In Memoriam

Ann Toplovich

THC board member Ann Toplovich died on May 25th, 2024. Appointed as a member of the THC by Gov. Lee in 2021, Ms. Toplovich served for thirty years as the executive director of the Tennessee Historical Society, leading the effort to create the Tennessee Encyclopedia of History and Culture. Toplovich was a former staff member of the Tennessee Historical Commission, starting in 1979. She worked in both the Survey and National Register of Historic Places programs, as well as in the Tennessee Main Street Program. She also served for a time as the Deputy State Historic Preservation Officer and an assistant commissioner in the Tennessee Department of Conservation. Her contributions to furthering an understanding of and an appreciation for Tennessee’s history are extraordinary. Ms. Toplovich also had an extensive background in archaeology and represented the Tennessee Historical Commission on the Governor’s Archaeological Advisory Council at the time of her passing.

Richard Tune (left) with former survey coordinator, Steve Rogers.

Former Tennessee Deputy State Historic Preservation Officer and longtime assistant director for Federal Programs Richard Tune died on September 6, 2024. Tune, who had a background in history and archaeology, started at the THC in 1976 as a Historical Projects Officer. He left in 2013, after spending his final two years post-retirement in a part-time capacity. Tune also served as interim executive director of the THC from 2006 to 2007, following Herbert Harper’s retirement. Among his many accomplishments, Tune was instrumental in keeping the now iconic historic men’s room at the Hermitage Hotel from being ripped out in the 1970s, and helping to save the original Alvin C. York Institute campus in Jamestown in 2008. Tune is remembered for his calm demeanor and exceptional knowledge, along with his dedication to Tennessee’s historic places. Photographed is Richard Tune (left) with former survey coordinator, Steve Rogers.