Welcome to the Museum of Appalachia,
a living history museum of pioneer, frontier, and early artifacts of mountain life in the Southern Appalachians.
The 29th annual Tennessee Fall Homecoming, held recently at the Museum of Appalachia, drew visitors from all corners of the world.
Schoolchildren, visiting on Wednesday Oct 8, for Heritage Day, had a great time despite the rain—and large crowds and beautiful weather during the next four days contributed to the event’s success.
Visitors registered from 49 of the 50 states (Rhode Island was the only state not officially represented) and from all corners of the world. Music fans came from Great Britain, Scotland, China, the Netherlands, Canada, Australia, the Philippines, Italy, Germany, France, Romania, Portugal, and Switzerland.
On several afternoons, crowds filled a semi-circle in front of the main stage, and festival-goers spread blankets and chairs on the hillside overlooking Museum grounds.
Performers included Dailey & Vincent, a bluegrass duo dominating the recent International Bluegrass Music Association awards. Rhonda Vincent & the Rage, Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver, the Grascals, Mike Snider, and Pine Mountain Railroad were among some 400 nationally, regionally, and locally known musicians playing on five stages during the four-day festival.
The “Welcome Wagon,” featuring bands making their first appearance at Homecoming, was especially well received. This newly introduced stage provided old-time music as visitors walked into the festival from the parking area. “Brush arbor” church services, held for a third year, were another popular attraction.
The Museum’s mission is to preserve the Appalachian heritage for future generations—hence the demonstrations of old-time skills like molasses-making, rail-splitting, quilting, sheep herding, hide tanning, spinning, and much more.
Scores of artisans made authentic Appalachian pottery, baskets, wood carvings, musical instruments, quilts, artwork, and countless other hand-crafted wares. Authors and musicians offered their books and CDs, and food vendors served up tasty Appalachian foods—from a full meal of cornbread and beans to special treats like homemade ice cream and fried apple pies.
Homecoming attendees also had the opportunity to tour the Museum’s authentic log structures, exhibit buildings filled with Appalachian artifacts, and gardens surrounded by split rail fences.
The Tennessee Fall Homecoming, held each year on the second full weekend of October, is one of the nation’s largest and most authentic old-time music, craft, and folk festivals.
Next year, the Museum will celebrate its 30th annual Homecoming Oct. 8-11, 2009 special activities are planned to celebrate this milestone.
We are proud
to have been named an Affiliate
of the prestigious Smithsonian Institution, who
describes us as "an American treasure" that
"stands alone as a tribute to the American spirit.
The Museum of Appalachia is about family, country,
hard work, and respect for tradition."
You are visitor no.
(865)
494-7680 Our physical address is 2819 Andersonville Hwy.
Clinton, TN 37716
E-mail us at: museum@museumofappalachia.org
The Museum of Appalachia is open during daylight hours
year-round, except Christmas Day. Closing times
vary with the seasons, depending upon daylight hours.
Please telephone for exact hours of closing.
