I attended the Ninth National Archives Workshop In Murfreesboro, Tennessee, Sept. 23, 24, & 25th. Due to a prior commitment, I had to leave on Saturday to come home. This was the first archives workshop I had gone to. The workshop was such an experience it will not be my last. I was so impressed with Bob W. and the crew from Arkansas as Conservators, Preservationists and teachers, who with their vast knowledge did no intimidate someone like me that knew nothing about how to preserve or even store the history of A.A. in the form of Books, Pamphlets, and paper items. They gave a hands on session that I know enough to be dangerous in the archives.  Also it was a privilege to watch Milton C. and Betty B. represent Tennessee in workshops on Traditions and the History of A.A. in Tennessee. Where was the first meeting in Tennessee? Should have been there to find out.  See You in New Orleans next Year.
Yours in Service   
Ralph J.                                                                    Past Del. Panel 46                         Area 64                                   

The weekend of September 23rd through the 26th will be one I won't soon forget. Archivists, Historians, Preservationists, Conservators, and Collectors came together in Murfreesboro, TN for a weekend of sharing experience, strength, and hope. I saw professional people sharing their expertise with caring for and preserving papers, photographs, and books. So that future generations of our fellowship can see, and perhaps experience, what it was like when our fellowship struggled sometimes in the beginning, but succeeded always in carrying the message forward.
I saw and heard experiences of early AA in Tennessee and the history of our Archives, and a historical relating of events in Akron and other cities nearby in Ohio. Gail LeC. From Akron, our featured speaker, gave us a slide show during her presentation/talk Saturday night that brought me nearer to the founding days in Akron. She had gifts for all present, including a newspaper from Akron, with "Smitty's" obituary on the front page. Coincidentally, in the picture above it was a picture of The Mayflower Hotel, in an unrelated story. Our Nashville Intergroup Office Manager gave us the history of Nashville's Central Office, and The Messenger. (In my humble opinion, one of the best intergroup newsletters in the country.)
Your area servants who hosted this year's event did a wonderful job. Although our "Voice" was imported from Arkansas, he was a hoot. Full of humor. You really should see his "suits". Ask anyone who was there.
The weather could not have been better. The hospitality was over the top. The food was delicious and plentiful. Everyone that I spoke with was well pleased with Tennessee friendship and fellowship. Personally, I was thrilled to see and talk with a friend I met in April at the Conference. Walt C., the Delegate from Western New York, and his Area Archivist, drove around 800 miles each way to be here. This was Tennessee's opportunity to show the rest of North America what we have on hand and what we are doing in the area of AA Archives restoration/preservation and presentation.
Next years Workshop will be hosted by Louisiana and held in New Orleans.
(I meant "Nawlienes". I believe it is one word.) If you love archives or history, and you have an opportunity to go next year, by all means, don't miss it. History waits on no man and it is being made today.

I am grateful to the Area for making it possible for me to attend.

Milton C.
Panel 54 Delegate from Area 64, Tennessee