As our 2020 History at Home season draws to a close, we thank Interpretive Rangers Laura Ellis and Taylor Moorefield for their wonderful array of educational and engaging summer programs that we offered to our guests. We hope you had the opportunity to join them. If not, History at Home 2021 will return in June, so keep your eyes peeled for these special summer program schedules!
If you didn’t meet Laura and Taylor, the story below will introduce you to them!….
June 2020……
Sycamore Shoals State Historic Park welcomes our summer Interpretive Rangers to programming staff!
Each summer, Sycamore Shoals presents our History at Home summer programming series, providing the opportunity for park guests to participate in educational programs geared to both history and nature study.
In keeping with CDC social distancing guidelines to prevent Covid-19, we will host programs for groups of 10 or less, therefore, all guests MUST register in advance for the listed programs. We encourage attendees to bring masks and keep 6 feet apart from other guests.
To register for one or more of these great programs, please visit https://tnstateparks.com/parks/sycamore-shoals and choose Upcoming Events in the left hand menu. From there you will see all our upcoming programs. Most programs are offered free of charge except for historic house tours of the Carter Mansion and Sabine Hill, that will begin in mid-June. There is also the opportunity to donate to Sycamore Shoals when you register for your free program.
Our seasonal interpretive rangers for our 2020 summer season are Laura Ellis and Taylor Moorefield.
Laura Ellis returns to Sycamore Shoals as a 2nd year seasonal interpretive ranger. Prior to her work at Sycamore Shoals, she was a summer camp staff member. This Fall, Laura will be a senior in college working towards a degree in history. Throughout the year, she presents historic programs in period attire with the Washington County Regiment NC Militia and is on track to become a militia member.
Laura’s area of expertise is Early American culture (from settlement to 1860). Her goal for this summer is to “delve further into my knowledge of colonial life, especially in Southern Appalachia, and share the knowledge with the public in hopes of preserving our local history for decades to come.”
Taylor Moorefield is also no stranger to Sycamore Shoals. He enjoys re-enacting and living history, and has participated in Liberty: The Saga of Sycamore Shoals for 12 seasons, as well as being a founding member of Watauga Valley Fife and Drum Corps. As a graduate of ETSU, he holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice. An Eagle Scout and Woods Counselor at Land of the Sky Wilderness School, Taylor is passionate about the outdoors, wilderness education and primitive skills, and inspiring the public to connect with the natural world in meaningful ways. As an avid musician, Taylor has sung in many choirs, local and national, plays fiddle with friend Spencer Bolejack, and leads a Christian rock band. Taylor is passionate about the mission of TN State Parks and is very excited to offer programs this summer that will inspire, educate, and entertain visitors to the park.
In addition to our on-site programs this summer, watch our Facebook page for added online talks and tours. You will find our upcoming History at Home listings added to the menu in two week increments. Our first two weeks of programming (June 3 – 14) are listed under the Monthly Interpretive Programs/History at Home menu.
We thank you for your continuing support of Sycamore Shoals State Historic Park!
Visitors Center Hours:
9:00 am – 4:00 pm – Monday – Saturday
(Closed for Lunch &Cleaning 11:30 am -1:30 pm)
1:00 pm – 4:30 pm Sunday
Our Visitors Center is closed on most State holidays.
Park grounds open from dawn until dusk.
In the event of extremely inclement winter weather, contact the park about program cancellations and park office closings.
Sycamore Shoals State Historic Park –
1651 W. Elk Avenue-
Elizabethton, TN 37643
423-543-5808
sycamoreshoalstn.wordpress.com
tnstateparks.com/parks/sycamore-shoals
The History at Home series is offered in addition to our already scheduled monthly programs which include workshops, music jams, our annual Independence Muster, the Liberty! outdoor drama, and so much more!
Please call 423-543-5808 for further information
Had a great visit with Gillian today for the tomahawk throw! Thank you, we look forward to seeing you next year!
What about 2016? Is this program available this year?
Hi Sara! Yes, it is! Click on Monthly Interpretive Programs on the drop-down menu and you will see their programs listed by date groupings. We will be listing their programs for July 12 through July 31 today!