Start of WWI Centennial

This Two day exhibit and program again expanded the interpretation of the site past its normal 1907 focus. The Belle Meade Property had many WWI connections. Working with the Tennessee Centennial Commission, National Guard, and local homeschool groups. This collaborative effort not only focused on the remaining 30 acres preserved by the APTA. It went into the community and told the story of Camp Andrew Jackson which was where Percy Warner Park is today. It highlighted the mansions owners at the time, the Palmer family. Using extensive research and a trip to St. Louis I was able to find the military records and a photograph of Overton Carter. Overton was the grandson of the enslaved housekeeper Susannah Carter. Before this project nothing was known about him. He died in France and his body was returned to Nashville. Luke Lea a larger than life character who was instrimital in the development of the Belle Meade community and park systems was also a fun connection to explore. The biggest personal project Jesse Williams did was a recreation of a WWI training trench as would have been seen at Camp Andrew Jackson. This project utilized a unused corner of the property to make the WWI anniversary and program more immersive for visitors. It remained on the property for a couple years until the property was reimagined.