Sycamore Shoals State Park: History at Home

History at Home
Seasonal Interpretive Programs
With Andrea Price & Slade Nakoff
August 15th – August 26th

Thursday, August 17
10:00 a.m. “Colonial Music” – Join Andrea Price as she plays some popular tunes to come
from the Colonial Period on her banjo. Popular songs include “Yankee Doodle”, “Alouette”, and
more. Meet at the park visitor’s center. Duration: 30 minutes.
12:30 p.m. “Frontier Barbie: The Making of Colonial Dolls” – From corn husks to
electronics, children’s toys have evolved in the last 250 years. Join Andrea Price as she discusses
the tradition of making dolls out of corn husks and participate in making one yourself! Meet in
the park visitor’s center. Duration: 30 minutes.
2:30 p.m. “Personalized Pockets” – The pocket is a staple piece of any colonial woman’s
wardrobe. Join Andrea Price as she discusses and demonstrates the art of personalizing pockets
with embroidered detailing. Meet at the park visitor’s center. Duration: 30 minutes.
Friday, August 18
10:00 a.m. “History Hike” – Sycamore Shoals State Historic Park is situated on land rich
with state and national history. Join Andrea Price as she travels down the park’s half-mile loop
walking trail and hear about the events that make Sycamore Shoals so special. Sturdy footwear
appropriate for the gravel path is recommended. Meet at the park visitor’s center. Duration: 1
hour.
12:30 p.m. “Cemetery Symbolism” – Death and mourning practices differ across customs and
time periods, but many aspects have carried over into current tradition. Join Andrea Price as she
discusses funerary and mourning practices common in the 18th century while searching for
symbols in the Carter Family Cemetery. Meet at the Carter Mansion. Duration: 30 minutes.
2:30 p.m. “Finger Weaving” – Finger weaving is a technique that has been used by Native
American groups for thousands of years. Join Andrea Price as she works on finger weaving a
strap and shares the history of the technique. Meet at the park visitor’s center. Duration: 30
minutes.

Saturday, August 19

9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. “Visit Fort Watauga” – Interpretive staff will be on hand to share
the history of Fort Watauga and everyday life on the frontier. Meet in Fort Watauga.
12:30 p.m. “Creek Crawl” – Cool off from the summer heat at Sycamore Shoals! Join
Andrea Price as she guides a crawl into a creek off the Watauga River in order to check the
water’s quality, identify important species, and beat the heat. Please bring a towel as well as
clothing and footwear you would not mind getting wet. Meet at the park visitor’s center.
Duration: 1 hour.
2:30 p.m. “Colonial Kid Games” – Ready to play like a frontiersman? Join Andrea Price as she
takes part in the games children would have played growing up at Fort Watauga. Prepare to get
active and have fun playing games like graces, ninepins, and hoops & sticks. Meet at the park’s
visitor’s center. Duration: 45 minutes.
Saturday, August 26
10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. “Cherokee Heritage Day” – Sycamore Shoals is forever linked
with the rich traditions and influence of the Native Cherokee. Join us 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 basketmaking, finger weaving, beadwork, and woodcarving. Contact the park for
details. (Pre-Registration Not Required) Admission: Adults – $8.00; Ages 7 to 17 years – $3.00;
6 and under free.

Visitors Center Hours:

9:00 am – 4:00 pm Monday – Saturday (Closed 11:00 am -12:00 pm)

1:00 pm – 4:30 pm Sunday

Our Visitor’s Center is closed on most State holidays. Park grounds open from dawn until dusk.
In the event of extremely inclement weather, contact the park regarding closings

Sycamore Shoals State Historic Park
1651 W. Elk Avenue- Elizabethton, TN 37643

423-543-5808

Historic John and Landon Carter Mansion
1031 Broad Street, Elizabethton, TN 37643
Sabine Hill State Historic Site
2328 West G Street, Elizabethton, TN 37643
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