I am an information professional specializing in local history and public records research, government and public policy research, legislative history, 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 am currently the Director of Public Services for the Tennessee State Library & Archives. Previously, I worked as the Library Manager for the First Amendment Center, a non-partisan think tank based in Nashville, Tennessee and Washington, D.C.
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 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. From 2009 to 2012, I served 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.
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. Traci has also appeared on radio and television to speak about the role of religion in the Civil War. In June 2012, Traci was among several religion and history scholars interviewed for the Nashville Public Television documentary, "Crisis of Faith," part of NPT's "Tennessee Civil War 150" series, a multi-part project coinciding with the Sesquicentennial anniversary of the Civil War. In July 2012, Traci and Gordon co-authored an article also titled "Onward Southern Soldiers" for The New York Times Civil War blog, "Disunion."
