Interview with J. Bennett Graham, August 14, 2018

Interview Summary

J. Bennett Graham, a former TVA employee, begins the interview by discussing how he was hired at the TVA. Graham's background in archaeology is examined. Graham gives an overview of his career at TVA. The interviewee discusses his first assignment in archaeology at the TVA. The history of the TVA in the field of archaeology is explored. Graham's work on excavating the Tellico Dam and reservoir site is recalled. Issues with the Cherokee Nation and Cherokee burial sites being found on the Tellico project site are also mentioned. The interviewee explains the process of how his team managed contracted archaeological work to universities. Graham's work in Norris, Tennessee is illustrated. Graham evaluates the significance of TVA's archaeological work as a whole. Graham reflects upon his memories of working at TVA, as well as his favorite parts of being a TVA employee. To conclude the interview, Graham articulates his views of office politics and relationships during his TVA career.

Interview Keyword

Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) Universities Artifacts Tellico Project Burial grounds Maps and Surveys Branch Archaeology and Utility Relocation Division Bevan Brown Manager of Cultural Resources Program Great Depression

Interview LC Subject

Tennessee Valley Authority Tennessee Archaeology Archaeologists Archaeological sites Archaeology surveys Education Norris (Tenn.) Chattanooga (Tenn.) Tellico Dam (Tenn.) Cherokee Nation Native Americans Management Office politics Depressions--1929

Interview Rights

All rights to the interviews, including but not restricted to legal title, copyrights and literary property rights, have been transferred to the University of Kentucky Libraries.

Interview Usage

Interviews may only be reproduced with permission from Louie B. Nunn Center for Oral History, University of Kentucky Libraries.