Tennessee Tech University Archives and Special Collections

Tennessee Tech University Archives and Special Collections The collection includes 2,600 cubic feet of materials from Tennessee Tech and the Upper Cumberland. Joe L.

Evins donated his papers to Tennessee Technological University in 1977, but it was not until Tennessee Tech hired its first archivist in 1985, that the Tennessee Technological University Archives and Special Collections officially began. In November 1986, the Archives opened its doors to the public in its original location in Derryberry Hall. Currently, Archives and Special Collections resides in

the Angelo and Jennette Volpe Library on the first floor. The collection, which has grown tremendously since its initial donation, includes materials of legal, fiscal, and historical significance to the University. It also documents the history of the Upper Cumberland Region, which is as important to the University as the University is to the region. The collection includes over 2,500 cubic feet of manuscripts, photographs, and archives from Tennessee Tech as well as surrounding people, businesses, and organizations of the Upper Cumberland. The collection includes books on the history and culture of the Upper Cumberland region of Tennessee. Items in the Archives and Special Collections cannot leave the building, so make an appointment today to see some the collections.

Remembering Jennifer Dewar, our colleague and friend. Her dedication to the archives, history, and the university was un...
08/12/2026

Remembering Jennifer Dewar, our colleague and friend.

Her dedication to the archives, history, and the university was unwavering, and she consistently reminded us that our work mattered to the university and the broader community. Throughout her years at Tennessee Tech, Jennifer approached her work with a genuine passion for preserving the history and stories that define our university. She assisted thousands of patrons with their research and was instrumental in creating numerous exhibits and contributing materials to published works.

We will miss her dearly.

07/31/2026

Building Histories on the Quad! Let's start at the very beginning at Derryberry Hall.

07/22/2026

The beginnings of TPI (June 1916) and now.
What was then West Hall, Administration Building and East Hall in a daisy field is now Bartoo Hall, Derryberry Hall and Kittrell Hall with the Quad in the center.

07/09/2026

Campus Buildings Then & Now - Part 1 - The Quad
A side note -This reel is about the building locations on campus.
Bell Hall stands where Smith Quad used to be.

America’s semiquincentennial is this week! Tennessee Tech Archives takes a look at America’s bicentennial, with the pas...
07/01/2026

America’s semiquincentennial is this week! Tennessee Tech Archives takes a look at America’s bicentennial, with the past celebration held in Putnam County and by the Tennessee Tech University.

Here are photographs of Putnam County’s Bicentennial Kick-off, All Sing, Tennessee Tech wagon train, and Arliss Roaden presenting the bicentennial flag.

💜💛

The 55th Annual Smithville Fiddlers' Jamboree is right around the corner from July 3rd to the 4th! Did you know that the...
06/26/2026

The 55th Annual Smithville Fiddlers' Jamboree is right around the corner from July 3rd to the 4th! Did you know that the Tennessee Tech Archives & Special Collections houses, preserves, and makes the records of the Smithville Fiddlers' Jamboree available to researchers? Here are some throwback photos from the 70's!

The Smithville Old Time Fiddlers' Jamboree and Crafts Festival began in 1972. It started as a small-town event aimed at celebrating the Fourth of July and has continued to honor Independence Day and pay homage to the music and art of the Appalachian region. Since its beginning, it has brought thousands of musicians, crafters, and spectators from around the world to participate.

Preserving the past, one scrapbook at a time.Archives and Special Collections student assistant Chloe Alto is a History ...
06/22/2026

Preserving the past, one scrapbook at a time.

Archives and Special Collections student assistant Chloe Alto is a History Major with minors in Digital Humanities, Geography, and International Studies. Chloe created housing for Phi Mu's scrapbooks from 2002 to 2022 and for the Afternoon Rotary Club President's scrapbooks from 1997 to 1999. In total, she created new protective housing and labels for 26 books!

Here is what we found:There wasn't just one who adorned a fancy crown! Each of these women was crowned Queen Mother by t...
06/15/2026

Here is what we found:
There wasn't just one who adorned a fancy crown! Each of these women was crowned Queen Mother by the Wesley Brotherhood of the Cookeville Methodist Church because of their devotion to duty, their beauty of character, and devotion to the Christian spirit. They were crowned during a banquet or celebration for mothers.
1st Image:
Mrs. J. A. Carlen - Minerva Tennessee Huddleston Carlen
June 4, 1928

2nd Image:
Mrs. S. N. Jared - Sarah Ellen Rector Jared
June 12, 1930

3rd Image:
Mrs. Mary Simrell - Mary Viola Baker Simrell
July 9, 1931

The crown she wears isn't just for show. Why was it worn? What is its significance in the Upper Cumberland community?Any...
06/10/2026

The crown she wears isn't just for show. Why was it worn? What is its significance in the Upper Cumberland community?
Any thoughts? Comment below!

06/01/2026

Follow-up to last week's Cookeville trivia about the bell.A big thank you to each of you who played along.

Address

1100 Peachtree Avenue
Cookeville, TN
38501

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 4:30pm
Tuesday 8am - 4:30pm
Wednesday 8am - 4:30pm
Thursday 8am - 4:30pm
Friday 8am - 4:30pm

Telephone

+19313723537

Website

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