David Ewing

David Steele Ewing is a ninth generation Nashvillian, historian, tour guide and history consultant. David interviewed recently by the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Washington Post and Los Angeles Times for his expertise regarding Nashville history. David has spoken to the national board of PBS and visiting conventions including and the National Road Builders, Conference of Former U.S. Attorneys and the League of Cities on Nashville history.

The London Telegraph said “David Ewing is a local polymath, historian, author and tour guide.” The Nashville Scene named David “Best Historian” in the annual Best of Nashville issue. The Nashville Scene referred to him as “the esteemed unofficial Nashville historian.” The Tennessean recently said David Ewing is “known for uncovering cool and important bits of Nashville history.” The Nashville Scene named his Instagram, “The Nashville I Wish I Knew,” the best Nashville Instagram which currently has over 27,000 followers.

In 2016 David uncovered the lost police arrest records and mugshots of Congressman John Lewis, long forgotten in a Nashville police department archive and unveiled these artifacts to the Congressman. This surprise presentation to John Lewis was featured on National Public Radio’s All Things Considered, Los Angeles Times, American Bar Association Journal, and the Smithsonian Magazine.

David has appeared on PBS documentaries about Minnie Pearl, Charley Pride and Nashville History.

David served as a historical consultant for the Nashville Public Library’s Civil Rights Room and Votes for Women Room as well as the Ryman Auditorium. He has the largest private collection of Nashville memorabilia which has been on display at the Parthenon, Ryman Auditorium, Nashville Public Library, Tennessee State Library & Archives and at the Country Music Hall of Fame.

David is a graduate of the University School of Nashville, Connecticut College and Vanderbilt School of Law. David previously served as the Senior Vice President of Government and Community Relations for the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce and held that similar role at Ryman Hospitality.

David has served on over 30 Nashville boards. His board positions included Chairman of the Nashville Board of Zoning Appeals and board member of the Nashville Historical Commission and Nashville Historic Zoning Commission. David has served on the boards of Cheekwood, The Nashville Symphony, The Nashville Opera, The Hermitage, Travellers Rest, Nashville Institute for the Arts, American Red Cross, Boys and Girls Club and Cumberland Valley Girl Scouts. David also served on the building committee for the Schermerhorn Symphony Center.

David is a graduate of Leadership Nashville, Leadership Tennessee, Leadership Middle Tennessee and L’Evate He is a member of Nashville Rotary Club.