Zellner Construction selected as contractor for new Sultana Museum

Work expected to begin soon on transforming historic gym into disaster tribute’s new home

By DARA BIGGER

Sultana Historical Preservation Society

MARION — Today, the Sultana Historical Preservation Society announced Zellner Construction has been selected as the general contractor to build the new Sultana Disaster Museum. Construction is set to start on March 4th. The new museum will open its doors by the middle of 2025.

“With the selection of Zellner Construction as the general contractor to build the new Sultana Disaster Museum, the Sultana Historical Preservation Society has taken a huge step toward finally giving the Sultana and the many victims of this disaster their rightful place in history,” said Judge John Fogleman, President of the Sultana Historical

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Preservation Society. “The stories from the survivors of the Sultana need to be told and we are excited to have a contractor with a great reputation willing to help us build a first-class museum.”

“We are truly honored to be a part of the Sultana Disaster Museum project,” a spokesperson for Zellner Construction said. “Our team is excited to apply our knowledge and skills to bring this unique vision to life, and we look forward to collaborating with the talented individuals involved in this project.”

This collaboration marks another milestone for Zellner Construction, whose portfolio includes successful community enrichment projects such as the Memphis Zoo’s Northwest Passage, City of Memphis Frayser Branch Library and the Domino’s Event Center on the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital campus.

About The Sultana Historical Preservation Society

The Sultana Historical Preservation Society is a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization in charge of the Sultana Disaster Museum and all projects and fundraising related to the new facility.

About The Sultana Disaster Museum

The Sultana Disaster Museum tells the story of the tragedy that occurred on April 27, 1865, and the events that led up to that fateful night. The museum is committed to telling the full story of the steamboat, from its construction to its destruction and beyond. Stories of the men who were freed from Andersonville and Cahaba prisoner of war camps and how and why they were grossly overcrowded onto one steamboat are told in great detail. Compelling accounts from the victims on board the Sultana, rescuers along the Mississippi River, as well as many Union officers involved in the selection and overcrowding of the boat are on display in the museum. For more information, please email John Fogleman at fogleman forcourt@yahoo.com or visit https://www.sultanadisaster museum.com/. Connect with us on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.

A panel of state and local dignitaries turn their shovels in the Sultana Disaster Museum groundbreaking ceremony back in November of 2022. A contractor for the project has been selected.

Photo by Ralph Hardin