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Wlaf1450Recognized for Community History Leadership
Mark Tidwell speaks to members of the Lions Club at West End Rec Center back in March in this photo from WLAF’s Charlie Hutson and is shown on the big screen at last week’s East Tennessee Awards of Excellence ceremony at Knoxville.
KNOXVILLE, TN (WLAF)- The fear of an email being a phishing attempt quickly went away when local historian and Jellico Librarian Mark Tidwell opened it. It was a legitimate email of good news, exciting news. Tidwell discovered he and a select few others were going to be honored with a luncheon and awards at the East Tennessee Historical Society’s Awards of Excellence program.
“I was totally unaware of the East Tennessee Awards of Excellence program. Furthermore, I was oblivious to the fact I had been nominated by Clinch River Regional Library Director Matthew Jordan for the Community History Leadership Award,” said Tidwell.
The 2026 Awards of Excellence program celebrates achievements and projects from the East Tennessee history community. A buffet dinner was provided followed by a brief annual meeting of the membership and the awards ceremony. It all took place at the Bilo Nelson Auditorium at the East Tennessee History Center on South Gay Street at Knoxville.
“This award, Community History Leadership, was the result of 23 years of delving into the Jellico area’s dynamic past and making the stories and information come alive for interested patrons. The award is not about me, it’s about our community. I could not have been standing there without such a wonderful family. And certainly not without such a great library staff, volunteers, and supporters being behind me through the years, keeping the library humming and operating like a finely tuned machine, while I researched, compiled, and dispensed local history,” said Tidwell.
The East Tennessee Historical Society’s Awards of Excellence program annually recognizes individuals and organizations for significant contributions to the preservation, promotion, and interpretation of the region’s history. Eligible projects include exhibits, lectures, conferences, publications, print and broadcast media, teaching, and lifetime achievement.
Tidwell has quite the network of support. “Kimber Monday, Sheyanne Taylor, Linda Bowlin, Gail Garrett, all the youth workers and interns through the years, and the supportive staff at Clinch River Regional Library are there for me Retired State Librarian and Archivist Chuck Sherrill instilled in me a love of local history,” said Tidwell.
Through college course work in Sherrill’s class, LIB 1015, Genealogy and Local History, Spring Term 2008, Jackson State University, Tidwell became equipped with the skills to really “start running things down”. “Thanks “Mr. Chuck”, you are a true master in the art of solving historical puzzles, and thanks to you, the patrons of Jellico Public Library, who daily have questions about Jellico’s past and keep the searches alive and interesting,” said Tidwell.
See all the honorees and their bios HERE and see Tidwell’s below.
Mark Tidwell, Campbell County
Director of the Jellico Public Library since 2004, Mark Tidwell is a key figure in preserving and promoting local history in Jellico and Campbell County. He shares his research through social media, newspaper articles, public presentations, and community initiatives, such as storytelling events and veterans’ recognition projects. Mark also contributes to the region’s historical record through his published works, including 25 Tales: Even More Appalachian Ghost Stories & Mysteries and Jellico, TN/KY 140 Years: August 6th, 1881–August 6th, 2023–A Commemorative Look Back, a booklet and video celebrating Jellico’s 140th anniversary. His work reflects a sustained commitment to documenting and celebrating the legacy of his community. (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED-05/12/2026-6AM-PHOTOS SUBMITTED-SELECT PHOTOS COURTESY OF WLAF’S CHARLIE HUTSON)