October 9, 2020
By:
The late Tennessee Governor Frank G. Clement would have been one hundred years old this year. To honor his life and legacy during this centennial year, the Clement Railroad Hotel Museum in Dickson, Tenn., is celebrating this milestone with its fourth annual Legacy Awards Event. Due to COVID-19, the program will take place virtually and can be seen on the Clement Hotel Museum Facebook Page on Sunday, Oct. 25 at 2 p.m. CDT (https://www.facebook.com/crhmdickson).
The Legacy Awards were created to recognize the integrity and leadership of dedicated Americans whose lives have made a difference. This year’s awards honor three distinguished Tennesseans—U.S. Senator Lamar Alexander, Grand Ole Opry Ambassador/trailblazer Jeannie Seely, and Country Music artist, Craig Morgan. Each will be recognized for their contributions to Tennessee, the nation, and the world. Special guests are Tennessee Governor Bill Lee, U. S. Congressman Jim Cooper, State Representative Michael Curcio, State Representative Mary Littleton, Dickson County Mayor Bob Rial, and Dickson Mayor Don Weiss.
“My father served as governor for ten years. Despite his share of controversies and challenges during his tenure, many qualities defined his legacy—namely the courage to make tough political decisions and to reach across the aisle to reach compromise,” said former U.S. Congressman Bob Clement (D-TN). “Our honorees were chosen because they embody many of those same qualities and we are looking forward to recognizing them during this special virtual event.”
The 107-year-old Halbrook Hotel in Dickson was restored and reopened as the Clement Railroad Hotel Museum in 2009. It is on the National Register of Historic Places. The history and heritage of Dickson County and the State of Tennessee are displayed through exhibits and collections housed in the museum.
Educational opportunities for students and adults include learning about the birthplace of Governor Frank G. Clement and his accomplishments — providing free textbooks for children in public schools, establishing the first State Department of Mental Health, integrating public schools in Tennessee, and planning/implementing the Tennessee interstate highway system. Daily tours are available to see exhibits about the Civil War era and railroading, in addition to traveling exhibits of interest.
The Clement Railroad Hotel Museum, located at 100 Frank Clement Place, Dickson, Tenn., is supported by the Tennessee Historical Commission, the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation, private donations, and the many volunteers who work tirelessly to make the museum possible.
For more information about the award winners and the Legacy Event, call 615-446-0500 or email the museum at clementrailroadmuseum@gmail.com.
Donations can be made through credit card/PayPal (https://clementrailroadmuseum.org), Venmo (www.venmo.com/Clement-Museum), or mailing a check directly to the museum.
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