Tressa Bush

Tressa Bush is a journalist, storyteller, and advocate for historical preservation who has dedicated her career to bringing stories to life. As the founder of the Smith County Historical Tourism Society (SCHTS), she has transformed how people engage with local history. Through large-scale living history events, she has drawn visitors from across the country, immersing them in the rich past of Tennessee’s role in World War II U.S. Army field training exercises, known as the Tennessee Maneuvers. Her ability to connect the past with the present has made SCHTS a driving force in historical tourism, ensuring that the sacrifices and lessons of history remain relevant for future generations.

Before launching SCHTS, Tressa honed her storytelling and production skills through a successful career in broadcasting and media. Her work at Wilson County Television (WCTV) in Lebanon, Tennessee, showcased her ability to produce, write, film, and edit compelling content. She was the creative force behind original programming such as Walking Through Wilson and Talkin’ With Tatum, blending entertainment with community education. As a key liaison between county officials and cable providers, she ensured that local government and public interest stories were accessible to residents. Beyond television, she expanded her reach through social media and YouTube, using digital platforms to bring Wilson County’s stories to a wider audience.

Her expertise in tourism development was further refined during her time at the Wilson County Convention and Visitors’ Bureau, where she played a crucial role in promoting the region. She developed press releases, promotional materials, and video content designed to attract visitors and highlight Wilson County’s historical and cultural significance. By organizing media tours and crafting strategic marketing campaigns, she helped shape the county’s public image, laying the groundwork for her leadership at SCHTS. Her ability to blend journalism with tourism promotion has been instrumental in making historical sites and events more accessible and engaging.

Tressa’s passion for storytelling extends beyond journalism and tourism. As the owner and creative director of Misspelled Productions and Media, she has provided video production, photography, proofreading, and editing services to clients looking to share their stories effectively. Whether producing video documentaries, capturing striking still images, or refining written content, she has built a reputation for delivering high-quality, engaging narratives. Her work is driven by the belief that every story, no matter how big or small, deserves to be told with clarity and impact.

Her background as a journalist is extensive and highly respected. As a feature writer for the Carthage Courier, she earned two Tennessee State Press Awards for her in-depth storytelling. Her full-page features focused on the people and places that define the region, offering readers a deeper connection to their communities. Her work with Tennessee Crossroads on WNPT-TV 8 in Nashville further cemented her status as a trusted voice in Tennessee media. Producing, writing, and voicing feature stories, she brought attention to unique destinations and individuals across the state. The success of her stories is reflected in their high viewership, with four ranking among the most-watched segments on Tennessee Crossroads’ YouTube channel.

Tressa’s work as a freelance reporter for major television stations, including WSMV-TV, FOX 17, and WTVF-TV in Nashville, expanded her influence even further. She demonstrated versatility and a commitment to high-quality journalism by covering both breaking news and human interest pieces. Whether reporting on local government, community events, or individual achievements, she approached each story with the same level of professionalism and dedication to accuracy.

Her academic background has played a crucial role in shaping her approach to storytelling and media production. With a degree in mass communications from Middle Tennessee State University and an associate degree from Cumberland University, she developed a strong foundation in journalism, broadcasting, and media strategy. Additionally, her studies in psychology and sociology have given her a deeper understanding of audience engagement, helping her craft stories that resonate with viewers and readers alike.

Beyond her professional work, Tressa Bush remains dedicated to fostering connections between people and history. She has played a key role in organizing historical reenactments in Smith County, ensuring that local history remains an interactive and educational experience. Her ability to merge digital storytelling with traditional preservation efforts allows her to reach a diverse audience, bridging the gap between past and present. Her leadership in journalism, tourism, and community engagement continues to make a lasting impact on Smith County and beyond. Through her work, she proves that history is not just something to be remembered—it’s something to be experienced and shared.