Tennessee mounds, churches and courthouses get federal preservation boost

More than two dozen Tennessee projects will share in $1 million in federal funds for historic preservation.

The grants were disbursed across 16 counties, in addition to several projects that span multiple counties. Funds are awarded to nonprofits, local governments, universities and civic organizations.

The projects are broad in scope. Nashville, for example, received funding for three efforts:

• window restoration at Cheekwood Botanical Gardens and Museum
• an architectural study of North, South and Southeast Nashville
• stained glass window restoration at Lindsley Avenue Church of Christ

Middle Tennessee State University received nearly $40,000 to prepare a National Register nomination for the Castalian Springs mound site in Sumner County. Securing the nomination would help with historic recognition and tax credits, and give some protection to the site. It features at least four earthen mounds believed to have been constructed by indigenous people around the year 1250.

Another National Register nomination is being prepared by Frozen Head State Park in Morgan County for the Stonecipher-Kelly House, the oldest standing home in the county.

Funding will also go toward the African American Heritage Society of Maury County for the foundation restoration of a historic funeral home, as well as to the county government for the roof restoration of the War Memorial Building.

Various county courthouses are also receiving dollars, including in Obion, Oberton and Polk counties.