| |
8:28 a.m. May 6, 2015
Historic Homes of Knoxville Celebrate Statehood Day
KNOXVILLE – June 1, 2015 marks the 219th anniversary of Tennessee’s admission as the 16th state in the union. East Tennessee’s most important cultural heritage sites are partnering to celebrate Statehood Day on Saturdays, May 23, May 30, and June 6 as well as Sundays, May 24 and May 31. The sites include places of historical significance in the exciting journey from the creation of our country to the founding of our state. The Historic Homes of Knoxville include: Blount Mansion, Crescent Bend, James White’s Fort, Mabry-Hazen House, Marble Springs, Ramsey House, and Historic Westwood. Each site will have individual ways of celebrating the birth of Tennessee. This is a free museum day to the public.
• Crescent Bend House & Gardens (Saturday, May 30, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM)
Crescent Bend House & Gardens is one of the Southeast’s finest house museums and gardens. Built in 1834 by Drury Paine Armstrong, Crescent Bend was once a 900-acre working farm and so named for its prominent setting overlooking a majestic crescent bend in the Tennessee River just west of downtown Knoxville. Hosting free admission.
2728 Kingston Pike Knoxville, TN 37919. Information: 865-637-3163, www.crescentbend.com
• Ramsey House (Saturdays, May 30 & June 6, 12:00 PM)
Ramsey House was built in 1797 by Knoxville's first builder, Thomas Hope, for Francis Alexander Ramsey, one of Knoxville’s first settlers. In celebration of Statehood Day, Ramsey House will host Vintage Baseball on May 30 and June 6. This year Historic Ramsey House will be hosting two Knoxville teams: the Knoxville Holstons and Emmett Machinists. Come and enjoy a day of history and fun for all ages. There is no admission charge for the games. Food and beverages will be available for purchase and all proceeds will benefit Ramsey House.
2614 Thorngrove Pike, Knoxville, TN 37914. Information: 865-546-0745, www.ramseyhouse.org
• Marble Springs (Saturday, May 23, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM and Sunday, May 24, 12:00-5:00 PM)
Marble Springs was the home of John Sevier (1745-1815), Tennessee’s first governor and Revolutionary War hero. Marble Springs State Historic Site will commemorate this occasion with a weekend of Living History. Walk amongst Living History interpreters in 18th Century clothing portraying life on the frontier, encampments, and more. Children’s activities include falling into a militia drill and playing with period toys. Blacksmithing, weaving, and open hearth cooking will be demonstrated all weekend. Details are subject to change. This event is free and open to the public. Donations are appreciated.
1220 West Gov. John Sevier Highway, Knoxville, TN 37920. Information: 865-573-5508, www.marblesprings.net
• Westwood (Saturday, June 6, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM)
Built as a “wedding promise” in 1890 by John Edwin Lutz and his wife, Ann Adelia Armstrong Lutz, on property owned by her grandfather, Drury P. Armstrong. The highlight and most significant component of Westwood is the studio which was designed by Ann Adelia Armstrong Lutz, an accomplished artist. Today Historic Westwood is home to Knox Heritage and the East Tennessee Preservation Alliance. The home will be open to the public. Parking available at Laurel Church of Christ.
425 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, TN 37919. Information: 865-523-8008, www.historicwestwood.org
• Blount Mansion (Saturday, June 6, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM)
Construction on Blount Mansion began in 1792. The restored mansion was open for tours in 1930, making it the oldest museum in Knox County. Commemorate the creation of the state of Tennessee and celebrate the pioneers who settled and transformed the southwest territory into the vibrant state of Tennessee. Hosting free admission.
200 W. Hill Avenue, Knoxville, TN 37902. Information: 865-525-2375, www.blountmansion.org
• James White’s Fort (Saturday, June 6, 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM)
Built in 1786, James White’s Fort was home to the founder of Knoxville. More than 10,000 visitors tour the Fort each year and experience the frontier lifestyle through hands-on interpretations. Celebrate at James White’s Fort and learn about open hearth cooking and blacksmithing. Free admission, and donations will be gladly accepted.
205 E. Hill Ave, Knoxville, TN 37915. Information: 865-525-6514, www.jameswhitefort.org
• Mabry-Hazen House (Saturday, June 6, 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM)
Built in 1858 and housing three generations of the same family from 1858-1987, the Mabry-Hazen House served as headquarters for both Union and Confederate forces during the Civil War. The Civil War, a gunfight on Gay Street in 1882, and a Breach of Promise lawsuit in the early 1930's are only a few stories that bring life and color to those who visit the museum. Hosting free admission.
1711 Dandridge Avenue, Knoxville, TN, 37915. Information: 865-522-8661, www.mabryhazen.com
In addition to the Historic Homes of Knoxville, Sequoyah Birthplace Museum and Crockett Tavern Museum will also host Statehood Day events.
• Crockett Tavern Museum (Saturday, May 30, 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM)
The Museum, located in Morristown, was built on the site of the boyhood home of Davy Crockett. It is a reconstruction of the 1790's John Crockett Tavern. Open with free admission.
2002 Morningside Drive, Morristown, TN 37814. Information: 423-587-9900, www.crocketttavernmuseum.org
• Sequoyah Birthplace Museum (Sunday, May 31, 12:00-4:00 PM)
The mission of the Sequoyah Birthplace Museum (Vonore), a property of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, is to promote the understanding and appreciation of the history and culture of the Cherokee Indians in Eastern Tennessee, particularly the life and contributions of Sequoyah. The Museum will collect, preserve, interpret, and exhibit objects and data that support this mission. Free admission. Demonstrators will be on hand throughout the day.
576 HWY 360, Vonore, TN 37885. Information: 423-884-6246, www.sequoyahmuseum.org
The Historic House Museums of Knoxville is a partnership that shares resources from each historic site in presenting the history, culture, and heritage of Knoxville and East Tennessee: www.hhknoxville.org
Published May 6, 2015
|
|
|
