Nashville Honors Legendary Puppeteer Tom Tichenor

A new historical marker at the Nashville Public Library pays tribute to the influential performer's local legacy.

Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Puppetry

Screen-print poster illustration of a wooden marionette control bar, evoking the artistic legacy of puppeteer Thomas Hager Tichenor. — Nashville officials unveiled a historical marker this week at the city's public library honoring the legacy of puppeteer Thomas Hager Tichenor. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Should your local community prioritize creating public tributes to its past artists and historical figures?

Officials gathered in downtown Nashville this week to unveil a historical marker honoring puppeteer Thomas Hager Tichenor. The plaque celebrates his long-standing contributions to the art of puppetry and his roots within the city.

Why it matters

The marker preserves the cultural history of a performer who helped shape the local arts scene. His work serves as a foundation for the current puppet programming continuing at the Nashville Public Library today.

Tichenor began his career performing puppet shows at the Nashville Public Library in 1938 and later worked on the Broadway show Carnival during the 1960s.

The players

Tom Tichenor

He was a celebrated puppeteer who brought his craft to Broadway and maintained a long-standing association with Nashville cultural institutions.

Wishing Chair Productions

This is the current resident puppet troupe operating at the Nashville Public Library.

The details

A crowd gathered outside the downtown Nashville Public Library on Tuesday afternoon for the ceremony, where a cloth was removed to reveal the commemorative marker. The tribute recognizes Tichenor, who also attended Hume Fogg High School, for his role in establishing puppetry as a staple of local entertainment.

1938: Tichenor began performing shows at the library.
1960s: Tichenor worked on the Broadway show Carnival.
1992: Tom Tichenor died.
October 20, 2026: Historical marker unveiled on Tuesday afternoon.

Industry Dynamics

This dedication aligns with the historical marker program for Tennessee cultural figures, which preserves the legacies of notable artists. It highlights how local libraries serve as centers for maintaining traditions like puppetry against the dominance of modern digital entertainment.

Residents can visit the new marker outside the downtown Nashville Public Library to learn more about the city's artistic history. The library continues to host puppet performances today, maintaining the tradition Tichenor helped build.

The takeaway

Honoring historical figures helps maintain a connection between past artistic achievements and contemporary community programming. Visitors can explore the legacy of local performers by visiting public markers that highlight the cultural milestones of their city.