Frank Caperton, President of the Rutherford County Historical Society, May 15, 2017
Dr. Louis Kyriakoudes, director of the Albert Gore Research Center
The Rutherford County Historical Society accepted an invitation to tour MTSU’s Gore Center Monday, May 15.
Dr. Louis Kyriakoudes, director of the Albert Gore Research Center, was a most most gracious host sharing how MTSU retired professor Dr. David Grubbs received the personal papers from MTSU alumnus Senator Albert Gore, Sr. Thus began the Albert Gore Research Center in 1989.
Approximately 22 members of the Society enjoyed hearing the history, purpose and future of the Albert Gore Research Center along with humorous stories and a few poignant observations of current views of our local history.
Dr. Kyriakoudes stated, “Instead of removing monuments (ed. referring to the recent removal of Confederate monuments in New Orleans), why not add monuments to say, Ruby Bridges, the first African American student in the New Orleans public school system.”
The Albert Gore Research Center is located in the former Todd Library on the campus of Middle Tennessee State University. The hours are 9:00AM-4:00PM, Monday-Friday with summer hours varying. Please visit gorecenter.mtsu.edu or call 615-898-2632 for more information.
Sen. Albert Gore, Sr.
RCHS Board member Lisa Ramsey and Rep. Mike Sparks
Local historian and genealogist Susan Daniel looking over some of the papers written by Sen. Albert Gore, Sr.
1971 – MTSU Johnny Red Floyd Stadium
1951 – MTSU Alumni Gym
Rep. ‘Mister Jim’ Cummings served in the Tennessee General Assembly for more than four decades.
Sen. Albert Gore, Sr. commencement address to the 1948 MTSC graduating class
Rep. ‘Mister Jim’ Cummings served in the Tennessee General Assembly for more than four decades.
1997 – Floyd Stadium under construction.
Dr. Louis Kyriakoudes
Nashville station Channel 2 donated more than two decades of news tapes. Dr. Louis Kyriakoudes and staff will digitize the tapes.
Did you know Rutherford County, Tennessee witnessed almost 800,000 soldiers during maneuvers between 1942-44?
1957 MTSC Homecoming Queen Barbara Harrington and her Court
The archive at the Albert Gore Research Center
1965 – MTSC Relay Team Dean Hayes began coaching track at MTSU in the fall of 1965. Track was the University’s first integrated sport.
RCHS Board member Margie Weather, local historian Allen Gooch and Rep. Mike Sparks
RCHS Board member Bonnie Black and Dr. Louis Kyriakoudes
Local historians Toby Frances and Shirley Farris Jones
Rep Mike Sparks and Realtor Teresa Kidd
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State Rep. Mike Sparks (R-Smyrna) admiring the pend and paper artwork of the historic Rutherford County Courthouse.
A voting machine from Fort Lauderdale County, Florida used in the 2000 presidential election
1978 – Sharon McClanahan 1st woman at MTSU to exceed 1,000 points
A ballot box from Fort Lauderdale County, Florida used in the 2000 presidential election.
1956 – MTSC Vet Village
Dr. Louis Kyriakoudes, director of the Albert Gore Research Center
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Susan Daniel and Toby Francis
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1956 – The ‘Vet’s Village’ at MTSC.
Sandra Campbell and Teresa Kidd
