Frequently Asked Questions

Q.  What is a "National Heritage Area?"

National Heritage Areas are Congressionally designated regions that represent the stories of nationally significant and distinct aspects of America's heritage.  To learn more about the Tennessee Civil War National Heritage Area (TCWNHA), visit About Us.

Q.  Where is the Heritage Area located?

The Tennessee Civil War National Heritage Area covers the entire state but is focused on the museums, historic sites, and communities located along eight major mid-19th-century transportation corridors associated with the Civil War and Reconstruction in Tennessee.  The offices of the Heritage Area, which is one of several programs administered by the Center for Historic Preservation at Middle Tennessee State University, are in Murfreesboro.  Please go to sites for information about the many museums, parks, monuments, and battlegrounds in Tennessee.

Q.  Do you have a brochure?

We have a general rack card, and we are developing additional rack cards for our heritage routes.  You can receive brochures from participating sites by visiting their individual websites--see  sites for more information.

Q.  Do you have a passport program?

Yes, we do have a passport program.  To get your passport stamped, please come to our office at 1421 East Main Street.  We are located on the second floor in Room 204.  Our hours are Monday-Friday, 8:00-4:30.

Q.  Who is TCWNHA for?  Who does it benefit?

The Heritage Area serves Tennessee's citizens and visitors to the state.  Through our Professional Services Partnership initiative, we partner with organizations and individuals throughout the state to provide architectural assessments, historical research, publication development, and public programming support.  Through our Collaborative Partnership initiative, we provide matching funds for a variety of projects.

Through our website, educators can find information for use in the classroom or on fieldtrips.  Researchers, students, and educators can use the themes to benefit their own research or schoolwork. Managers of Civil War tourism or educational sites can apply for funding.  People interested in travel with a focus on the Civil War can use our list of sites to plan their vacations or weekend get-a-ways.

Q.  Does TCWNHA only cover the battles?

The Heritage Area is about much more than battles.  In fact, it covers the Civil War and Reconstruction.  We are interested in the home front, women's roles in the war, and the demise of slavery, in addition to the battles.

Q.  I am an educator.  How can I use this site in my classroom?

There are several ways.  The Heritage Education Network (THEN) is the best place to start.  This site will give you ideas, lesson plans, activities, sources of information, and links for local history education.  Another option is to visit sites for a list of sites that may be appropriate for a field trip.  In addition, the TCWNHA themes contain valuable recent research that may supplement your current lesson plan.  For an extensive bibliography, go to sources.

Q.  I manage a tourism or educational site with a Civil War or Reconstruction-era  history.  Is funding or other assistance available for my site?

Federal funds may be available for projects; all such funds from the Heritage Area must be matched by state, local, or private monies.  Your organization may also be able to take advantage of our Professional Services Partnership program.  Visit funding for the details on how to apply for Collaborative Partnership funds and how to enter into a Professional Services Partnership with the Heritage Area.