My favorite time of year has begun with September dedications for two historical marker projects! The opening chapter for this tale of two markers takes place in Marietta, Ohio, at renowned Sewah Studios (est. 1927), a foundry that expertly forges into material testimony two separate histories, both representing musical pioneers from the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame's inaugural class. Once cast in aluminum, their journeys diverge when one marker travels south to Mississippi and the other west to Iowa, concluding in happy celebration and fond remembrance for artist families, friends, fans and two very special communities. This tale receives a happy ending and a win for public history (times two)!
The photos below were my first glimpses of each marker, taken by Sewah Studios. Learn more about the company's rich tradition of craftsmanship - How it Works: The Sewah Process.
SEPTEMBER 8, 2021 - Mississippi State Historical Marker dedication at Elvis Presley's former Circle G Ranch in Horn Lake, Mississippi.
I celebrated this day from afar as the Circle G Foundation's proud historic preservationist! The Mississippi State Historical Marker provides a tangible symbol of the team's many years of dedication and hard work behind the scenes - a recognition (including the National Register of Historic Places listing) long overdue for the ranch and more than deserved for the CGF's efforts!
SEPTEMBER 24, 2021 - Historical marker dedication at the Everly Brothers Childhood Family Home in Shenandoah, Iowa.
I was also unable to attend this event, but it was nonetheless an incredibly gratifying moment for me as a member of the small but mighty team at the Everly Brothers Childhood Home Foundation and as the marker's designer and author (a personal and professional milestone)! Son of the recently passed Don Everly, Edan Everly, his wife Keri and daughter Lily were in attendance. This was the Everly family's first known visit to Shenandoah since Don and Phil Everly's historic homecoming in 1986. Note: Edan, along with special guest artists, performed a benefit concert for the Everly Brothers Childhood Home on the following evening of September 25th.
VIDEO: Watch the marker ceremony with introductions by legendary KMA personality Dean Adkins (KMA was where Don and Phil got their start as child radio stars) and Everly Brothers Childhood Home Foundation president Bill Hillman. Don Everly's son Edan Everly, wife Keri and daughter Lily are on hand to unveil the marker!
