On the Circuit: Sipping Through History: Echoes of the Ben West Library

Friends and supporters of the Nashville Historical Foundation gathered at the historic offices of Hastings Architecture for Sipping Through History: Echoes of the Ben West Library. The evening celebrated Nashville history while honoring Metro Historical Commission Executive Director Tim Walker, who recently retired after 29 years with the Metro Historical Commission and Metro Historic Zoning Commission, including 17 years as executive director.

The setting — once home to the Ben West Library — offered a fitting reminder of NHF’s mission to support historic preservation projects and community education in partnership with the Metro Historical Commission. The midcentury modern building opened in 1966 as Nashville’s new main library and honored Ben West, the last mayor of the City of Nashville before Nashville and Davidson County consolidated under a metropolitan government.

The evening celebrated both the library and Nashville’s rich history of preservation. Upon arrival, a delightful array of Tom Tichenor puppets — some dating back decades — greeted guests. Members of Wishing Chair Productions, which presents puppet shows at the Nashville Public Library, brought the magic of puppetry to life. As guests mingled and sipped cocktails — including delightfully smoky Old Fashioneds — William Hastings led tours of the building.

Longtime director of the Historical Commission and foundation cofounder Ann Roberts addressed the crowd, highlighting Tim’s accomplishments throughout his career and his work on the many historic properties Metro government owns, including Fort Negley, Two Rivers Mansion, Union Station, Grassmere, the Customs House, fire halls, schools, parks and the Nashville City Cemetery.

Tim then took the stage and offered a heartfelt thank-you to those in the room. He noted that although the evening honored him, the work would not have been possible without the many board members, council members and staff members who supported preservation efforts throughout his career.