A statewide tour to digitize Civil War artifacts makes its stop in Nashville Friday. State archivists are photographing and making record of memorabilia for a new exhibit.

The artifact tour has already made stops in Columbia and Maryville, where people brought it brittle belt buckles and old letters from both Union and Confederate soldiers. The state isn’t taking possession of the items. Just making a digital record.

State archivist Wayne Moore says those who bring in artifacts will get preservation tips and learn about what they have and how it fits into the Civil War.

“Part of what we’re doing is giving people some guidance and authentication of what they have. You know, we don’t want to burst people’s bubble, but we want to give them a best estimate of what they have.”

Archivists plan to visit all 95 counties cataloging old bullets and buttons in time to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the Civil War.

Here’s how to make an appointment with archivists while they’re at Fort Negley: Individuals may call (615) 253-3470 or e-mail to schedule a reservation. Reservation forms and available times may be found on the State Library and Archives’ section of the Department of State web site.