Sycamore Shoals State Historic Park: Summer Ranger Program

History at Home

Summer Ranger Programs – August 2019

Seasonal Interpretive Rangers – Ian Anderson & Laura Ellis

Carter Mansion and Sabine Hill Historic House Tours

August dates are listed throughout the calendar- Pre-registration is required

Go to www.tnstateparks.com/parks/sycamore-shoals

Choose “Upcoming Events” in the left hand menu to register online.

Paying with Cash? – Come to the park Visitor Center during regular operating hours to purchase tickets.

Admission is $7.00 for adults and $3.00 for children ages 7-17. Children 6 and under are free!

Week 1

Thursday, August 1^st

11:00 a.m.           The Carter Mansion Tour – Join Ian Anderson on a fascinating journey while we explore the amazing history of the oldest frame house in Tennessee, the Carter Mansion.

1:00 p.m.            “Don’t Stress” –    Unwind as we join Ian Anderson and enjoy the beautiful nature of Sycamore Shoals while crafting our very own “stress-balls”. What better way to relieve stress and enjoy the outdoors?!

2:00 p.m.        “Land Navigation”  –   Join Ian for some fun outside as we learn how to preform basic land navigation using a compass or various tricks in nature!

Friday, August 2^nd 

11:00 a.m.          The Carter Mansion Tour – Join Ian Anderson on a fascinating journey while we explore the amazing history of the oldest frame house in Tennessee, the Carter Mansion.

1:30 p.m.         “Fort Watauga Tour” –  Join Ian inside Fort Watauga for a fun and educational tour of the famous fort.

3:00 p.m.           “Picture Bingo Scavenger Hunt” – Join Ian Anderson for an exciting time packed with education and fun as we explore Sycamore Shoals State Park with a bingo scavenger hunt activity. If interested, Please meet Ian in the Visitors Center at 2 p.m.  NOTE: Please bring a digital picture taking device (cell phone, or camera).

Saturday, August 3^rd 

11:00 a.m.          The Carter Mansion Tour – Join Ian Anderson on a fascinating journey while we explore the amazing history of the oldest frame house in Tennessee, the Carter Mansion.

1:00 p.m.          “Archery and Tomahawk Program!” –  Come out and join Ian in this fun interactive learning experience of popular Native American weaponry such as, the tomahawk and the bow and arrow. If interested please meet in the Visitor Center at 1pm. Participants must be at least 13 years of age for the archery portion.

3:00 p.m.         “Don’t Stress”  –     Unwind as we join Ian Anderson and enjoy the beautiful nature of Sycamore Shoals while crafting our very own “stress-balls”. What better way to relieve stress and enjoy the outdoors?!

Sunday, August 4^th 

1:00 p.m.              Sabine Hill Tour – Join Laura Ellis on a walk through time as she talks about the family that built today’s Sabine Hill, and the founders of Happy Valley.

1:00 p.m.           “All Tied Up” –    Join Ian as he teaches basic knots you can use for rescue, survival, or just simple day to day activities.

2:00 p.m.           “Picture Bingo Scavenger Hunt” –  Join Ian Anderson for an exciting time packed with education and fun as we explore Sycamore Shoals State Park with a bingo scavenger hunt activity. If interested, Please meet Ian in the Visitors Center at 2 p.m.  NOTE: Please bring a digital picture taking device (cell phone, or camera).

3:00 p.m.           The Carter Mansion Tour – Join Ian Anderson on a fascinating journey while we explore the amazing history of the oldest frame house in Tennessee, the Carter Mansion.

3:00 p.m.         “Colonial Culture.” –  Laura Ellis will be in the fort with interactive learning for kids of all ages. Come and hang out while enjoying the ways of 18^th Century life.

3:30 p.m.         “Women on the Frontier.” – Sit down and learn all about the daily lifestyle of working ladies and upper-class women in 18^th Century South. Interpreter Laura Ellis will hold casual discussions on what women wore, etiquette, and the chores that were done in order to keep her household in order. This event will be held inside the fort.

Week 2

Wednesday, August 7^th

9:30 a.m.         “Oh, Butter!”  – Join Laura Ellis inside the fort for an interactive experience! Have you ever made butter before? Why was a simple ingredient so necessary for families? Discover all of these answers, and get your hands dirty as you take a tour through the creation and usage of butter.

11:00 a.m.        “Period Project Runway.” – Laura Ellis will be offering a demonstration on 18^th and 19^th Century attire, and how the fashion industry shaped early American society and trade. There are more layers than you think! Join her inside the visitor’s center.

2:00 p.m.           Sabine Hill Tour –  Join Laura Ellis on a walk through time as she talks about the family that built today’s Sabine Hill.

Thursday, August 8^th

11:00 a.m.        “I Make Fire & All Tied Up!” – Are you up for the challenge of experiencing what it took to survive for the early settlers? Come join Laura Ellis for an educational and exciting time of making, starting, and keeping a fire from scratch! Admission is free. Participants are to meet Laura at 3:00 p.m. inside Fort Watauga. While you make fire, Ian will be teaching you how to make basic survival knots for any occasion!

2:00 p.m.           Sabine Hill Tour – Join Laura Ellis on a walk through time as she talks about the family that built today’s Sabine Hill, and the founders of Happy Valley.

Friday, August 9^th

9:45 a.m.          “Period Project Runway.”  – Laura Ellis will be offering a demonstration on 18^th and 19^th Century attire, and how the fashion industry shaped early American society and trade. There are more layers than you think! Join her inside the visitor’s center.

11:00 a.m.        “18^th Century Medicine.”  – Home remedies have been passed down through generations. However, we can be thankful that colonial medicine has gone extinct. Join Laura Ellis in the visitor’s center to see some old fixes to regular ailments, and possibly try some for yourself!

2:00 p.m.               Sabine Hill Tour – Join Laura Ellis on a walk through time as she talks about the family that built today’s Sabine Hill, and the founders of Happy Valley.

Saturday, August 10^th

9:00 a.m.           “Morning of Birdsong.” – Come along with Laura Ellis for a morning of birding around the grounds and along the trail. Life can be hectic, and a robin feathering his nest has very little time to rest. But this experience brings out the peaceful silence of a morning without the noisy bustle of morning crowds. Admission is free. Participants are to meet Laura at 9:00 a.m. on the back porch of the visitor’s center. Please provide your own binoculars and other equipment as you choose.

11:00 a.m.        “Period Project Runway.” – Laura Ellis will be offering a demonstration on 18^th and 19^th Century attire, and how the fashion industry shaped early American society and trade. There are more layers than you think!

2:00 p.m.           Sabine Hill Tour – Join Laura Ellis on a walk through time as she talks about the family that built today’s Sabine Hill, and the founders of Happy Valley.

Sunday, August 11^th

1:00 p.m.           Sabine Hill Tour – Join Laura Ellis on a walk through time as she talks about the family that built today’s Sabine Hill, and the founders of Happy Valley.

1:00 p.m.       “Archery and Tomahawk Program” – Come out and join Ian in this fun interactive learning experience of popular Native American weaponry such as , the tomahawk and the bow and arrow. If interested please meet in the Visitor Center at 1pm. Participants must be at least 13 years of age for the archery portion.

2:00 pm           “Let the Colonial Games Begin!” – In the 18^th Century, kids would invent many different games to help pass their time when they weren’t attending school. Laura Ellis will be bringing those games to the 21^st Century on the back porch of the visitor’s center. Bring your children, set up a picnic, and enjoy the day watching and participating in colonial games!

2:00 p.m.         “Picture Bingo Scavenger Hunt” – Join Ian Anderson for an exciting time packed with education and fun as we explore Sycamore Shoals State Park with a bingo scavenger hunt activity. If interested, Please meet Ian in the Visitors Center at 2 p.m.  NOTE: Please bring a digital picture taking device (cell phone, or camera).

3:00 a.m.           The Carter Mansion Tour –  Join Ian Anderson on a fascinating journey while we explore the amazing history of the oldest frame house in Tennessee, the Carter Mansion.

3:00 p.m.        “Water Critter Catcher!” – Laura Ellis will be hosting a ‘critter hunt’ along the trail. Tennessee’s waterways are prime areas for animals small and large to build their homes and hideouts. The mission is to discover those creatures and the benefits they bring to the region. If interested, please meet Laura on the back porch of the visitor’s center. Catching equipment will be provided and individuals should prepare to get wet. Children welcome!

Week 3

Wednesday, August 14^th

11:00 a.m.         The Carter Mansion Tour –  Join Ian Anderson on a fascinating journey while we explore the amazing history of the oldest frame house in Tennessee, the Carter Mansion.

12:00 p.m.        “Women on the Frontier.” –  Sit down and learn all about the daily lifestyle of working ladies and upper-class women in 18^th Century South. Interpreter Laura Ellis will hold casual discussions on what women wore, etiquette, and the chores that were done in order to keep her household in order. This event will be held inside the fort.

9:00 a.m.          “Morning of Birdsong.”  – Come along with Laura Ellis for a morning of birding around the grounds and along the trail. Life can be hectic, and a robin feathering his nest has very little time to rest. But this experience brings out the peaceful silence of a morning without the noisy bustle of morning crowds. Admission is free. Participants are to meet Laura at 9:00 a.m. on the back porch of the visitor’s center. Please provide your own binoculars and other equipment as you choose.

2:00 p.m.            Sabine Hill Tour – Join Laura Ellis on a walk through time as she talks about the family that built today’s Sabine Hill, and the founders of Happy Valley.

Thursday, August 15^th

9:00 am            “Water Critter Catcher!” – Laura Ellis will be hosting a ‘critter hunt’ along the trail. Tennessee’s waterways are prime areas for animals small and large to build their homes and hideouts. The mission is to discover those creatures and the benefits they bring to the region. If interested, please meet Laura on the back porch of the visitor’s center. Catching equipment will be provided and individuals should prepare to get wet. Children welcome!

11:00 a.m.          The Carter Mansion Tour –  Join Ian Anderson on a fascinating journey while we explore the amazing history of the oldest frame house in Tennessee, the Carter Mansion.

11:00 a.m.        “18^th Century Medicine.”  – Home remedies have been passed down through generations. However, we can be thankful that colonial medicine has gone extinct. Join Laura Ellis in the fort to see some old fixes to regular ailments, and possibly try some for yourself!

1:00 p.m.         “Fort Watauga Tour” –  Join Ian inside Fort Watauga for a fun and educational tour of the famous fort.

1:30 p.m.       “Tomahawk Throwing”     Want to learn to throw a tomahawk like the Cherokee? Join Ian Anderson for this highly interactive program of actually throwing tomahawks!

2:00 p.m.        Sabine Hill Tour –  Join Laura Ellis on a walk through time as she talks about the family that built today’s Sabine Hill, and the founders of Happy Valley.

Friday, August 16^th

11:00 a.m.     The Carter Mansion Tour –  Join Ian Anderson on a fascinating journey while we explore the amazing history of the oldest frame house in Tennessee, the Carter Mansion.

10:00 a.m.   “Women on the Frontier.”  – Sit down and learn all about the daily lifestyle of working ladies and upper-class women in 18^th Century South. Interpreter Laura Ellis will hold casual discussions on what women wore, etiquette, and the chores that were done in order to keep her household in order. This event will be held inside the visitor’s center.

11:00 a.m.   “Period Project Runway.” – Laura Ellis will be offering a demonstration on 18^th and 19^th Century attire, and how the fashion industry shaped early American society and trade. There are more layers than you think! Please join her inside the visitor’s center!

2:00 p.m.      Sabine Hill Tour –  Join Laura Ellis on a walk through time as she talks about the family that built today’s Sabine Hill, and the founders of Happy Valley.

2:00 p.m.     “Look Out!”  –   Join Ian on educational program of learning the things to “look out” for in nature, such as venomous snakes and Poisonous plants and more! Meet Ian in the Visitor Center at 2 p.m.

2:30 p.m.       “Picture Bingo Scavenger Hunt”  – Join Ian Anderson for an exciting time packed with education and fun as we explore Sycamore Shoals State Park with a bingo scavenger hunt activity. If interested, Please meet Ian in the Visitors Center at 2 p.m.  NOTE: Please bring a digital picture taking device (cell phone, or camera).

Saturday, August 17^th

11:00 a.m.     The Carter Mansion Tour –  Join Ian Anderson on a fascinating journey while we explore the amazing history of the oldest frame house in Tennessee, the Carter Mansion.

1:00 p.m.     “Archery and Tomahawk Program!” – Come out and join Ian in this fun interactive learning experience of popular Native American weaponry such as , the tomahawk and the bow and arrow. If interested please meet in the Visitor Center at 1pm. Participants must be at least 13 years of age for the archery portion.

2:00 p.m.     “Picture Bingo Scavenger Hunt” – Join Ian Anderson for an exciting time packed with education and fun as we explore Sycamore Shoals State Park with a bingo scavenger hunt activity. If interested, Please meet Ian in the Visitors Center at 2 p.m.  NOTE: Please bring a digital picture taking device (cell phone, or camera).

Sunday, August 18^th

11:00 a.m.        “Sabine Spiritualism.” – The 19^th Century witnessed many cultural changes. Many things that were once shunned upon became a popular way of life for many Americans, including the Spiritualist Movement. Laura Ellis will be hosting a late evening inside the Fort, discussing burial rituals, mourning, and the obsession with life after death.

1:00 p.m.         Sabine Hill Tour –  Join Laura Ellis on a walk through time as she talks about the family that built today’s Sabine Hill, and the founders of Happy Valley.

3:00 p.m.         “Pollinators and Pests.” – Are pesky bees getting in the way of your July fun? Do you find yourself swerving to avoid opossum remains on the road? These seemingly useless creatures actually play an important role for us in improving our health and food! Join Laura Ellis in the fort to talk about East Tennessee pests and their importance.

Week 4

Wednesday, August 21^st

9:00 a.m.       “Morning of Birdsong.” – Come along with Laura Ellis for a morning of birding around the grounds and along the trail. Life can be hectic, and a robin feathering his nest has very little time to rest. But this experience brings out the peaceful silence of a morning without the noisy bustle of morning crowds. Admission is free. Participants are to meet Laura at 9:00 a.m. on the back porch of the visitor’s center. Please provide your own binoculars and other equipment as you choose.

11:00 a.m.       The Carter Mansion Tour –  Join Ian Anderson on a fascinating journey while we explore the amazing history of the oldest frame house in Tennessee, the Carter Mansion.

11:00 a.m.     “Water Critter Catcher!”  – Laura Ellis will be hosting a ‘critter hunt’ along the trail. Tennessee’s waterways are prime areas for animals small and large to build their homes and hideouts. The mission is to discover those creatures and the benefits they bring to the region. If interested, please meet Laura on the back porch of the visitor’s center. Catching equipment will be provided and individuals should prepare to get wet. Children welcome!

2:00 p.m.        Sabine Hill Tour – Join Laura Ellis on a walk through time as she talks about the family that built today’s Sabine Hill, and the founders of Happy Valley.

2:00 p.m.     “Don’t Stress”  –   Unwind as we join Ian Anderson and enjoy the beautiful nature of Sycamore Shoals while crafting our very own “stress-balls”. What better way to relieve stress and enjoy the outdoors?!

Thursday, August 22^nd

11:00 a.m.     The Carter Mansion Tour –  Join Ian Anderson on a fascinating journey while we explore the amazing history of the oldest frame house in Tennessee, the Carter Mansion.

11:00 a.m.   “Oh, Butter!”  – Join Laura Ellis inside the fort for an interactive experience! Have you ever made butter before? Why was a simple ingredient so necessary for families? Discover all of these answers, and get your hands dirty as you take a tour through the creation and usage of butter.

1:00 p.m.      “Emergency Nature Whistles!” –   Join Ian as we learn how to find and make emergency whistles in nature. Who knows, it may save your life!  If interested join Ian in the visitors center at 1 p.m.

2:00 p.m.      Sabine Hill Tour –  Join Laura Ellis on a walk through time as she talks about the family that built today’s Sabine Hill, and the founders of Happy Valley.

2:00 p.m.       “Don’t Stress”  –    Unwind as we join Ian Anderson and enjoy the beautiful nature of Sycamore Shoals while crafting our very own “stress-balls”. What better way to relieve stress and enjoy the outdoors?!

3:00 p.m.       “All Tied Up”    –   Join Ian as he teaches basic knots you can use for rescue, survival, or just simple day to day activities.

Friday, August 23^rd

11:00 a.m.        The Carter Mansion Tour – Join Ian Anderson on a fascinating journey while we explore the amazing history of the oldest frame house in Tennessee, the Carter Mansion.

11:00 a.m.        “Women on the Frontier.” –  Sit down and learn all about the daily lifestyle of working ladies and upper-class women in 18^th Century South. Interpreter Laura Ellis will hold casual discussions on what women wore, etiquette, and the chores that were done in order to keep her household in order. This event will be held inside the fort.

1:00 p.m.         “Sabine Spiritualism.” – The 19^th Century witnessed many cultural changes. Many things that were once shunned upon became a popular way of life for many Americans, including the Spiritualist Movement. Laura Ellis will be hosting a late evening inside the fort, discussing burial rituals, mourning, and the obsession with life after death.

2:00 p.m.            Sabine Hill Tour – Join Laura Ellis on a walk through time as she talks about the family that built today’s Sabine Hill, and the founders of Happy Valley.

2:00 p.m.         “Look Out!”   –   Join Ian on educational program of learning the things to “look out” for in nature, such as venomous snakes and Poisonous plants and more! Meet Ian in the Visitor Center at 2 p.m.

Saturday, August 24^th

11:00 a.m.       The Carter Mansion Tour –  Join Ian Anderson on a fascinating journey while we explore the amazing history of the oldest frame house in Tennessee, the Carter Mansion.

10:00 a.m.      “Colonial Culture.” – Laura Ellis will be in the fort with interactive learning for kids of all ages. Come and hang out while enjoying the ways of 18^th Century life.

11:15 a.m.      “18^th Century Medicine.”  – Home remedies have been passed down through generations. However, we can be thankful that colonial medicine has gone extinct. Join Laura Ellis in the visitor’s center to see some old fixes to regular ailments, and possibly try some for yourself!

1:00 p.m.       “Archery and Tomahawk Program!”  – Come out and join Ian in this fun interactive learning experience of popular Native American weaponry such as , the tomahawk and the bow and arrow. If interested please meet in the Visitor Center at 1pm. Participants must be at least 13 years of age for the archery portion.

2:00 p.m.          Sabine Hill Tour –Join Laura Ellis on a walk through time as she talks about the family that built today’s Sabine Hill, and the founders of Happy Valley.

Sunday, August 25^th

3:00 p.m.         The Carter Mansion Tour –  Join Ian Anderson on a fascinating journey while we explore the amazing history of the oldest frame house in Tennessee, the Carter Mansion.

3:00 p.m.       “Period Project Runway.” – Laura Ellis will be offering a demonstration on 18^th and 19^th Century attire, and how the fashion industry shaped early American society and trade. There are more layers than you think! Join her inside the visitor’s center.

12:00 p.m.    “Pollinators and Pests.”  – Are pesky bees getting in the way of your July fun? Do you find yourself swerving to avoid opossum remains on the road? These seemingly useless creatures actually play an important role for us in improving our health and food! Join Laura Ellis in the fort to talk about East Tennessee pests and their importance.

1:00 p.m.        Sabine Hill Tour – Join Laura Ellis on a walk through time as she talks about the family that built today’s Sabine Hill, and the founders of Happy Valley.

2:00 p.m.      “Picture Bingo Scavenger Hunt” – Join Ian Anderson for an exciting time packed with education and fun as we explore Sycamore Shoals State Park with a bingo scavenger hunt activity. If interested, Please meet Ian in the Visitors Center at 2 p.m.  NOTE: Please bring a digital picture taking device (cell phone, or camera).

Visitors Center Hours:

9:00 AM – 4:00 PM Monday – Saturday             1:00 PM – 4:30 PM Sunday

Our Visitors Center is closed on most State holidays.   Park grounds are open from dawn until dusk.

Sycamore Shoals State Historic Park

1651 West Elk Avenue
Elizabethton, TN 37643

423-543-5808