Sycamore Shoals State Park Upcoming Events

Published 9:02 am Wednesday, December 28, 2022

“First Footing” at the Historical Carter Mansion — 1 p.m. – 2 p.m. Meet at Historic John and Landon Carter Mansion 1031 Broad St., Elizabethton, TN 37643.

Price: $0/Free, $5/Attendee +Donation ($5), $10/Attendee + Donation ($10), $20/Attendee+Donation ($20). Register for Event. Join Park Staff for a New Year’s Day visit to the oldest frame house in Tennessee. Built circa 1775, the historic Carter Mansion boasts architectural details which are quite elaborate when compared to most homes on the frontier. Enjoy the beauty of this site and learn about 18th century New Year and 12th Night traditions and superstitions such as first footing, queen’s cake, and the kissing bough.

The walking tour is very easy however there are several stairs to manage during the house tour.

Old Christmas at Fort Watauga – 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Meet at Fort Watauga. Christmas isn’t over yet!  In the 18th century colonial Americans celebrated a holiday on January 6th called Old Christmas.  Visit Fort Watauga to learn about the 12 days of Christmas and discover the European roots of our modern holiday celebrations.  Contact the park for detailed schedule.

Old Christmas at Fort Watauga – 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Meet at Fort Watauga. Christmas isn’t over yet!  In the 18th century colonial Americans celebrated a holiday on January 6th called Old Christmas.  Visit Fort Watauga to learn about the 12 days of Christmas and discover the European roots of our modern holiday celebrations.  Contact the park for detailed schedule.

Historical Sewing Class – 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. Meet at the Gathering Place in visitor center. Looking for some help sewing your historical attire?  Sewing instructor Donna Horowitz will be on hand to help you with the details.  Topics covered: pattern alteration for sizing, maximizing yardage with pattern layout, general sewing terms/techniques.  Starting with the colonial period and moving forward – these classes are open to any period time traveler.

Student to bring all needed supplies, sewing machine, basic sewing tools.  Power cords and use of an iron will be provided.  Class is open to sewing students ages 16 and up.

Class fee: $35.00 for both sessions (6 hours) – Pay on day of class.

Register by calling park Visitor Center.

Carter Mansion Guided Tour – 1 p.m. – 2 p.m. Meet at the historic John and Landon Carter Mansion at 1031 Broad Street, Elizabethton, TN 37643. Price is 6 and under is Free, $5/ages 7 to 17, $9/Adults. Register for the event. Join Park Ranger Cory Franklin for a tour of Tennessee’s oldest frame house! Discover the secrets of this elegant frontier home and learn the history of the family who built it between 1775 and 1780.

The John and Landon Carter Mansion is located at 1031 Broad Street, Elizabethton, TN 37643

Accessibility to the home includes steps and an interior staircase. Tour may be subject to cancelation in the event of severely inclement weather.

Sabine Hill Guided Tour – 1 p.m. – 2 p.m. Meet at Sabine Hill Historic Site. Price is 6 and under is Free, $5/ages 7 to 17, $9/Adults. Register for the event. Join Park Ranger Cory Franklin for a guided tour of this stately home built by Mary Patton Taylor, widow of Brigadier General Nathaniel Taylor. The site has been described as one of the finest examples of Federal architecture in the State of Tennessee. During your tour you will have the opportunity to take in the colorful and architecturally detailed interior while learning about the influential Taylor family who called Sabine Hill home in the early 19th century.

Sabine Hill is located at 2328 West G Street, Elizabethton, TN 37643

Please note, only portable toilet facilities are available at this time. Accessibility to the home includes steps and an interior staircase. Tour may be subject to cancelation in the event of severely inclement weather.

Reticule Sewing Class – Meet at the Gathering Place in visitor center. Join instructor Donna Horowitz for an afternoon of sewing women’s reticules. These small handbags were designed at the end of the 1700’s when women’s fashions moved away from the use of a separate pocket. They were used for many reasons and women carried multiple reticules with contents ranging from basic necessities to yarn for knitting. These bags remain in use for today’s needs.

Class fee to include pattern/instruction for 4 separate reticules, sample fabric and thread, Decorative lace /trim will not be supplied. This class is designed for sewing machine use but hand sewing is welcome. Student to provide sewing machine, basic sewing tools (scissors, pins, seam ripper), lunch/snack.

Class is open to those who sew ages 14 and above.

Class fee: $25.00 – Pay on day of class.

Register by calling the park visitor center.

Fellowship English Country Dancing – 1:30 p.m. 4 p.m. Meet at Sycamore Shoals State Historic Park Visitor Center. Beginners and seasoned dancers alike are all welcome! The afternoon will include the opportunity to learn dances from the early 19th century. No cost to attend. Open to anyone, with or without experience or a partner.  Meet in the Visitor Center.  Sponsored by the Sabine Hill Social Society.

Old Christmas at Fort Watauga – 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Meet at Fort Watauga. Christmas isn’t over yet!  In the 18th century colonial Americans celebrated a holiday on January 6th called Old Christmas.  Visit Fort Watauga to learn about the 12 days of Christmas and discover the European roots of our modern holiday celebrations.  Contact the park for detailed schedule.