STA2011 - Keynote address by John Seigenthaler

The upcoming Society of Tennessee Archivists annual conference is just around the corner, and as readers of The Posterity Project know by now, I have started highlighting some of the sessions that will take place, at the John Seigenthaler Center in Nashville, Tennessee on Oct. 26-28.

The theme for this year's meeting is, "Roots: Unearthing Family History in Tennessee Archives" with sessions featuring a wide variety of speakers, including presentations and panel discussions by local authors, professional genealogists, historians, and archivists.

I'm very proud to work for one of the legends of journalism,
First Amendment advocate, John Seigenthaler.

John Seigenthaler, founder of the First Amendment Center, will deliver the keynote address for STA2011, touching on his many years of experience as a journalist, public servant, Civil Rights activist, and First Amendment advocate.

John Seigenthaler served for 43 years as an award-winning journalist for The Tennessean, Nashville's morning newspaper. At his retirement he was editor, publisher and CEO. He retains the title chairman emeritus. In 1982, Seigenthaler became founding editorial director of USA Today and served in that position for a decade, retiring from both the Nashville and national newspapers in 1991.

Seigenthaler left journalism briefly in the early 1960s to serve in the U.S. Justice Department as administrative assistant to Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy. His work in the field of civil rights led to his service as chief negotiator with the governor of Alabama during the Freedom Rides. During that crisis, while attempting to aid Freedom Riders in Montgomery, Ala., he was attacked by a mob of Klansmen and hospitalized.

Seigenthaler currently hosts a weekly book-review program, "A Word On Words," having hosted this show for over 35 years. He is also a senior advisory trustee of the Freedom Forum, and has authored a biography of President James K. Polk, published by Times Books and released in January 2004.

It's not too late to be a part of STA2011. Membership in the Society of Tennessee Archivists is just $20 per year, and registration for the conference itself is just $35. There are also opportunities to be a part of our pre-conference workshop schedule, which is open to everyone, and other scheduled events. Visit the Society of Tennessee Archivists website and click on the Summer/Fall 2011 STA Newsletter for more information.

I hope to see you there!