News Summary
Alan Brantley has announced his retirement as the publisher of Inside of Knoxville, with Laura White set to take over the role. This transition marks a significant moment for the local publication and the Knoxville History Project’s mission to preserve the city’s history. White aims to document Knoxville’s rich past while engaging the community. The leadership change reflects a commitment to maintain a narrative of the city’s heritage amidst contemporary challenges in historical documentation.
KNOXVILLE – Alan Brantley has announced his retirement as publisher of Inside of Knoxville, with Laura White set to take over the role. The announcement was made during a visit to the Knoxville History Project’s (KHP) 100 block office this spring, marking a significant transition for the local publication and continuing KHP’s commitment to preserving the history of Knoxville.
Brantley’s retirement ends his longstanding tenure, during which he played a pivotal role in shaping the narrative of Knoxville’s history through the publication. White, who has a background in local journalism, is stepping into this position with an ambitious vision for the future of the magazine. She has expressed a keen interest in documenting the city’s rich past and its evolving present.
Before officially taking over, White informed KHP’s executive director, Jack Neely, about her new role. Neely, having served as a mentor to White during their collaboration at Metro Pulse in the mid-2000s, will continue to influence her work. He is well-known for his deep dives into Knoxville’s history and culture.
During the visit, Neely provided an engaging tour of “Underground Knoxville,” a historical area that was sealed off when Gay Street was elevated in 1919. This tour was part of KHP’s ongoing mission to advocate for Knoxville’s history through various mediums, including talks, articles, and educational events. The organization recently hosted an “Open House in Underground Knoxville,” coinciding with the announcement of the leadership change.
Brantley’s retirement has garnered praise from community members who recognize KHP’s efforts in preserving local history. Neely’s storytelling prowess has significantly contributed to Knoxville’s historical narrative, reflecting the connection between individual memories and the city’s broader history. His unique cognitive experiences, including synesthesia, add depth to his storytelling and further illustrate the importance of preserving history in an era where much is lost to digital transitions.
White’s dedication to historical preservation comes at a crucial time. She has noted the challenges that modern documentation poses, often resulting in fragmented accounts of history. Her approach aims to promote a more cohesive understanding of Knoxville’s past, ensuring that significant narratives are not overlooked in a fast-paced, digital world. White’s son, Thomas, participated in the tour, highlighting the generational impact history can have on families in the community.
The shift in leadership reflects not only a change in personnel but also a continued commitment to the mission of Knoxville History Project. Supporters of KHP have acknowledged Neely’s influence and his ability to capture the essence of historic events and places within the city, providing residents and visitors alike a deeper understanding of Knoxville’s cultural heritage. As White takes the reins, she expresses enthusiasm for the future direction of Inside of Knoxville and her plans to further engage the community in conversations surrounding local history.
Overall, this transition signals a dedication to maintaining a rich narrative of Knoxville’s past while adapting to contemporary storytelling methods. White’s past experiences and Neely’s mentorship promise to enhance KHP’s mission of historical preservation and community engagement.
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Additional Resources
- Inside of Knoxville: Jack Neely’s Desk is a Perfect Mess
- WBIR: Irish History in Knoxville
- Knox News: Knoxville’s Pryor Brown Garage History
- Google Search: Knoxville History
- UT Daily Beacon: The Enigma of Eugenia
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Knoxville
Author: STAFF HERE KNOXVILLE WRITER
The KNOXVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREKnoxville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Knoxville, Knox County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Dogwood Arts Festival, Big Ears Festival, and Knoxville Asian Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Knoxville Area Chamber Partnership and United Way of Greater Knoxville, plus leading businesses in healthcare, education, and energy that power the local economy such as Covenant Health, University of Tennessee, and Tennessee Valley Authority. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREChattanooga.com, HEREMemphis.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
