April 27, 2019, WGNS Radio
On Friday (4/26/2019) night, local historian Gloria Shacklett Christy was honored at the 114th Daughters of the American Revolution State Conference. The Murfreesboro historian received the DAR’s Meritorious Medal and Cetificate.
Christy said, “This is a bright and forever memorable moment for me and my family, and for all those hundreds of volunteers who have, over many years, served faithfully to bring Uncle Dave Macon Days to regional and national acclaim.”
DAR’s Historic Preservation Chair Cindy Phillips noted, “This is the most prestigious preservation award given by the Society to honor persons who have done extraordinary volunteer work in historic preservation over a long period of time.”
Over the decades, Gloria has dedicated her life to expanding the knowledge of Uncle Dave Macon’s unique style of banjo picking, promoting old time Appalachian style clogging, helping local history through the arts at Cannonsburgh Pioneer Village, Center for the Arts and her family’s business, Shacklett’s Photography. In fact, preserving the area’s pictorial history is one of that family’s great services.
The nomination for this national recognition was made by the local Colonel Hardy Murfree Chapter of the DAR.
Local Regent Karen Hudson notes, “Mrs. Christy’s visionary commitment to the preservation of history and culture of Tennessee from the Smokey Mountains to the Mississippi River, along with her determination to preserve the history of Grand Ole Opry superstar Uncle Dave Macon are truly outstanding.”
For many years, Christy has also created and encouraged on-going educational projects that teach and help to preserve this community’s heritage for area youth.
Phillips concluded, “The generous gifts of her time and expertise to children are impressive. Because of Gloria Christy’s efforts, this history will be preserved, documented, enjoyed and shared for many future generations.”
Again, Gloria Shacklett Christy will be awarded the prestigious Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) Historic Preservation medal next month at the Cool Springs Marriott in neighboring Franklin.