UPPER CUMBERLAND – Grants have been awarded to two Upper Cumberland historic sites and funds will be used in restoration efforts.
The Tennessee Historical Commission and the Upper Cumberland Development District recently announced that the Town of Gainesboro and the Livingston Civic and Garden Club were awarded federal historic preservation grants to help restore the E.O. Smith House and the Gov. A.H. Roberts Law Office, respectively.
Additionally, East Tennessee State University received $15,000 to survey prehistoric archaeological sites in Pickett State Forest.
“Both projects demonstrate why National Register properties are important,” said UCDD Planner Mark Dudney, who authored both grant applications. “They connect our communities’ local histories with important developments in our national story, here the Civil War and women’s suffrage.”
The Livingston Civic and Garden Club received $6,000 to fund the porch restoration on the Gov. A.H. Roberts Law Office. Roberts is best known for pushing ratification of the 19th Amendment through the Tennessee General Assembly, giving women the right to vote. The office was built in 1885. Another $6,000 will help fund foundation restoration on the E.O. Smith House, located at 204 N. Murray St., and the heart of the Gainesboro residential historic district and the oldest residence in the community, built around 1860.
In all, 36 historic preservation fund grants were awarded to community and civic organizations.