Chattanooga, September 27, 2025
News Summary
Chattanooga will host ‘Culture on 4,’ an event dedicated to discussing forgotten cemeteries and their histories. Featuring Emmy award-winning journalist Tom Lee and artist Megan Ledbetter, the event aims to inspire community engagement through narratives connected to Southern cemeteries. Residents are encouraged to participate in this free event on the 4th Floor of the Downtown Library.
Chattanooga to Host “Culture on 4” Featuring Discussion on Southern Cemeteries
The City of Chattanooga will be hosting an event called “Culture on 4” focusing on forgotten cemeteries and buried histories of the South. The event, organized by the Office of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy (ACCE) in collaboration with the Chattanooga Public Library, is set to take place on Saturday, October 4, 2025, on the 4th Floor of the Downtown Library.
This engaging discussion will feature Emmy award-winning journalist and political strategist Tom Lee alongside artist and educator Megan Ledbetter. Ledbetter has been working on a photographic project titled “The Field,” which highlights a derelict municipal cemetery for the poor and dispossessed in Chattanooga. Her project intertwines visual imagery, historical research, and community engagement to shed light on the cemetery’s complex past.
Megan Ledbetter is based in Red Bank, Tennessee, and her artistic endeavors often delve into personal, cultural, and historical narratives linked to specific locations. She holds a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) degree from the Massachusetts College of Art and Design. Meanwhile, Tom Lee, with over 40 years of experience in journalism and conflict resolution, brings valuable insights into policy, politics, and the media to the discussion.
“Culture on 4” is part of a series designed to engage the community with various forms of arts, culture, and entertainment through dialogues with talented artists, writers, and performers. This initiative not only aims to showcase diverse perspectives but also seeks to inspire individuals looking to start or advance their careers in creative fields.
The event is open and free to the public, welcoming all who are interested in exploring the cultural significance of Southern cemeteries. Community members are encouraged to participate in the conversation and gain insights into the historical narratives that shape their surroundings. For additional information, attendees can visit the Chattanooga Public Library’s website at chattlibrary.org.
Event Details
- Event: Culture on 4
- Date: Saturday, October 4, 2025
- Location: 4th Floor, Downtown Library, Chattanooga
- Featured Guests: Tom Lee and Megan Ledbetter
- Cost: Free and open to the public
About the Guests
Megan Ledbetter: Artist and educator known for her project “The Field,” focusing on a local cemetery’s history.
Tom Lee: Emmy award-winning journalist and political strategist with extensive experience in journalism and conflict resolution.
About “Culture on 4”
This initiative is designed to bring the community together through an exchange of ideas related to arts, culture, and entertainment, aiming to inspire enthusiastic individuals who aspire to pursue creative careers.
Background Context
Cemeteries often hold rich histories and stories that connect us to our past. They serve as places of remembrance for the deceased and can reflect the social dynamics of their time. The upcoming “Culture on 4” event highlights these often-overlooked narratives, offering attendees a unique chance to engage with the history of Southern cemeteries through the lens of art and journalism.
FAQ Section
What is “Culture on 4”?
“Culture on 4” is a series designed to engage the community with arts, culture, and entertainment through dialogues with talented artists, writers, and performers.
When is the event taking place?
The event is scheduled for Saturday, October 4, 2025.
Who will be featured in the discussion?
Emmy award-winning journalist Tom Lee and artist and educator Megan Ledbetter will be featured in the discussion.
Is there a cost to attend?
The event is free and open to the public.
Key Features of “Culture on 4”
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Event Name | Culture on 4 |
| Date | October 4, 2025 |
| Location | 4th Floor, Downtown Library, Chattanooga |
| Featured Guests | Tom Lee, Megan Ledbetter |
| Cost | Free |
| Focus | Forgotten cemeteries and buried histories of the South |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Local 3 News: Volunteers Wanted in Honor of 9/11
- The Bitter Southerner: Your Brother’s Blood in Chattanooga
- Times Free Press: Sweeping the Graves
- Chattanoogan: Torchlight Tour of Chattanooga
- Local 3 News: Volunteers Needed at Chattanooga National Cemetery
- Wikipedia: Cemetery
- Google Search: Chattanooga Cemeteries
- Google Scholar: Cemeteries in Chattanooga
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Cemetery
- Google News: Chattanooga Cemeteries
Author: STAFF HERE CHATTANOOGA WRITER
The CHATTANOOGA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREChattanooga.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Chattanooga, Hamilton County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Riverbend Festival, Chattanooga Oktoberfest, and Moon River Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Greater Chattanooga, plus leading businesses in manufacturing, insurance, and utilities that power the local economy such as Volkswagen Chattanooga, BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee, and EPB. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREKnoxville.com, HEREMemphis.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
