Roane County Government
The County Historian is responsible for preserving Roane County’s historical government records and ensuring the public has meaningful access to the documents that tell our county’s story. The County Records Manager oversees the organization, preservation, and modernization of the county’s contemporary records, integrating innovative technologies to enhance accessibility, transparency, and operational efficiency while supporting the county’s ongoing growth and development.
The role of the Roane County Archives is to receive, process, and preserve government records, oversee records management practices, and provide public access to those records. Because Roane County’s records date back to 1801, the Archives maintains one of the largest collections of historical government documents in Tennessee. Located in the Historic Roane County Courthouse at 119 Court Street in Kingston, the Archives houses all permanent historical records prior to 1973, including materials from all court systems except Juvenile, as well as tax books, marriage licenses, estate files, and various other legal documents. These records are considered inactive permanent records and must be preserved indefinitely.
The Roane County Records Department, established in 2024 and located at 1362 N. Gateway Avenue in Rockwood, is responsible for maintaining, organizing, and preserving the county’s more recent records from 1973 to the present, along with temporary records retained according to state schedules. The department oversees lawful destruction of records in compliance with Tennessee law and is actively implementing digitization initiatives to strengthen long-term preservation and improve accessibility. The Records Manager coordinates records management practices across county offices, maintains accurate and accessible systems, and fulfills Tennessee Public Records Act (TPRA) requests for all departments under the County Executive. While the Kingston Archives preserves the county’s oldest and most historically significant documents, the Rockwood Records Department supports current operational needs by ensuring proper management, storage, retrieval, and transparency of modern government records. Together, both locations preserve Roane County’s legacy while maintaining a compliant and accessible records system for the public and county government alike.
To manage, preserve, and provide access to the public records of Roane County, TN in accordance with legal and regulatory requirements while fostering strong partnerships across county departments. The Records Department is committed to promoting integrity, accountability, and continuous improvement in records management practices, supporting efficient government operations and enhancing transparency for the community we serve.
