Sarah Arntz

Latest Blog Posts

Cousins, Not Twins: Metro Archives and Special Collections Explained

Sat, 04/25/2026 - 12:00

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The Main Library is back open! That means two unique departments in the building are once again open for on-site research. But do you know who Metro Archives and Special Collections are—and how we’re alike and different? Here’s a quick guide!

View of the Ryman Auditorium with people on stage and the crowd facing the camera

"...But From Now On, We Will Present 'The Grand Ole Opry'..." Part III

Sat, 02/28/2026 - 12:00

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Sarah Arntz

Part III of our series on the history of the Grand Ole Opry is here! After exploring the National Life Company, early WSM, and the Opry’s creation in Parts I and II, this post looks at how WSM and the Grand Ole Opry grew in the mid-20th century.

Photos of the mascot musical characters at Opryland

"...But From Now On, We Will Present 'The Grand Ole Opry'..." Part II

Sat, 12/06/2025 - 12:00

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Sarah Arntz

Here’s Part II in our series on the history of the Grand Ole Opry! Part I explored the National Life Company and the early days of WSM—now we’re diving into how the Opry took off and grew into a legend.

View of the Ryman Auditorium/Grand Ole Opry House prior to the 1974 move to the Opryland area

"...But From Now On, We Will Present 'The Grand Ole Opry'..."

Sat, 11/15/2025 - 12:00

By

Sarah Arntz

2025 is a milestone year in music history: it marks 100 years since the Grand Ole Opry first graced the airwaves! Pieces of the famous live broadcast’s origin story live in Metro Archives, and we’re excited to share them with you!

Photo of plat books at our storage facility

Keeping up with Metro Archives

Sat, 08/16/2025 - 12:00

By

Sarah Arntz

With the Main Library temporarily closed after the June 10th fire in the adjacent parking garage, Metro Archives has been working at our offsite storage facility – where there are plenty of projects waiting for us. Wanna know what we've been working on?

Latest Podcast Episodes

Podcast

Fred Harvey III, Grandson of Fred Harvey

December 23, 2025

In this episode, Sarah talks with Fred Harveys grandson, Fred Harvey III. While the iconic Harveys Department Store is a central focus, the conversation also explores several other topics—including mid-20th-century Nashville.

Podcast

L.A. Wilson, Author of "Once Upon a Nashville Night: The Story of Mr. Harvey’s Nativity Scene"

November 23, 2025

In this episode, Sarah talks with author L.A. Wilson about her new book on the Nativity Scene that once lit up Centennial Park each Christmas. We cover how the display came to be and the man behind it all—Mr. Harvey.

Podcast

Thomas Patterson, author of "American Populist: Huey Long of Louisiana"

September 7, 2025

In this episode, Sarah chats with Thomas Patterson, a Chicago lawyer and author of a recently published book about Huey Long, the fascinating yet controversial Louisiana politician of the early 20th century. And yes—there’s a Nashville connection.

Podcast

Bob Henderson, Former Naval Flight Officer and Nashville History Researcher

April 15, 2025

During this episode, Sarah talks with Bob Henderson — a former Naval Flight Officer, Air National Guard veteran, avid history researcher (especially aviation), and honorary member of Metro Archives.

Podcast

Ken Fieth, Retired Metro Archivist

December 13, 2024

Metro Archives staff Sarah and Darnetha sit down with their now-retired boss, Ken Fieth, to talk about his life before the Metro Archives, how he first stumbled into the field, and to hear some of his favorite stories from his 31 years with Metro Archives.