Research Our Collections
The AVHC is in the middle of a multi-year project to create an online catalog of our collections. Access to our collection at this time is limited, but we strive to support public access as much as possible.
Until our online catalog is live, there are three ways you can research our collections:
1. Stream samples of our collection here.
2. Review our collections descriptions below.
3. Send a reference request to the Audiovisual Archivist.
We are working to get to your research requests as quickly as possible. Research requests can take up to 2-3 weeks to complete. Research and preservation fees may apply to some requests. Thank you for working with us!
NEW COLLECTION INVENTORIES AVAILABLE
The following collections from Metro Archives' Audiovisual Heritage Center were inventoried in part thanks to the Archives Development Program Direct Grant, administered through the Tennessee State Library and Archives. The AVHC is generously supported by the Nashville Public Library Foundation.
Most footage that has been digitized is available upon request. Some footage may not be immediately available due to COVID-19. Please refer to our vimeo page to see some of the digitized collections listed here.
James Kilgore Collection
Oral History Collection
Overview of Collections Descriptions
Russ McCown Collection
Formats: 16mm film
Years: 1948-1970s
Amount: Approximately 20 films
Preservation Status: Not digitized
Description: Various footage, mostly unedited, documenting Nashville's history during the mid-20th century. Highlights include:
Thomas Mayhew Collection
Formats: 16mm film
Years: 1962-1975
Amount: Approximatley 50 reels of film
Description: Various footage, mostly covering issues related to the new Metropolitan Government. Some of the footage was shot for Mayor Briley to be used to promote and encourage confidence in the new government. Highlights include:
Tom Tichenor Collection
Formats: 16mmfilm, 1/4" open reel audio tape
Years: c. 1972-1985
Amount: Approximately 20 reels of film, approximately 100 reels of audio tape
Preservation Status: Not digitized
Description: Footage related to puppeteer Tom Tichenor, from his personal collection and library collection. Highlights include:
James Kilgore Collection
Formats: 16mm, 8mm, Super-8mm, grooved disk
Years: c. 1920-1985
Amount: Approximately 1,000 assets
Preservation Status: Approximately 12 reels of film digitized
Description: Amateur narrative films and home movie footage shot by Nashville resident James Kilgore. Focus on very early WWII footage, family events and travels, footage related to the Methodist Church, and techical experiments in early sound and color. Highlights include:
Metro Archives Collection
Formats: Various video, film, and audio
Years: c. 1960-1990s
Preservation Status: Not digitized
Description:Various audiovisual elements under the care of the Metro Archives, mostly relating to local history