Welcome
Welcome to the official web page for the Bristol Historical Association.
Become part of our history and help celebrate the 35th anniversary of the Bristol Historical Association! Click here to go to news page for more information about the celebration and the new BHA Cookbook. Or Click here to visit our store page to BUY.
Preserving and retelling the story of Bristol is the ongoing mission of the association. As we embark into the thirty-fifth year of the BHA there is a renewed focus to be faithful to our founding principles and broaden our efforts to educate a new generation.
To see previous versions of Inside History go to our newsletters page - click here
ROBERT PRESTON HOUSE
Preston House Report & Pictures
Led by Isabelle Ladd and Jan Rainero.
Current Projects include, but are not limited to:
- Restoration, establishment, and accreditation of Robert Preston House as a regional museum
- Continued restoration and maintenance of the birthplace home of Tennessee Ernie Ford
- Recognition of historically significant buildings through placement of BHA markers / plaques
- Collection, preservation, and exhibition of memorabilia
- Continued promotion / celebration of area sites and interest
Members of the Bristol Historical Association enjoy a variety of service and fellowship opportunities, receive quarterly newsletters, and, most importantly, take pride in the part they play in preserving and promoting the history of our area. Please consider lending your support to this worthwhile endeavor by becoming a member of our Association.
Thank You.
Tim Buchanan, President.
Our History
History is told through the buildings and homes in a city. The intention of the Bristol Historical Association is to promote an interest in the history of Bristol by designating properties with historical significance.
In 1988 the Bristol Preservation Society launched a program to mark structures and sites throughout Bristol which would date back seventy-five years or more. Historian, V .N. (Bud) Phillips initiated a search for sites which would qualify for designation and receive a plaque. Markers were placed on four sites at that time: Troutdale Restaurant at 412 Sixth Street, the Billy Wood house on the corner of Locust and Sixth Street, East Hill Cemetery, and the Tennessee Ernie Ford House on Anderson Street.
In 1999 the Bristol Preservation Society and the Bristol Historical Association merged. The combined organization has continued the marking program with renewed interest. A generous contribution from Mr. William W. Walling has enabled the program to move forward. Mr. Walling has financed the cost of the first twenty-five plaques. Much credit is due to Mr Walling for his vital part in the promotion of the Landmark Designation program.
