title
An ordinance approving an agreement between the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County, acting by and through the Department of Parks and Recreation (“Parks”), and the National Endowment for the Humanities, the Tennessee Historic Preservation Society, Vanderbilt University, and Middle Tennessee State University regarding the descendant-led excavation at Fort Negley Park.
body
WHEREAS, the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) plans to fund the Archaeological and Ethnographic Field Research Grant for descendant-led excavation at the Reconstruction-Era Black Civil War Veteran Community at Bass Street, Fort Negley Park pursuant to the National Foundation on the Arts and the Humanities Act of 1965; and,
WHEREAS, Vanderbilt University, which directs the Fort Negley Descendants Project, an oral history project focused on revealing Nashville’s Black Civil War history, will be overseeing archaeological excavation work performed by Middle Tennessee State University; and,
WHEREAS, the undertaking consists of archaeological excavations of a Reconstruction era home and two public spaces in the Bass Street Community area of the Fort Negley/St. Cloud Hill site, guided by descendant oral histories; and,
WHEREAS, approval of the Agreement is in the best interest of the citizens of Davidson County.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ENACTED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT OF NASHVILLE AND DAVIDSON COUNTY:
Section 1. That the Agreement between the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County, acting by and through the Department of Parks and Recreation (“Parks”), and the National Endowment for the Humanities, the Tennessee Historic Preservation Society, Vanderbilt University, and Middle Tennessee State University attached hereto as Exhibit 1, is hereby approved.
Section 2. That any amendment to the Agreement shall be approved by resolution of the Metropolitan Council receiving at least twenty-one (21) affirmative votes.
Section 3. This ordinance shall take effect from and after its passage, the welfare of the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County requiring it.
Agenda Analysis
Analysis
This ordinance approves an agreement between the Metropolitan Department of Parks and Recreation and the National Endowment for the Humanities, the Tennessee Historic Preservation Society, Vanderbilt University, and Middle Tennessee State University regarding the descendant-led excavation at Fort Negley Park.
The agreement would allow for the excavation of a Reconstruction-era home and two public spaces in the Bass Street Community area of site of Fort Negley and St. Could Hill. The excavation would take place at 609 Bass Street, which is owned by the Metropolitan Government as part of Fort Negley Park.
The National Endowment for the Humanities plans to fund the excavation through an Archaeological and Ethnographic Field Research Grant. Vanderbilt University will oversee the project as part of the Fort Negley Descendants Project, an oral history project focused on Nashville’s Black Civil War history. Middle Tennessee State University will perform the excavation work.
Future amendments to the agreement may be approved by a resolution receiving 21 affirmative votes.