When you work in public school systems, you get used to numerous in-service and professional development sessions. If you are a teacher of specific subjects, they are very useful, but if you are a librarian, some of the sessions might seem irrelevant. (Sorry, but math teaching methods was not relevant to me.)
However, my first such professional development in the Hamilton County School district was a pleasant surprise. This was 2005 and all of the librarians were meeting together. We were greeted by a vivacious 30-something-year-old man in a blue polo shirt that said “TN History for Kids!”
This was my introduction to History Bill, aka Bill Carey, a journalist with a teaching degree who has a passion for Tennessee history. He had just developed the TN History for Kids website. It was shoestring, but very professionally done, pretty much all by Carey. He was at the meeting to not only promote the site as a tool for school librarians and history teachers, but to try to get funds for the site’s operating costs.
In order to do a website for the children of Tennessee, he had to research the information, take the photos, and put everything on the computer, and support a family at the same time. He was not independently wealthy, only dedicated. History Bill had even hired a videographer to do some short, clever videos about Andrew Jackson, Alvin York, Fort Loudoun, and other historical figures and landmarks, and showed us one at the professional development meeting. It was informative, quirky, and perfect for kids. Check them out, they are fun to watch, whether you’re a kid or an adult. It appears Bill has some new ones, too, at http://www.tnhistoryforkids.org/history/videos/
Over the years, TN History for Kids’ readership as well as its size increased. Its costs did as well. At one time History Bill had to take a teaching job to support his family as well as the site, and TN History for Kids! was in danger of disappearing.
Thankfully, the state and other supporters saw the huge benefit of this website and TN History for Kids! is well and thriving today.
When it became apparent that there were no textbooks that covered all the Tennessee state Social Studies and History standards, Bill Carey did the research and created booklets for each grade. He also compiled booklets made up of first-hand accounts about, and writings of important Tennesseans.
Despite the fact that I am retired now, I still have some of the booklets and enjoy them immensely. History Bill has created annual “tent” events that teachers can go to in order to get an infusion of fascinating history. And history is fascinating!
If you have a child, or grandchild, or if you like history in a fun and interesting format, go to TN History for Kids! and you will be sure to find out something new about the great state of Tennessee. (Check out the county histories—fascinating!) http://www.tnhistoryforkids.org/

Susan Kite is the author of five books, including one historical novel: https://www.amazon.com/default/e/B00J91G0ZU/ and is a member of Authors Guild of Tennessee.