Preservation Foundation of Sumner County

01/30/2026

https://mainstreetmediatn.com/articles/gallatinnews/gallatin-student-wins-essay-contest/

Madeline Bush, a student at Gallatin High School, was recently named the winner of this year’s Preservation Foundation Society of Sumner County essay contest. Bush earned the $1,000 top prize for her essay, "Faith Rooted in Old Soil," which made a connection between First Baptist Church and the ev...

01/27/2026

Congratulations to Madeline Bush, Gallatin High Senior, on winning our annual essay contest! Madeline earned a $1,000 award for her essay, Faith Rooted in Old Soil, which made a fascinating connection between First Baptist Church and the evolution of Howard Elementary.

This year’s theme, “Bridging the Past: Uncovering Hidden Connections in Sumner County’s Historic Landscape,” challenged students to explore connections between our numerous and varied historical assets.

Our Honorable Mention, Ruby Blackburn (Merrol Hyde Magnet School), skillfully explored the connections between Monthaven and Hazel Path.

We also want to recognize Amber Falise (Liberty Creek High School), who was selected by random drawing to receive a $500 contribution for classroom supplies and resources. Ms. Falise referred two student applicants, helping encourage student engagement in our rich local history.

High school juniors! This was an immersive prompt that we are inclined to continue using in the years ahead. Check back in the fall for details!

01/27/2026

WATCH AMERICAN IDOL!
Monday, January 26 @ 7pm.
We’re behind you, Lucas Leon!!

11/08/2025

Thank you Sumner County Museum for pulling together a great presentation!
HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS ( or anyone who knows one in Sumner County!): please take a look at this great resource and enter our $1,000 essay contest!

10/16/2025

ANNOUNCING: Class of 2026 Essay Contest!
Sumner County high school seniors (public, private or homeschool) are invited to submit an essay with an opportunity to win $1,000.

Referring teachers will be entered into a lottery to receive $500 towards classroom supplies/resources.

Essays must be received by November 21, 2025

Essay prompt and additional details: www.sumnerpreservation.org/essay-contest

Direct questions to: [email protected]

Essay Prompt:
“Bridging the Past: Uncovering Hidden Connections in Sumner County’s Historic Landscape”

Sumner County is home to a rich tapestry of historic sites, structures, and homes—each with its own unique story. But what happens when we look beyond each site as an isolated landmark and begin to trace the threads that connect them?

For this essay, choose two or more historic resources in Sumner County—they may be homes, churches, schools, battle sites, cemeteries, objects, etcetera—and explore an unexpected or compelling connection between them. This connection might be based on shared historical figures, time periods, architectural styles, cultural influences, or even events that shaped their development. This essay will require you to think critically about historical relationships, significance, and patterns.

Possible Guiding Questions:
Do the sites share a common founder, builder, or resident?
Are they linked by a major historical event (e.g., Civil War, Trail of Tears, early settlement)?
Do they reflect evolving cultural, religious, or economic changes in the county?
How does the physical or architectural design of each reflect shared influences?
How do these connected stories help us better understand the broader history of Sumner County?

07/13/2025

In honor of the barn’s restoration…
Comer Barn, by Bridget Shepherd
It could be yours… available now at The Artisan Hatchery!

05/13/2025

Starting to wonder how you'll keep the kids busy all summer?? This is a FANTASTIC annual program hosted by the Sumner County Museum. This year we're partnering with Sumner County Tourism to provide a stop near the under-construction Comer Barn property! Get your passport while supplies last!!

Registration is now OPEN- until all Passports are claimed!Happy adventuring, Passport holders!Grab your award-winning Hidden History Passport and get ready to explore all across Sumner County! You’ll earn prizes while checking off your passport stops! Once your passport is complete, collect your a...

02/21/2025

Look who’s playing in Nashville tonight!
Throwback Thursday to

01/28/2025

As they say, !

It's that day again ... and we have a 🚨 prize 🚨 on the line!

Laura Branham of Foxland Hall, patroness to Grasslands, received the first "Sportswoman of the Year Award" from a very notable group in Kentucky.

QUESTION: Ms. Branham was known for her work with what animals?
BONUS: What did she do with these animals?

ANSWER: This Sportswoman of the Year was, indeed, known for her connection to horses. While she loved to ride alone and with the foxes, she was known for her racehorse breeding. With the help of her many-decades-long stable manager, she studied bloodlines and kept 12-15 broodmares at any given time. Her prize horses put thoroughbreds back on the map in Tennessee.

All reasonable guesses (they don't even have to be right!) will be in the running to receive a free Museum t-shirt. Winner will be announced the morning of Jan. 29. Good luck!

P.S. Guests of this year's Night at the Museum will get to hear some of her story from the woman herself!

* Beware of scammers. We will NEVER ask you to click on a link or provide us with personal information. *

01/24/2025

Rick Murray has been a stalwart supporter for years and his recent article is a great summary of all that's happening on the Comer Barn property. Thanks, Rick!

Since the late 1930s, the Comer Barn has been an architectural staple in Sumner County. Located in Gallatin just north of the Hendersonville city limits, the historic structure has been viewed and admired by decades of commuters as they travel on Nashville Pike. The stone barn was originally constru...

12/18/2024

Our annual essay competition for high school seniors is the highlight of our year!

Congratulations Maddox Mooney for your winning essay, highlighting Cragfont State Historic Site.
We were also very impressed with our Honorable Mention, CJ Demasana, and his care for Wynnewood State Historic Site.

12/13/2024

Here's an original idea for your Christmas shopping! Jack Anderson Elementary students (current 4th graders) composed these group art projects this past spring. They beautifully capture 7 of our notable Sumner County historic sites. Each card has a description of the site on the back. On sale now at The Artisan Hatchery, Cragfont State Historic Site and Arts and Cultural Center.