Tressa Bush
Journalist & Community Advocate
About Me
Tressa Bush is a dedicated journalist, storyteller, and community advocate with a deep passion for preserving history and engaging the public. As the founder of the Smith County Historical Tourism Society (SCHTS), she has combined her love for storytelling with her commitment to historical preservation, creating immersive experiences that bring the past to life.
Her leadership in organizing large-scale living history events has drawn visitors from across the country, fostering a greater appreciation for Tennessee’s role in World War II U.S. Army field training exercises, known as the Tennessee Maneuvers. With a background in broadcasting and media production, Tressa excels at crafting compelling narratives that resonate with diverse audiences.
Professional Experience
Founder | Fundraiser | Event Director
Smith County Historical Tourism Society
2020 – Present • Carthage, TN
- Established and managed a 501(c)(3) nonprofit focused on WWII Tennessee Maneuvers tourism.
- Organized large-scale living history events with over 1,200 visitors from 16 states.
- Coordinated educational programs, reenactments, and promotional efforts.
- Secured corporate and individual donations through fundraising.
- Recruited and directed over 30 volunteers.
Manager | Producer | Writer | Editor | Videographer
Wilson County Television (WCTV)
Lebanon, TN
- Acted as liaison between county officials and cable providers.
- Produced and directed live broadcasts for county commission meetings.
- Created original programming, including Walking Through Wilson and Talkin’ With Tatum.
- Managed content creation and analytics across six social media accounts and a YouTube channel.
Assistant to the Director
Wilson County Convention and Visitors’ Bureau
Lebanon, TN
- Developed press releases, promotional materials, and video stories.
- Created rack cards, dining guides, and social media content.
- Managed media tours to highlight Wilson County’s attractions.
Owner | Creative Director
Misspelled Productions and Media
Carthage, TN
- Produced and edited video stories, still photography, and promotional materials.
- Provided proofreading, editing, and press release creation services.
Feature Writer
Carthage Courier
Carthage, TN
- Wrote award-winning full-page feature stories covering local people, places, and events.
- Received two Tennessee State Press Awards.
Reporter | Producer
Tennessee Crossroads (WNPT-TV 8)
Nashville, TN
- Produced, wrote, and voiced feature stories about Tennessee’s unique people and destinations.
- Four stories ranked in the Top 26 Most Viewed on Tennessee Crossroads' YouTube channel.
Freelance Reporter
WSMV-TV, FOX 17, and WTVF-TV
Nashville, TN
- Covered news stories and feature segments for major Tennessee television stations.
Skills & Expertise
Skills & Expertise
Education & Awards
B.S. in Mass Communications
Middle Tennessee State University
Minor in Psychology & Sociology
Associate of Science
Cumberland University
Two Tennessee State Press Awards
Carthage Courier
For feature writing excellence
Top 26 Most Viewed Stories
Tennessee Crossroads (WNPT-TV 8)
Four stories ranked in YouTube’s Top 26
Recent Articles
Tressa Bush: Preserving History Through Storytelling
Tressa Bush’s work with the Smith County Historical Tourism Society highlights Tennessee’s WWII history.
Tressa Bush’s Impact on Historical Tourism
How Tressa Bush’s living history events draw thousands to Carthage, TN.
Tressa Bush: A Visionary in Community Storytelling
Exploring Tressa Bush’s innovative approach to journalism and historical preservation.
Let's Connect
I’m open to collaborations, storytelling projects, and opportunities to advance historical tourism and community engagement.