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On June 6, the East Tennessee Historical Society presented its annual Award of Excellence to 28 people and organizations, three of which are native to Hamblen County.

The ETHS has been celebrating accomplished organizations and individuals who have made generous contributions to the vibrancy of East Tennessee since 1982.

The Society places specific emphasis on highlighting those that bestow their best efforts in the preservation, promotion, programming, and interpretation of Eastern Tennessee’s history.

For the 2023 iteration, Dr. Jessica Mills McClure, Dakota Blade Carmichael and the Hayslope Preservation Project of Hamblen County were recognized.

The late historian, Walters State history professor, and prior ETHS award winner Dr. Marc McClure made a lasting impression on his community before dying in December of 2020 due to heart complications. Before his death, he began working on the documentary Shared Sacrifices: The Unsung Liberators of France, which his wife Dr. Jessica Mills McClure completed and released.

She was recognized for this accomplishment by many to include ETHS and was bestowed the History in the Media award.

A Project Excellence Award went to Dakota Carmichael for his research and dedication to help with the preservation of the Riggs House and barn on the corner of Sulphur Springs road and Fernwood Church road. The house was built in 1823 and has throughout time served as a home, Underground Railroad stop, funeral home, and Civil War hospital. Preserving this landmark is historically significant to Hamblen County but also pays homage to those who lost their lives in the Civil War era.

The Hayslope home originally built in 1785 would welcome travelers in East Tennessee for over a century. More than just the “Tavern with the Red Door,” this house served as a refuge for Confederate soldiers in the 1800s during the Civil War. Due to its significant affiliation with history, a preservation project was specifically created to conserve and restore deteriorated parts of the building. The Hayslope Preservation Project was awarded the Project Excellence Award.

Jefferson County

For the 2023 iteration, Andy Peck and Indian Creek Productions of Jefferson County were recognized.

Andy Peck’s family history is rooted deep within the Jefferson Country region, and he describes it through his research, collection, and preservation of that foundation through his non-fiction books. Peck was the recipient of the Community History Leadership Award for his hard work and dedication of storytelling about him and his family members.

But his impact does not stop there. Peck is a historical non-fiction novelist but also a military chaplain, family researcher and public speaker who participates in many presentations local to East Tennessee. He has given presentations for elementary schools, universities and historical societies. Peck has become an accomplished speaker and professional who takes his passion for history and religion across the country.

Indian Creek Productions is a nonprofit organization whose mission is dedicated to educating the public about American Indian history and tradition. The struggles and way of life of Indigenous people may not be widely known and so holding events that detail both of these things are vital to understanding the history of East Tennessee and some of its longest standing bloodlines.

Indian Creek’s biggest event is the Spirit of Nations Powwow. This event is centered on both listening to and celebrating Native voices and features public speaking, dance demonstrations, honoring the elders, and much more.

Susan Price, Director of Field Experiences for the Education Department at Carson-Newman University, was present as Jefferson County Mayor Mark Potts issued a proclamation declaring March 25 as “Celebrate Native Voices Day.”

“Exposing our children to the history and culture of the people who lived, and continue to live, on this land opens their eyes to other people and cultures around them,” Price said.

Indian Creek took responsibility in presenting events for Celebrate Native Voices Day.

Indian Creek Productions was the recipient of the Project Excellence Award in honor of the Powwow which also featured a “Let’s All Speak”: Native Voices in Tennessee History teacher workshop.