsla@tn.gov or call 615-741-1883.

photo Fron the balcony of New York's old Waldorf-Astoria Hotel, Gen. John J. Pershing reveiws the 27th division on its return from World War I service in Europe March 26, 1919. (AP Photo)

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