ETSU / Sycamore Shoals State Park


Park and Recreation Students
Interpretive Programs
15 April 2023 1:00pm – 5:30pm

Eighth Annual Interpretive Day

On April 15th from 1pm until approximately 5:30 pm, ETSU Park and Recreation Students enrolled in SALM 3110 Interpretation of Cultural and Natural Resources Class will be conducting interpretive programs on Sycamore Shoals. The public is cordially invited to participate with them as they share with the community the special features that make Sycamore Shoals State Historic Area a premier natural and historical resource in the Upper East Tennessee region.

The first student led interpretive program will begin at approximately 1:00 pm at the Carter Mansion and will cover the historical importance of John Carter in the region as a merchant and early political leader.  Students will also lead a tour of the grounds surrounding the Carter Mansion. This program will conclude at approximately 2:30 pm

The second student led interpretive program will begin at approximately 3:00 at the Sycamore Shoals Visitor Center and will include a brief walk around the property ending with an overview of the Fort and its significance as the birthplace of early Democracy in America.  Particular attention will be placed on the historical importance of Sycamore Shoals as it relates to early American History and the program will focus on some of the key historical figures of the region.

The third and final student led interpretive program will begin at approximately 4:30 in front of the Sycamore Shoals Visitor Center and will include an overview of the Sycamore Shoals Arboretum focusing on specific key trees in the arboretum.  The interactive nature of this program will include walking through the arboretum with stops at various species of trees that are indicative of the region. This program will conclude the day’s event.

The students are conducting the interpretive programs a part of a class project designed to provide hands-on learning opportunities for students in the class while cultivating a lasting community stewardship for Sycamore Shoals and Tennessee State Parks.  We encourage you to join these upcoming professionals in the field of Parks and Recreation for an enjoyable afternoon at Sycamore Shoals State Historic Area.

Have you signed up to audition For Liberty!? It’s not too late!

This coming June we will be presenting the 44th annual, Liberty! the Saga of Sycamore Shoals and we need your help. We are searching for folks interested in participating as a cast member in the 2023 production. Details and sign up link below. Liberty! is the official outdoor drama of Tennessee and tells the history of Sycamore Shoals from the first settlers that crossed the mighty Appalachian Mountains to the hero’s and the great battle of King’s Mountain. We especially need male roles filled.

Sunday, January 29th                                                                                       2:00 pm – 5:00 pm

Saturday, February 4                                                                                            2:00 pm – 5:00 pm

Tuesday, February 7 (Make Up Day)                                                                 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm

Sign up now at: https://qrco.de/bdRNE6

Interested?  We invite you to audition for this fun and unique interpretation of the American Revolution as told by the Overmountain Men: colonists who defied British law and settled on Cherokee lands.  Our 2023 performances will be held in June this year, so mark your calendars now! Follow the link above or scan the QR code.

For more information call the park office at 423-543-5808.

Overmountain Christmas Open House

Sycamore Shoals State Historic Park Visitors Center

Saturday, December 10, 2022 from 10 am – 3 pm

Come and join us for a festive, old-fashioned time of Period Carolers, Christmas Stories, English Country Dancers, The Appalachian Clarinets, and so much more!   We will also provide a chance to do a special craft project the whole family can help make.

Don’t miss the opportunity to do some of your holiday shopping in our gift shop and with our vendors.

We will be offering a one day only 15% discount on all short and long-sleeved tees!

We look forward to seeing you as we celebrate an old-fashioned holiday at Sycamore Shoals!

Schedule of Events:

9:00 am                                Park Visitor’s Center Opens

10:00                                     Event begins!

10:30 – 11:00                     Period Carolers (T)

11:00 – 11:30                     English Country Dancers (S)

11:30 – 12:00                     Story Reading and Book Giveaway (T)

12:00 pm – 1:00 pm        The Appalachian Clarinets (S)

1:00 – 1:30                          Period Carolers (T)

1:30 – 2:00                          English Country Dancers (S)

2:00 – 2:30                          Story Reading and Book Giveaway (T)

2:30 – 3:00                          Holiday Craft (GR)

3:00                                       Open House Closes

4:00 pm                               Visitor’s Center Closes

Program Location Code: (T) at the Christmas tree    (GP) Gathering Place     (S)  Stage in Gathering Place