Dear ,

 

 

Early Tennessee History Lecture Series

Our first session of this program, held in April with guest speaker Ann Toplovich, was wonderful! Her presentation on the early relationship of Andrew and Rachel Jackson was highly informative and really brought to light the ideas, customs and difficulties surrounding marriage in this region during the 18th and early 19th centuries. While Ms. Toplovich is currently working on a biography of Rachel Jackson, she has written an article for Ohio Valley History. To learn more about this subject, and to read the article, click here. 

 

Please join us for our next session of this series on Thursday, May 29 at 6:00 p.m. as we welcome Tennessee State Historian Walter Durham. He is a former chairman of the Tennessee Historical Commission and a past President of the Tennessee Historical Society. The title of his presentation is "Kasper Mansker and the Early Settlement of the Cumberland Region." His book The Great Leap Westward: A History of Sumner County From Its Beginnings to 1805 is available in our gift store and is a great source for those wishing to learn more about our area.

 

Period Wedding

In May of 1796, Captain Bowen and Mary's first-born child, Tabitha, married at the Bowen House. She married Col. Armstead Moore of Virginia, and they were presented 640 acres in present-day Smith County as a wedding gift from Bowen. The couple lived on the land for the duration of their lives, and had eleven children.

 

Join us on Saturday, May 31 at 2:00 p.m. as we recreate the marriage of Tabitha and Armstead at the Bowen House. Parson John will lead the ceremony, with period music, dancing and refreshments following.

 

In the spirit of this celebration, we are offering a special family discount for our visitors. All children under the age of 12 will be admitted for free on Saturday only. We look forward to celebrating with you!

 

 

Colonial Camp

We still have a few spots remaining for our first Colonial Kids Camp! This camp is for children ages 8 - 12 who are interested in learning more about the frontier, having fun, and making life-long memories! The date for this camp is June 16 - 20, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. each day. Registration fees include all the supplies to make many crafts, a mid-morning snack, and a special gift for the participants. There is an additional discount for siblings. Please visit our website for more information including a downloadable registration form, or call 615.859.FORT.

 

Looking Ahead...

June 7 - 9:00 to 2:00, Woodworking Workshop with Carpenter James Davis

June 13 - Volunteer Appreciation Night

June 14 - Mansker's Militia Muster

July 4 & 5 - Independence Encampment