Austin Peay State University faculty edits Diary that provides glimpse of Clarksville during Civil War
August 5, 2020
Clarksville, TN – In the mid-1980s, an old store ledger was found inside a local smokehouse. At first glance, it seemed like little more than trash, but then someone opened the yellowed, water-stained pages and read surreal accounts of Clarksville during the Civil War.
“Clarksville is almost depopulated,” the ledger recorded. “All the escaped soldiers have been ordered to the main army via Clarksville before the Yankees get in. I ripped the stripes off a young man’s coat over at Uncle W’m’s this evening that he might not be detected on his journey. Once I enjoyed sewing them, but now I take them off as willingly.”
Austin Peay State University professor of history Dr. Minoa Uffelman holds the Diary of Serepta Jordan. (APSU)
Clarksville’s Customs House Museum February 2020 Exhibits, Activities
January 27, 2020
Clarksville, TN – The Customs House Museum and Cultural Center is located in historic downtown Clarksville, Tennessee. Come explore an entire city block featuring large gallery spaces filled with fine art, science and history.
Some of the events in February at the Museum are: Celebrating the 25th Anniversary of the Lucy Dunwody Boehm Porcelain Collection, Apron Strings: Ties to the Past, Reimagined Lore: The Art of Tara Swalgren, I Have a Voice: Traveling Exhibition from Tennessee State Museum, Serepta Jordan: From the Collection, and Family Fun Learning: A Salute to the Model Train Crew.
Customs House Museum and Cultural Center
Learn about Fort Defiance Civil War Park and Interpretive Center
March 2, 2019
Fort Defiance Civil War Park and Interpretive Center
Clarksville, TN – Today, visitors can see one of the nation’s last remaining earthen forts built by 200 enslaved men while exploring this most immersive destination –– Fort Defiance Civil War Park and Interpretive Center.
Located on a bluff 200 feet above the confluence of the Red and Cumberland Rivers in Clarksville, Tennessee, this site overlooking downtown Clarksville in the community of New Providence has been a hub of activity for more than two centuries.
Fort Defiance Interpretive Center, Clarksville TN.
Customs House Museum receives restored Civil War diary
June 29, 2017
Local Groups, Individuals provide funds to have Civil War Diary cleaned, restored, returned to Custom House Museum
Clarksville, TN – An important record of Clarksville’s past returned, cleaned and restored, this month to Customs House Museum and Cultural Center thanks to help from several local organizations and individuals.
Serepta Jordan’s diary from 1857 to 1864 in New Providence records murders, slave insurrections, the building of Fort Defiance (then known as Fort Sevier), mustering of troops, battles fought and lost during America’s Civil War, along with births, deaths, marriages, and details of daily 19th-century life.
Customs House Curator of Collections Kali Mason receives a $500.00 check from Jeff Harris, treasurer of the Montgomery County Historical Society, to help pay for restoration of the journal kept by New Providence resident Serepta Jordan from 1857 to 1864.
Austin Peay State University history professor Minoa Uffelman part of team to restore Civil War-era diary
February 28, 2017
Clarksville, TN – Military conflicts are not fought in isolation, and the American Civil War was no different. While civilians like Serepta Jordan never lifted a musket, Jordan and millions like her felt its impact, and it is precisely that neglected perspective that made the discovery of her diary by area historians so significant.
A working-class woman living in Clarksville during the war, Jordan was not a name remembered by history.
Minoa Uffelman holding the $3,000 Archive Development Grant check from the State of Tennessee.
APSU students join area historians in exploring Fort Defiance
October 5, 2016
Clarksville, TN – Located on a bluff some 200 feet above the meeting point of the Red River and the Cumberland River, Fort Defiance served a significant role in Clarksville’s participation in the Civil War.
Viewed by Confederates as an ideal site to defend the river approach to Clarksville, the fort eventually was captured by Union forces, who occupied the site for the remainder of the war.
Austin Peay Students learning about Fort Defiance from local historians.
Clarksville Parks and Recreation is hiring now for summer lifeguard positions
April 12, 2016
Clarksville, TN – Summer lifeguard positions are available with Clarksville Parks and Recreation at the city’s three outdoor pools: Beachaven, Swan Lake, and New Providence.
Make this summer count! Earn $8.00 an hour, feel a sense of pride working in an important position, and make new friends amongst co-workers all while making a difference in your community.
Customs House Museum and Cultural Center adds New Addition to Collection Part of ‘A Time of Mourning’ Exhibit
April 7, 2016
Clarksville, TN – The Customs House Museum and Cultural Center is showcasing items from its collection with the exhibit A Time of Mourning, now on display.
The exhibit highlights how rigorous mourning etiquette affected women’s attire; the grieving process is explored through clothing, photographs, and a variety of other objects.
‘A Time of Mourning’ Exhibit on display at the Customs House Museum and Cultural Center.
Clarksville Parks and Recreation Report for March 13th, 2016
March 13, 2016
Clarksville, TN – The weekly Clarksville Parks and Recreation Department Recreation Report provides Clarksvillians with a glimpse at the activities and events that are available from the Parks and Recreation Department for them to enjoy together as a family.
This weeks highlights include: Wettest Egg Hunts, Clarksville Greenway Cleanup, New session of Tai Chi, and Spring Break Tumbling Camp.
Clarksville Parks and Recreation Report for March 6th, 2016
March 6, 2016
Clarksville, TN – The weekly Clarksville Parks and Recreation Department Recreation Report provides Clarksvillians with a glimpse at the activities and events that are available from the Parks and Recreation Department for them to enjoy together as a family.
This weeks highlights include: Wettest Egg Hunts, Winter Gym, New session of Tai Chi, and Spring Break Tumbling Camp.
