The Posterity Project: About Us

My name is Gordon Belt and I am the founding editor and publisher of The Posterity Project. I am an information professional specializing in local archives and public records research, government and public policy research, legislative history and bill tracking, and social media advocacy for archives and special collections repositories.

I have had a lifelong passion for history, and have worked in special collections libraries and archives in the "Volunteer State" since 1995. I received a master’s degree in History in 2003 with a concentration in archival administration from Middle Tennessee State University, and a bachelor’s degree in Political Science in 1994 from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.

I currently work as the Library Manager for a non-partisan think tank based in Nashville, Tennessee and Washington, D.C. My primary responsibilities include the daily operation and administration of library activities, collection development, reference and research services, social media support, and monitoring legislation and public policy affecting First Amendment freedoms, among other duties. I also write an occasional column on issues related to history and the First Amendment.

I am an active member in the Society of Tennessee Archivists, having served as Vice-President for the 2010-2011 term, and as President for the 2011-2012 term. I also serve as Treasurer for TSLAFriends, the friends group of the Tennessee State Library and Archives. Additionally, I hold memberships in the Society of American Archivists, Special Libraries Association, National Council on Public History, and the Tennessee Historical Society.

Traci Nichols-Belt is the author of Onward Southern Soldiers: Religion and the Army of Tennessee in the Civil War, published by The History Press. Traci is an ordained and licensed minister and holds a master's degree in history from Middle Tennessee State University and a bachelor's degree in political science from Anderson University. During her academic career at MTSU, Traci worked for the Tennessee State Museum and wrote two National Register nominations for the Johnsonville Historic District in New Johnsonville, Tennessee, and the Historical AME Church and Cemeteries in Alexandria, Tennessee. Traci has also worked as a historical consultant and grant writer for the Clement Railroad Hotel and Museum in Dickson, Tennessee. Traci's article "Chaplains in the Army of Tennessee, CSA: Warring Disciples Carrying the Gospel" was published in the Winter 2004 issue of the Tennessee Historical Quarterly. Additionally, she wrote a review of Sam Davis Elliot's book, Doctor Quintard Chaplain CSA and Second Bishop of Tennessee for the Spring 2004 issue of the Tennessee Historical Quarterly.