We welcome your visit and cordially invite you to the Sullivan County Department of Archives and Tourism! We're located adjacent to the Sullivan County Courthouse in historic downtown Blountville.
Location
3425 Hwy. 126, Suite 100,
Blountville, TN 37617. Adjacent to the historic Sullivan County Courthouse. (Please note that all mail should be directed to P.O. Box 3179, Blountville, TN 37617.)
Hours
8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.,
Monday thru Friday. If you would like to be sure we do not miss your visit, please give us a call at (423) 323-4660. We will check our calendar to make that sure we do not have a meeting that might require our office to be temporarily closed.
Mailing address -
P.O. Box 3179,
Blountville, TN 37617
OUR STAFF
| |
|
| |
Matthew Johnson
Director
Phone: (423) 323-4660
matthew.johnson@sullivancountytn.gov
Matthew Johnson joined the staff of the Sullivan County Department of Archives and Tourism in July 2021. He currently serves as the Director and Archivist for the department. Matthew brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the Department of Archives and Tourism. A native of Kingsport, Tennessee, Matthew graduated from Tusculum University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Human Resource Management. He previously served multiple terms in public office. Public Service is important aspect of Matthew's life, and continues to serve the public in this particular role. He brings nearly 20 years of managerial and office experience to the group. Matthew resides with his wife Sarah and daughter in Kingsport, Tennessee. "Any definition ofa successful life must include service to others" (GHWB). Take a moment to stop by and welcome Matthew to the team! |
|
Angela Crane
Marketing Associate
Phone: (423) 574-1403
angela.crane@sullivancountytn.gov
Angela Crane is the Marketing Associate for the Sullivan County Department of Archives and Tourism. A native of Big Stone Gap, Virginia, Angela brings more than 15 years of combined marketing experience to the team. Angela will be working primarily in the new Heritage Tourism Information Center, with a focus on an improved networking environment that will better promote the rich heritage of historic Sullivan County. Angela will also assist in promoting the county’s regional archives and its preservation of historic documents. Angela’s hobbies include painting landscapes and silhouettes as well as photography. She currently resides with her husband Anthony in Bristol, Tennessee. |
|
ABOUT US
Department of Archives and Tourism
In 1995, the Sullivan County Public Records Commission was revitalized and began working with the Tennessee State Library and Archives to lay plans for development of an archives and history center in Blountville, the county seat of historic Sullivan. Nine years in the making, the Sullivan County Department of Archives and History was formally established in May 2004. In October 2008, the department absorbed the Sullivan County Department of Tourism, and the newly merged department is now known as the Sullivan County Department of Archives and Tourism.
|
|
Archives and History branch
The Archives and History Department is somewhat multi-faceted, and is basically comprised of (1) Sullivan County governmental records; (2) a research center; and (3) a manuscripts department. Simply stated, the purpose of the Archives is to preserve Sullivan County governmental records, while at the same time serving as a regional research center which houses artifacts, books, manuscripts and other items of historic interest.
The Archives is set up to comply with Tennessee
Code Annotated. Tennessee has an open public records
law, which applies to county and municipal records as
well as to state records. The law requires state and
local governments to make public records open and accessible
for public inspection. Tennessee Code
also requires that each county have a county public records
commission "in order to provide for the orderly
disposition of public records created by agencies of
county government."
Volunteers are still working
to preserve the records, and much progress is being
made toward this massive undertaking.
Tourism branch
A premier tourist destination, Sullivan County is renowned for the quality and diversity
of its attractions. One of the most beautiful areas in Northeast Tennessee, Sullivan County is fortunate to be one of the most widely visited areas in the state. The county offers a wide array of tourist attractions ranging from the famed Bristol Motor Speedway to various historic sites and repositories. The Archives and History Department itself has become a major tourist attraction for the county, drawing thousands of visitors each year to its research center. Click here to learn more about tourism in Sullivan County.
Heritage Tourism Information Center
Newly opened in November 2019, the Sullivan County Heritage Tourism Information is designed to showcase the rich cultural heritage of Sullivan County and surrounding area. Museum rooms are dedicated for Civil War heritage and local history. On startup, the tourism center will be open Wednesday through Friday, 9 AM to 4:30 PM, with hours and days open set to expand in the near future. The Heritage Tourism Information Center is located at 1575 Hwy. 394, Blountville, TN 37617.
OUR MISSION STATEMENT
The fundamental mission of the Sullivan County Department of Archives and Tourism is:
(1) To
receive and accession transfers of permanently-valuable
local government records in accordance with various provisions of the
Tennessee Code Annotated (TCA) that require permanent
retention of essential records and other records of
archival value for public reference; to preserve, arrange, and
describe the records, and to make them available to
the public according to sound archives management principles
and practices; to collect and accept donations of other historically-valuable
documents according to an approved collecting policy,
and to accession them, to preserve, arrange, and describe
them, and to make them available to the public according
to sound archives management principles and practices;
and to report periodically to the Sullivan County Public Records
Commission and to the Tennessee State Library and Archives
on the state of the archives and its management.
(2) To enrich the quality of life and improve the economy of Sullivan County by generating travel and by enhancing the image of the county, with these initiatives being accomplished by showcasing our heritage, highlighting our family-oriented attractions, building cooperation with surrounding communities, and by spreading our welcoming spirit, thus enhancing the social and economic growth of the area.
|
