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Council debates making DeRay Smith Oak Ridge’s official city historian
Summary
Councilors proposed changing DeRay Smith’s title from 'honorary historian' to 'official city historian' in recognition of his decades of volunteer work; staff noted a library 'local history specialist' also holds an official role and council discussed whether to expand honorary designations rather than create a single lifetime appointment.
Several council members asked the Oak Ridge council to recognize DeRay Smith as the city’s official historian rather than 'honorary historian,' citing his decades of volunteer work, books and public programming.
"To be mentioned in the same sentence with Bill Wilcox is an honor," DeRay Smith said, accepting the appreciation and indicating he would gladly accept the title if the council wished to confer it. Supporters argued the designation better reflects Smith’s longstanding role in the community and mirrors other civic honors such as a poet laureate.
City staff urged the council to consider the difference between an honorary title and an official city position that might represent the city in an official capacity. Staff explained that the city already employs a local history specialist at the library (archiving, reference and research duties) and said an official historian role could carry additional expectations.
Some councilors recommended creating multiple honorary historians or otherwise broadening recognition so that the city's many contributors to local history are encouraged, rather than concentrating a lifetime official title in a single volunteer role. The council did not take a final vote during the work session; members asked staff to draft options for a resolution and to consider term limits or role definitions.
