Dear ,

Historic Mansker's Station's annual shutdown is drawing to a close, and we anxiously looking ahead to our 2008 tourist season!  This has been a productive time for us.  Aside from researching and completing larger maintenance projects, we sent two staff members to the prestigious John C. Campbell Folk School in North Carolina.  One learned how to craft Windsor Chairs, the other the complete production process of flax. (For those of you wondering what "flax" is - flax fibers are used to make linen material.) This year we will be growing and harvesting our own flax, which fibers grow inside the stalk of a plant. Pictured right is a flax plant, isn't the flower lovely? 

We reopen for tours on Tuesday, March 4.  This begins our regular seasonal hours of operation.  We are open Tuesday - Saturday with the first tour at 9:00 am.  Remember, all tours begin at the Welcome Center.

Admission for Tours: $6 Adults, $5 Senior Adults, and $4 Children (6-12). We also offer discounts for adult and school groups. Call 615.859.FORT for more information.  

                 

Our first event of the year will be the annual Spring Encampment.  This event is held the last weekend of March, which this year is March 29 and 30.  During our encampments, the hours of operation are Saturday from 9:00 to 5:00, and Sunday from 9:00 to 12:00.

This year during the Spring Encampment we will be preparing our gardens for spring planting, which includes the plowing of our garden areas.  This year we will be using oxen to plow, so make sure to come out and see these massive animals work! Don't let their size fool you, they really are gentle.

 

Look for the Mansker's Militia at our encampments and special events. Volunteers Albert Roberts and Martin Hickey are organizing this exciting program. At a recent organizational meeting, over twenty militia members practiced their shooting and marching skills. In addition Myers Brown, Curator of Extension Services at the Tennessee State Museum, led a session on "Interpretation to the Guest."

 

If you or someone you know may be interested in participating in the Militia Muster, there will be an opportunity to enlist at the Spring Encampment. For more information, including the gear and safety requirements, contact us at 615.859.FORT.

 

 

Did You Know?

 

Did you know that the Bowen House is among Tennessee's oldest brick structures? Built in 1787, it was constructed the same year that the United States Constitution was drafted!