Carter Mansion Celebration

 

Saturday, April 2 & Sunday, April 3   

 

Travel back to the 1780s… The American colonies have declared Independence, but the outcome of this bitter struggle is still in question. Hardy frontiersmen have crossed the mountains in defiance of British law and have carved out homes in the wilderness. Conflict is rising between American Patriots, Loyalists who support the Crown, and native Indians who struggle to retain their way of life. But the people of this time still find cause for celebration and merriment so come out and see it all come together at the oldest frame house in Tennessee.

The Historic John and Landon Carter Mansion, built ca. 1775-1780, boasts beautiful over mantle murals, hand carved moldings and raised panels making it one of the most treasured sites in Tennessee history. The house is the only surviving link to the famed Watauga Association, the democratic government set up by the early settlers in the Watauga Valley. The home’s builder, John Carter, served as a chairman of the Association.

The Washington County Regiment of North Carolina Militia, Sycamore Shoals’ host living history organization, will be celebrating its seven-year anniversary during this exciting celebration! The Militia will be encamped on the grounds of the Carter Mansion and will present demonstrations of the daily lives of 18^th century backwoods settlers. As part of the activities a re-enactment of a small battle between Patriots and Tories will be presented each day.

Local craftsmen and artisans will be on hand throughout the weekend showcasing and demonstration traditional arts and crafts. Other activities throughout the weekend will include Tours of the Carter Mansion: Tennessee’s oldest frame house, Militia Drill, Musket and Rifle demonstrations, Traditional Music, Storytelling, Colonial Military Music by the Watauga Valley Fifes and Drums, and much more. Come join us for a weekend of History, Entertainment, and Family Fun!

sponsored by the Washington County Regiment of

North Carolina Militia

The Carter Mansion is located at 1031 Broad Street in Elizabethton, Tennessee.  For further information please contact:

Sycamore Shoals State Historic Park

1651 W. Elk Avenue

Elizabethton, TN 37643

423-543-5808

http://www.washingtoncountyregiment.wordpress.com

 

Third Annual Interpretive Program Partnership Day

With students from East Tennessee State University studying Interpretation of Cultural and Natural Resources in Parks and Recreation

Saturday, April 16      1:00 pm – 5:00 pm

On April 16^th from 1 pm until approximately 5 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 the unique features that make Sycamore Shoals State Historic Park a premier natural and historical resource in the Upper East Tennessee region.

The first student led interpretive program will begin at 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. The Carter Mansion is a satellite park of Sycamore Shoals and is located at 1031 Broad Street in Elizabethton, TN.

The second student led interpretive program will begin at 2:30 in 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 between at 3:30 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.

The students are conducting the interpretive programs as a part of the SALM 3110 course curriculum designed to provide hands-on learning opportunities for students in the class while cultivating a lasting stewardship within the community for Sycamore Shoals State Historic Park. We encourage you to join these upcoming professionals in the field of Parks and Recreation for an enjoyable afternoon at Sycamore Shoals State Historic Park. In case of inclement weather, the event will be rescheduled for Saturday, April 23.

Sycamore Shoals State Historic Park

1651 W. Elk Avenue – Elizabethton, TN 37643

423-543-5808

www.sycamoreshoalstn.org

www.tnstateparks.com/parks/about/sycamore-shoals

http://www.facebook.com/sycamoreshoals

www.friendsofsycamoreshoals.org

“Through interpretation, understanding; through understanding, appreciation; through appreciation, protection.”

                                                                        -Freeman Tilden

Overmountain Weavers’ Guild Fiber Fair

Saturday, March 19, 2016 from 10 am – 4 pm

 

Sycamore Shoals State Historic Park in Elizabethton will come alive once again on Saturday, March 19, 2016 for its annual Fiber Fair.  On that day many of the most talented fiber artists of the region will come together to share their talents and their wares. Weavers will throw their shuttles, spinners will ply their yarns, and botanists will transform tough plant stalks into silky fibers.

Visitors will learn how to change a yarn’s color using natural or manufactured dyes. They will also be invited to try their hand at a loom or a spinning wheel!  Knitters and crocheters will answer questions and give helpful hints about their craft.

In addition, many area vendors will be selling fine hand-made items throughout the day. Natural yarns, beautiful jewelry, hand-made scarves, house-wares, mittens, goat milk soap and roving will be for sale.

Refreshments are available all day through Powers Coffee – for breakfast, lunch or snacks.

For visitors interested in learning to weave, guild members will offer a chance to sign up for a beginning weaving classes during August 2016. The classes will be held each Saturday and Sunday in August at Exchange Place in Kingsport.  A sign-up sheet will be at the OMWG information desk at the Fiber Festival.

Fiber Fair is sponsored each year by The Overmountain Weavers’ Guild from Kingsport.  The Guild meets monthly at Exchange Place at 10 am the  3rd Wednesday of each month.

It is part of the Guild’s mission to keep alive the time-honored skills of the fiber arts.

Admission is free and all are welcome. Come and enjoy a fun and educational day with the entire family.

For more information, please contact Sycamore Shoals State Historic Park.

Sycamore Shoals State Historic Park

1651 W. Elk Ave.

Elizabethton, TN 37643

423-543-5808

http://www.tnstateparks.com/parks/about/sycamore-shoals

http://www.sycamoreshoalstn.org