Calvin Morgan McClung historical collection : of books, pamphlets, manuscripts, pictures and maps relating to early western travel and the history and genealogy of Tennessee and other southern states

A devoted scholar assembled this massive trove of early American sources, then offered it to a Knoxville library as a legacy of his lifelong fascination with the South’s past. The catalog opens with a meticulous, alphabetized guide that reveals the collector’s habit of inserting marginal notes, clippings and personal letters into almost every volume. Listeners will hear how the compiler’s academic training and exacting standards shaped a collection that feels both scholarly and intimate.

The holdings span books, pamphlets, manuscripts, photographs and maps that trace western migration, the lives of Indigenous peoples, and the genealogy of Tennessee and neighboring states. From 18th‑century travel narratives to rare correspondence of prominent families, each item is presented with concise descriptions that hint at the rich stories tucked inside. The collection offers a vivid snapshot of regional history, inviting listeners to explore the textures of a formative era through the eyes of a meticulous archivist.