NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WGNS) - Local history is in safer hands today. Hillary Brown of the Rutherford County Archives is back at work with a new statewide certification. Brown graduated from the 2026 Tennessee Archives Institute after completing three years of specialized coursework.

The Tennessee State Library and Archives hosted the annual two-day workshop in Nashville. This year, the institute brought together 27 participants from historical institutions across the state. The program teaches local archivists how to better handle collections care, digitization planning, and research support.

Secretary of State Tre Hargett praised the graduates for their hard work. Hargett said the institute gives local archivists an excellent opportunity to strengthen their preservation skills. State Librarian Jamie Ritter added that the unique experience ensures all graduates remain effective as they provide important services to their home counties.

The training directly benefits Rutherford County residents who rely on the local archives for genealogical research and property records. Assistant State Archivist Jami Awalt said collaborating and learning together strengthens the statewide network of archivists, which ultimately benefits all Tennesseans.