marker template blank historical marker in tennessee

3 min read 24-01-2025

marker template blank historical marker in tennessee

Meta Description: Design your own Tennessee historical marker! This guide provides a blank historical marker template, design tips, and information on submitting your marker for consideration in Tennessee. Learn about size, font, and content best practices.

Creating Your Own Tennessee Historical Marker

Have you ever driven past a historical marker in Tennessee and wished you could create one yourself? Whether for a school project, a community initiative, or simply a fun historical recreation, designing your own marker is achievable. This guide provides a blank historical marker template, along with essential information to help you bring your historical ideas to life. We will cover everything from design specifications to potential submission processes.

This article focuses on creating a replica historical marker. Officially approved and erected markers in Tennessee go through a rigorous application and approval process with the Tennessee Historical Commission. While this guide won't guarantee approval for an official state marker, it will help you accurately design a historically-themed marker.

Designing Your Tennessee Historical Marker Replica

Size and Dimensions

Tennessee historical markers typically adhere to specific size standards. While variations exist, aiming for a replica approximately 15" x 27" provides a close approximation of the real thing. You can easily adapt a blank template to this size.

Font and Text

Legibility is key. Use a clear, easily readable font such as Times New Roman, Arial, or a similar sans-serif font. Keep text concise and to the point. Avoid overly decorative fonts that might hinder readability from a distance. The official Tennessee historical markers often use a serif font, creating a classic and timeless look. Consider this when selecting a font for your project.

Content and Layout

This is where your historical research comes in! Decide on the subject of your historical marker. Once selected, conduct thorough research to ensure accuracy. Remember, your goal is to inform and educate.

Your text should include:

Headline: A concise, attention-grabbing title summarizing the historical event or person.
Body Text: Briefly describe the historical significance of your topic. Use short, impactful sentences. Break up large blocks of text to enhance readability.
Image (optional): A relevant image can add visual interest. Ensure the image is high-resolution and complements your text.

Example Layout:

[Headline:  Bold, Large Font]

[Image (optional)]

[Body Text:  Clear, concise paragraphs]

[Source Information: Citation of your research]

Blank Historical Marker Template

[Here, you would insert a downloadable blank template image sized approximately 15" x 27". The template should be a simple rectangular shape mimicking the appearance of a Tennessee Historical Marker, leaving space for text and images.]

Choosing Colors and Materials

While official markers generally use dark bronze or green colors, your replica can use various materials and colors. Common choices for crafting a replica marker include:

Cardstock/Poster Board: An inexpensive option for smaller replicas.
Foam Board: Provides greater durability.
Metal: A more expensive but highly durable choice, closely resembling the real thing.

Submitting Your Marker (for official consideration)

Creating a replica is fun. If you wish to pursue getting your historical marker officially recognized and potentially placed in Tennessee, a different process is involved. You would need to:

Contact the Tennessee Historical Commission: Inquire about their guidelines and application process.
Thorough Research: Prepare extensive documentation supporting the historical significance of your topic. This will likely involve primary source research and expert consultation.
Submit Your Proposal: Follow their detailed guidelines meticulously for submission.

Conclusion

Designing a historical marker replica is a rewarding project that combines creativity, historical research, and design skills. Remember to focus on clarity, accuracy, and visual appeal to create a historically accurate and engaging marker. If you have a truly noteworthy historical topic you want considered for an official Tennessee historical marker, thorough research and following the Tennessee Historical Commission guidelines are critical. Use this blank template to begin your journey into historical recreation!