Sarah Arntz

Latest Blog Posts

Georgianna McConnell: A Pioneering Aviatrix with Roots in Nashville

Sat, 07/12/2025 - 12:00

By

When someone says, “Name a pioneering female pilot from Nashville,” it’s likely the first person who comes to mind is Cornelia Fort. However, there's another aviatrix whose story is important to the Nashville's aviation history: Georgianna McConnell.

View of the construction of the downtown wharf, circa 1921

Building Music City: The Foster & Creighton Company

Sat, 05/31/2025 - 12:00

By

Sarah Arntz

When you think "Nashville landmarks," you're likely thinking of Foster & Creighton's work. This construction company played a major role in shaping the city's iconic buildings and infrastructure throughout the 20th century.

Raymond Whittaker Papers - Telegram from Ray to Jane, May 1943

Love and Kisses to the Sweetest Wife on Earth

Sat, 02/08/2025 - 12:00

By

Sarah Arntz

If you enjoyed learning about Raymond and Jane Whittaker in my first blog post, this one continues their story through the love letters in the "Raymond Whittaker Papers", that are held in Metro Archives.

Up close view of the card from President Clinton

Seasons Greetings from the White House to Your House!

Sat, 12/21/2024 - 12:00

By

Sarah Arntz

In celebration of the holiday season, Metro Archives is featuring the Jo Ann Connor Collection in our latest exhibit. The collection consists of Christmas cards that Jo Ann received from various U.S. presidents over the years, following her husband's MIA status during the Vietnam War.

Nashville Fire Dept Fire Log from Medic 5

Nashville Fire Log Blog: The Smoldering History Beyond the Flames

Sat, 09/21/2024 - 12:00

By

Sarah Arntz

If you lock up archivists in their warehouse for a brief time, we start going a little loopy and get some serious work done. So, here’s a glimpse of that work.

Latest Podcast Episodes

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.

Podcast

Giancarlo Guerrero, Music Director of the Nashville Symphony

November 27, 2024

In this enlightening episode of the Back in the Day podcast, Sarah and Grace sit down with Giancarlo Guerrero, Music Director of the Nashville Symphony, to learn more about his remarkable career in Nashville.