By NPLF
In 1995, Ken Fieth, Archivist for the Metropolitan Government Archives of Nashville-Davidson County, set out on a mission to preserve the names and histories of enslaved individuals found in Chancery Court records. At the time, legal constraints prevented the publication of such a list, but Fieth remained committed to collecting these valuable stories.
Mary Barnes, an archivist, contributed to this early phase of the project, establishing the groundwork for the databases success. With the determination of Metro Archives donor and volunteer, Fletch Coke, the necessary permissions and a suitable platform for the database’s public release was eventually secured. This collaborative effort laid the foundation for what would become a significant resource for historical research and personal discovery.
The task of expanding the database was entrusted to Kelley Sirko, Archives Librarian, whose commitment to the project was unwavering. Sirko meticulously sifted through additional court records, deeds, and the Nashville Contract Book, tirelessly seeking every available mention of enslaved individuals. Thanks to a generous gift from Coke, Sirko was able to hire an intern to enter the records, growing the database by the thousands. Sirko has been and continues to be instrumental in building the comprehensive repository we have today.
Currently, the database holds 14,734 searchable records of enslaved individuals in Davidson County, covering the period from 1783 to 1860. It is the only searchable database of its kind in Tennessee.
The Nashville Enslaved and Free People of Color Database is not just a repository of names; it is a living document of history, a beacon of hope for those seeking to reclaim their family stories.
Fieth illustrated this fact when he shared an experience he had with a researcher who was moved to tears when she saw her grandmother’s handwriting for the first time. “This is the essence of the project: to provide people with a tangible connection to their past, bridging the gap between generations and fostering a deeper understanding of their heritage,” said Fieth.
The ultimate goal is ambitious: to document every occurrence of enslaved individuals in the archives’ records from 1780 to 1865. Achieving this goal requires adding a dedicated researcher to the Metro Archives team. As the only library in Tennessee undertaking such a comprehensive survey, Nashville Public Library offers a unique and invaluable service to the community.
To support the success of the Nashville Enslaved and Free People of Color Database, and other important Metro Archives projects, Nashville Public Library Foundation is launching a special fundraising campaign. NPLF is dedicated to supporting this project because it aligns with our values of equity, access, and community representation. Your contribution to Metro Archives fosters a more inclusive narrative of local history, ensuring that all community members are represented and respected.
Visit the link below to explore the Nashville Enslaved and Free People of Color Database. To support the important work of the Archives, click here.
Metro Archives is supported by unrestricted gifts to the Nashville Public Library Foundation.
Special thanks to Fletch Coke for her hours of service and financial support to make this project possible.