June 2008
Traditional Arts Workshops are by registration only and must be pre-paid. Call (423) 543-5808 for more information.
Sunday, June 1
Fur & Feathers
A Wildlife Presentation
2:00 pm
Get up close and personal with a great horned owl, an albino hawk, a flying squirrel, a peregrine falcon, and many other furry and feathered friends! Nina Fischesser from the Blue Ridge Wildlife Institute will be on-hand to discuss wildlife, rehabilitation, and the personal stories of rescued and rehabilitated animals. Join us for this very special program, and a chance to interact with the rare and endangered species of our region.
Workshop: Intermediate Wet Felting Instructor: Melanie Koenig
Sunday, June 1 1 - 4 pm
Cost: $25.00 (includes supplies) Limit: 12
Advance your felting skills by making a 3-D item such as a purse or hat.
Homespun Storytelling Guild
Tuesday, June 3 6-8pm
Homespun is dedicated to preserving stories, tales, folklore, and traditions for future generations. Come share stories or just listen in an informal and relaxed setting.
June 7 & 8
Native American Festival
At Sycamore Shoals
10:00 am - 6:00 pm
A two-day celebration of our Native American Heritage. Come and discover the arts, music, dance, crafts, legends and stories of our Native Americans with emphasis on the Cherokee culture. Admissions Charge.
Sweater Knitting Instructor: Melanie Koenig
Monday, June 9 9am - 1pm
Cost: $25.00 per class or $80.00 for four
Learn to follow a published pattern of your choice and produce an attractive garment in the process. Learn all sorts of tips and tricks to make your knitting easier and better. Materials are available from the instructor for $8 to $12.
Friends of Sycamore Shoals Meeting
Thursday, June 12 7:00pm
The Friends of Sycamore Shoals State Historic Area sponsors the many events here at the park. If you would like to be a part of what goes on behind the scenes, join us for our monthly meeting! These meetings are open to members, non-members, and prospective members alike. The theme for June will be “The Nature Café.”
Colonial Kids
Friday, June 13, Friday, June 20, Friday, June 27
9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
What was life like for children in the past? Travel back to the Revolutionary War with Colonial Kids, a historical day camp for children ages 8 - 12. These colonial kids will play games that their ancestors might have played, pick the beans and shuck the corn that they eat, embark on a scavenger hunt through a 200-year old mansion, and learn to drill and march like an 18th century militia! Registration is limited, so make sure to reserve your spots early! Call or visit the park to request a registration form. The cost of the camp is $15 per session and includes a t-shirt, meals, and supplies.
18th Century Blacksmithing Instructor: Mark Ramsey
Saturday, June 14 10am - 4pm
Cost: $85.00 (includes supplies) Limit: 6
For beginners or the more experienced - let us know your level when you sign up!
Historical Pigments and Paints Instructor: Stephanie Smith
Saturday, June 14 10am - 12pm
Cost: $5 Limit: 10
An overview of the powdered pigments and bonding materials used from medieval
times through the 18th century. Learn to prepare traditional watercolors and
egg tempura paints.
Beadwork of the Woodland Indians Instructor: Kevin Grindstaff
Saturday, June 14 1-4pm
Cost: $25 (includes supplies) Limit: 10
Learn the techniques of appliqué and edge beadwork.
Shape Note Singing
Sunday, June 15 3-5pm
In America, the rich tradition of shape note singing dates back to the late 1700s. Based on the English “singing school,” this method uses shapes to teach people how to sing without reading music. Shape Note singing will now become a monthly tradition at Sycamore Shoals. There is no charge to attend our gathering of voices. Please mark your calendars and join us each month for a most uplifting experience.
Finger Weaving for Kids Instructor: Jan Turner
Monday, June 16 9:30am- 1:30pm
Cost: $15 Limit: 6 (must be 8 years or older)
A portable activity that kids can learn and continue to use. Learn to finger weave with DMC (embroidery) thread and use this skill to make bracelets, bookmarks, keychains, hatbands, necklaces, etc. Bring a clipboard or a pillow with one large safety pin, your choice of beads (optional), and 2 or 3 different colors of thread. Thread is also available from the instructor, but color choices are limited.
Please Pass the Tea and Manners, Too! Instructor: Sherri Hyder
Wednesday, June 18 1pm - 3pm
Cost: $20.00
Learn the history of tea time, such as: what “Liberty Tea” meant during the Revolutionary War, the importance of tea as a social event during the time of the Civil War. Learn about manners and how to present a tea in a fun atmosphere.
Step-By-Step Oil Paint Instructor: Kay Braswell
Saturday, June 21 9am-4pm
Cost: $50 (includes supplies) Limit: 12
Use wet-on-wet techniques to learn oil on canvas from a certified Bob Ross instructor.
The Mountain River Concert Series Presents:
Fire in the Kitchen
Saturday, June 28 7:00 p.m.
Admission: $5 Adults - $2 Children
This lively quartet brings you the best of Celtic and Appalachian music. Enjoy a wide range of instruments, including the hammered dulcimer, Irish flute, and Irish bodhran. Fire in the Kitchen plays at Celtic and music festivals throughout the region, as well as the Carter Family Fold and the Barter Theatre. For more information on the band, check out their website at fire-in-the-kitchen.com. Sponsored by the Friends of Sycamore Shoals State Historic Area.
Watauga Valley Art Show Opening Reception
Sunday, June 29 2 - 4 pm
Stop by the museum at Sycamore Shoals to view the beautiful artwork of the Watauga Valley Art League. Local artists will display their talents during the entire month of July.
Sunday Jam at the Carter Mansion
Sunday, June 29
2:00 - 5:00 pm
Our open pickin’ and sharin’ session is open to musicians of all levels, dancers, listeners, and toe tappers! Join us for this home-style gathering.
Throughout the Summer:
History at Home
A creative mix of historical & natural programs presented throughout the year by our interpretive staff. Please call for weekly schedules.
Fife and Drum Corps
Saturdays at 11am
During the Revolutionary War the fife and drum corps signaled troops in battle and provided entertainment for soldiers in the camps. Help us recreate the tradition of the fife and drum corps here in Elizabethton! We are in need of experienced fife players and drummers, but we are willing to instruct any who are musically inclined. This will be a fun session for anyone ages 12 and up.