Nashville Sites Launches Historic 2nd Avenue Tour Ahead of Christmas Day Bombing Anniversary
NASHVILLE, TN (November 9) – Ahead of the sixth anniversary of the Christmas Day bombing, Nashville Sites, in partnership with The District and the Nashville Downtown Partnership, today announced the launch of a new self-guided digital tour exploring the history, people and places that have shaped Historic 2nd Avenue.
The free Historic 2nd Avenue Nashville Sites Tour invites residents and visitors to experience one of downtown Nashville’s most iconic corridors through photos, audio narration, maps and stories that bring the past to life. Visitors can begin the self-guided experience by scanning QR codes located along Historic 2nd Avenue or accessing the tour online from anywhere in the world.
The tour traces Second Avenue’s history, from its early days as a bustling riverfront district filled with merchants, sailors and steamboat captains to its evolution into a corridor known for its historic architecture, adaptive reuse and cultural significance.
Visitors will explore the stories behind historic buildings, former businesses, notable figures and musical connections that continue to define the corridor today. The tour also covers the impact of the December 25, 2020, bombing, an event that profoundly affected Historic 2nd Avenue and the city as a whole.
“History comes alive when people can see the connections between the past and the places they experience today,” said Dr. Mary Ellen Pethel, Executive Director of Nashville Sites. “We are excited to share the many stories of Historic 2nd Avenue and provide a resource that allows anyone to explore this important part of Nashville’s history.”
“Historic 2nd Avenue is home to stories of the people, places and events that reflect downtown’s growth, resilience and character,” said Tom Turner, President and CEO at Nashville Downtown Partnership. “This tour offers locals and visitors a new way to connect with downtown’s history.”
The Historic 2nd Avenue Nashville Sites Tour joins a collection of more than 40 tours that highlight Nashville’s rich history and cultural heritage. Through partnerships with local historians, scholars and community organizations, Nashville Sites continues to create engaging ways for people to discover the stories that have shaped the city.
To explore the Historic 2nd Avenue Nashville Sites Tour, visit https://nashvillesites.org/tours/historic-second-avenue.
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About Nashville Sites
Nashville Sites is the signature project of the Nashville Historical Foundation, which works in partnership with the Metro Historical Commission. The organization modernizes the way the public engages with local history through interactive, digital experiences that are accessible to all. Nashville Sites tours are crafted by scholars and local experts in collaboration with colleges, universities and nonprofit organizations throughout Middle Tennessee. For more information, visit https://nashvillesites.org/.