Nashville Banner Archives.
(Document/manuscript/pamphlet/archival material)

Organized into seven series: I. Nashville Banner Clippings; II. Nashville Banner Library (Morgue) Photographs; III. Nashville Banner Photographic Negatives and Transparencies; IV. Nashville Banner Special Editions; V. Nashville Banner Awards; VI. Nashville Banner Ephemera; VII. Nashville Banner Letters to the Editor collection.

Materials housed in Special Collections Division of the Main Library, Nashville Public Library.

In library use only. Available by appointment.

Scope and content: To date the largest collection in the Special Collections Division, the Nashville Banner Archives documents the final sixty years or so of a great Nashville newspaper, the Nashville Banner (publication life 1876-1998). After the Banner ceased publication on February 20, 1998, co-owners Irby Simpkins and Brownlee Currey donated the paper's entire morgue -- clippings, photos, negatives, books -- plus many of its awards and artifacts to the Nashville Public Library. Besides documenting the newspaper's history from roughly the 1930s to 1998, these Archives document as nothing else could the history of Nashville in those same important decades.

Abstract: Series I. Nashville Banner Clippings Files is composed of folded and packaged clippings from both the Banner (afternoon) and Tennessean (morning) newspapers. These biographical and subject files fill over 200 cabinets (over 1,000 individual drawers), containing roughly 7,000,000 clips, from the late 1930s to 1993, strongest from 1950 to 1993. Biographcial files in large packet and small packet formats constitute roughly half of this series; the subject files which constitute the balance are sorted into three main series: Nashville; Davidson County; and Tennessee. Since acquisition, the collection has been weeded of those files of non-local interest (mostly from the biographical section). A separate online database contains a subject and title index to this collection, which is best searched by Key Words. The extent of this series is approximately 1,956 cubic feet.

Abstract: Series II. Nashville Banner Library Photograph Morgue holds photographs, wire photos, and related images used by the newspaper. Some items were created from negatives and transparencies (see below); others were submitted publicity shots or wire-service photos. They are filed alphabetically by subject. The collection is not set up for browsing. While there are some older materials, the bulk of this collection dates from the 1950s to the 1990s. The series occupies about 517 cubic feet.

Abstract: Series III. Nashville Banner Photographic Negatives and Transparencies consists of film ranging in size from 35mm to 4x5, shot by Banner photographers in and around Nashville between the years 1934-1998. The collection is strongest after 1955, when logbooks were kept and a filing system maintained. Patrons requesting images must supply newspaper publication date and photographers name. The collection is not set up for browsing. The extent of this series is approximately 315 cubic feet.

Abstract: Series IV. Nashville Banner Special Editions is a miscellaneous collection of full newspapers, loose materials, and oversize posters which mainly documents important deaths, newsworthy events, and article series run by the Banner. Extent of this series is approximately 25 cubic feet.

Abstract: Series V. Nashville Banner Awards. The Banner newspaper received a number of awards for community service and outstanding work in the field of journalism. There are approximately 80 mounted plaques, 60 framed and mounted award certificates, and 13 items displayed in a small room located off of the public area of Nashville Banner Archives room. As related artifacts, the Banner also donated the paper boy statue standing in the middle of that room, 2 large bronze Nashville Banner mastheads above the glass doors there, and metal letters from the Banner Building.

Abstract: Series VI. Nashville Banner Reporter Reference Files. A wide variety of materials and formats spanning 1878 to 1999 but mostly from 1935 to 1985, documenting various subjects about Nashville, Tenn., and used by Nashville Banner newspaper reporters for reference during their daily work. Items were originally housed in the Banner Clippings Files (see Series I above) and were removed for preservation purposes by Nashville Public Library staff to form this collection. Extent of this series is approximately 20 cu. ft. Like the clippings files from which they came, these holdings are arranged into five series: Biography; Nashville; Davidson County; Tennessee; and Banner History.

Abstract: Series VII. Nashville Banner Letters to the Editor Collection. Original typescript or manuscript letters written and submitted to the editor from Jan. 1992 to Jan. 1993 by members of the general public, public figures, and Nashville Banner readers, concerning a wide variety of topics. Arranged chronologically by month. Extent of this series is .8 cu. ft.

Cite as: [name of item], [Series], Nashville Banner Archives, Special Collections Division, Nashville Public Library.

The Nashville Public Library retains intellectual property rights to the Nashville Banner Archives.

Irby C. Simpkins, Jr. and Brownlee O. Currey, Jr.;,Gift;,1999,Acc. RT-375.

The Nashville Banner newspaper began publication on Apr. 10, 1876 and ceased publication Feb. 20, 1998.

In English.

In possession of Irby C. Simpkins, Jr. and Brownlee O. Currey, Jr. until donated to the Nashville Public Library in 1999.