Park welcomes summer Interpretive Rangers

Published 3:41 pm Tuesday, May 26, 2020

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. With this release, we are pleased to announce our programs planned for June 3-14!

 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 listing attached and we thank you for your continuing support of Sycamore Shoals!