Sycamore Shoals State Park will host Cherokee Heritage Days in August

Published 3:14 pm Wednesday, July 27, 2022

There’s plenty to do at Sycamore Shoals State Historical Park during the month of August, culminating with the annual Cherokee Heritage Day on Saturday, August 27!

Among the activities are guided tours of the Carter Mansion Aug. 4, 6. and 12 at 1 p.m. and tours of Sabine Hill Aug. 5, 7, and 11, also at 1 p.m. The tours will be led by seasonal interpreter Slade Nakoff.

The John and Landon Carter Mansion is located at 1031 Broad St. The house was built between 1775 and 1780 and is Tennessee’s oldest frame house.

The Sabine Hill House was built by Mary Patton Taylor, widow of Brigadier Gen. Nathaniel Taylor. The site has been described as one of the finest examples of Federal architecture in the state of Tennessee. During the tour, participants will have the opportunity to take in the colorful and architecturally detailed interior while learning about the influential family who called Sabine Hill home in the early 19th century.

Sabine Hill is located at 2328 West G St.

Among the other activities during August:

– 19th Annual Butterfly Count Aug. 6 at 9 a.m. with Don Holt at Sycamore Shoal. The morning will be spent at the park and the afternoon in other areas of Elizabethton. Sponsored by the North American Butterfly Assoc. There is a small fee if you wish to have your name included on the official count list.

– Fall Gardening Aug. 6 from 9 a.m. to 12noon with Ben Hunter. Sponsored by the Northeast Tenn. Master Gardeners.

– Tech In Nature, Aug. 10 at 1 p.m. Today, most people are inseparable from their smart phones and mobile devices.  We want to embrace this cultural change and show you how you can better use technology on a day-to-day bases in nature. Using tools such as GPS locating, plant identification, and other easily accessible resources and apps, we will show you how to enhance your experience rather than take away from it.  Join Ranger Cory Franklin for a walk around the park to better understand the tools you carry with you daily.  The program will meet and begin at the picnic area beside the visitor center. Admission is $6.

– Full Moon Hike Aug. 11 at 10 p.m. Join Ranger Cory Franklin, for a walk under the light of the full moon.  Learn about some of the monumental events that took place on the grounds of Sycamore Shoals State Park while enjoying the rare chance of seeing the park at night on the eve before the Militia Muster at Fort Watauga. Cost is $6

– Watauga Valley Art League & Guest Speaker Aug. 14 at 1:30 p.m. Laura Heath will be the guest speaker. She is an undergrad student at ETSU majoring in studio art.

– Cemetery Symbolism Aug. 19 at 7 p.m. at Carter Mansion with Chad Bogart.  Learn how to translate the language of cemetery symbolism and how these images tell the story of the deceased. Program is 90 minutes and there is an $8 charge. Program will begin in the Carter Mansion Visitor Center and end in the cemetery.

– Fellowship English Country Dancing from 1:30 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 21. Beginners and seasoned dancers alike are welcome. No cost to attend.

– Tunes of the Times at 1 p.m. Aug. 24. Join Chad Bogart, museum curator, for a glimpse into the musical heritage of the colonial frontier. See how music was a part of the everyday lives of Colonial Americans and how the melting pot of early America influenced the songs and tunes of today.

– Cherokee Heritage Days Aug. 17 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sycamore Shoals is forever linked with the rich traditions and influence of the Native Cherokee.  Join park personnel for a day devoted to sharing Cherokee history and culture through traditional arts and historical presentations.  Activities include traditional Cherokee dance, music, language, cooking demonstrations, and skills such as basket making, finger weaving, beadwork, and woodcarving.  Contact the park for a detailed schedule. Cost is $8 for adults: $3 for ages 7 to 17; and children, 6 and under, free.

– Old Time Music Jam led by Art Lang Aug. 28 from 1:30 to 4 p.m. Old-time musicians of all levels are welcome. Don’t play an instrument; come, kick back, and enjoy.