Discovery Park of America Staff Furthers Relationship with the Tennessee State Library & Archives

Union City, Tenn. – Discovery Park of America president and CEO Scott Williams was recently elected to serve on the board of the Friends of the Tennessee State Library and Archives. The group was established in 2010 to support the activities of the Tennessee State Library & Archives.

The purpose of the Library & Archives is to preserve Tennessee’s legal and civic history and ensure Tennessee’s past is properly preserved and accessible for generations to come.

On April 12, 2021, the Library & Archives moved into a new building located at the intersection of Rep. John Lewis Way North and Jefferson Street in Nashville on the Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park and across from the Tennessee State Museum.

Additionally, Jennifer Wildes, Discovery Park’s senior director of collections and exhibits, was recently selected to attend the Library & Archives’ Tennessee Archives Institute. Each year, the Archives hosts the institute, a two-day series of workshops, on the principles and practices of archival management and records preservation. To graduate from the program with a certificate of archival management, archivists must complete three years of training. The institute also provides participants with opportunities to interact and exchange ideas with other archivists and recordkeepers from across the state.

“At Discovery Park, guests discover Tennessee history around every corner. From the Settlement that features a collection of hand-hewn log cabins to our exhibit and statue of David Crockett to our Regional History Gallery, we celebrate and work to preserve our great state’s history here every day,” said Williams. “We’re grateful for the work the Friends of the Library & Archives does, and we look forward to working more closely with them in the future.”

Photo Caption: Scott Williams, president and CEO of Discovery Park of America

Photo Caption: Jennifer Wildes, senior director of collections and exhibits at Discovery Park of America

Discovery Park of America Grows Annual Three-Day Military History and Armed Forces Symposium to Include All Six Branches of the Military

All active military, veterans, their guests and student groups will receive free admission to Discovery Park during all three days of this event.

Union City, Tenn. – Discovery Park of America is hosting its annual Military History and Armed Forces Symposium Friday, April 29 through Sunday, May 1, 2022. The event has grown significantly larger than previous years and will feature a variety of programs and interactive activities that explore the past, present and future of the American military. All active military, veterans, their guests and student groups will receive free admission to Discovery Park during all three days of this event.

Sponsored by Union City Coca-Cola and Dixie Gun Works, the Military History and Armed Forces Symposium features presentations from special guests, static and active demonstrations of military equipment and vehicles and gallery talks. Guests will also experience historical interpreters and period musicians throughout the museum and park.

In addition to bringing back the Lantern Walk this year, the event will include a members-only reception with entertainment provided by Operation Song and an early American folk dance with live music and dance instruction provided by the 52nd Regimental String Band. The band will also be performing during a church service held on Sunday morning.

Local Civil War memorabilia collector, Jason Pate, will be sharing some of his collection of rare photos in a special exhibit and presentation, “Hearing Voices of the Past Through Imagery.”

Friday’s events have been designed with students in mind and will provide both military- and history-related content perfect for school groups.

“For guests passionate about history and the military, this symposium is going to provide a lot to discover,” said Dr. Julie Hill, education events coordinator and lead member in planning the symposium. “Our education and exhibits team have put together three days that are packed with incredible activities highlighting our country’s military past, present and future.”

The list of those presenting from the main stage this year includes:

• COL Many-Bears Grinder, USA (Ret), first woman to serve as Commissioner for the Department of Veterans Services
• Maj Gen Tommy H. Baker, commissioner for Tennessee’s Department of Veteran Services
• Dr. Elvernice “Sonny” Davis, Chaplain (COL) USA (Ret), author of “Reflections of an Army Chaplain”
• Sue Hoppin, nationally recognized expert on military spouse and family issues, working to bridge the cultural gap between government, private and public groups and military communities
• Kevin Rumley, USMC, musician who made his personal journey from life as a homeless veteran suffering from drug addiction to a college graduate with a master’s degree in social work
• Dr. David Coffey, professor of history at the University of Tennessee at Martin and author of several books, including “In Harm’s Way: A History of the American Military Experience”
• Wanda Nelson Castellaw, Tennessee native with a bachelor’s degree in psychology, a master’s degree in educational psychology and a passion for supporting military spouses
• LtGen John Castellaw, USMC (Ret), founder and CEO of Farmspace Systems, a company specializing in drone and aviation technology in agriculture, and 36-year veteran of the Marine Corps, where he held several commands, including chief of staff for the U. S. Central Command during the Iraq War
• Bill Allen, USN (Ret), World War II Navy medic who is one of the last remaining D-Day survivors
• Lt Col Amber Saldaña, USAF, 17th Training Support Squadron commander and career active-duty Air Force intelligence officer
• Cmdr Leanne Braddock, USN (Ret), licensed marital and family therapist and 24-year veteran of the U.S. Navy

Those attending the event will also want to spend time exploring Discovery Park’s Military Gallery that can be found on two levels of the museum. The lower level contains a collection of military vehicles and weapons, as well as displays about the Korean War, the Vietnam War, the Cold War and our current military conflicts. Displays about the Civil War, World War I and World War II can be found on the entry level, as well as an oral history theater that showcases stories shared by veterans.

All the programs, panel discussions and other events during the symposium are included with park admission or membership. Tickets to the Lantern Walk, members-only reception and an early American folk dance are free but limited and must be reserved at discoveryparkofamerica.com/event/military.

All active military, veterans, their guests and student groups receive free admission all three days of the event. Group leaders wanting to request scholarships for student groups should email Sheridan Wells at education@discoveryparkofamerica.com or call 731-599-1132.

For a full list of events and biographies on the special guests, visit discoveryparkofamerica.com/event/military.

Photo Caption: Soldiers saluting at the 2021 Military History and Armed Forces Symposium at Discovery Park of America.

Cornerstone Box Discovered During Demolition of Historic Dresden First United Methodist Church Opened at Discovery Park of America

Union City, Tenn.—Church members from Dresden First United Methodist Church in Dresden, Tenn., were present at Discovery Park of America on Wed., Feb. 2 for the opening of a copper cornerstone box that was discovered during demolition of the church building. The church had been damaged beyond repair by tornadoes this past December. The cornerstone box was found bricked inside a part of the church that was dedicated in 1924 and was previously unknown to many of today’s church members.

Jennifer Wildes, the museum’s senior director of collections and exhibits, managed the opening of the box assisted by Jade Walsh and Jamie Thomson. Each artifact found inside was thoroughly examined and cataloged. In the coming weeks, the items will be put on temporary display at Discovery Park.

“Of all the artifacts we discovered, the most meaningful for me was a typed letter from the church’s pastor at the time, S. L. Jewell,” said Wildes. It included a short history of the church, and he noted that the letter had been ‘hastily written for information of someone who may in coming years look in the box.’”

The majority of the items were well preserved with the most unexpected item being an ear of corn. A letter wrapped around the ear noted it was of the Little Willice variety and was placed in the box by E. E. Ellis, the Weakley County agriculture agent. Ellis wrote, “May God’s richest blessings be with each farmer and those that depend on farmers as long as good old Weakley County continues to be populated with people.”

Other items pulled from the box included:

• Methodist hymnals and songbooks
• Copies of the Dresden Enterprise newspaper from 1924
• Copies of Methodist newspapers
• Tube containing a document from the Boy Scouts of America
• Correspondence relating to the building of the church
• A 1920 photograph of a young church member, Norma Leone Lewis, discovered inside a hymnal
• Official church rolls for 1923-1924

“To say we were overwhelmed with joy in discovering this cornerstone box would be an understatement to say the least,” said Jamie Kemp, chairman of the trustees of the church. “Watching the staff of Discovery Park as they uncovered and preserved these precious memories gave me great joy.”

Discovery Park has uploaded photos of many of the items to a blog on their website, DiscoveryParkof America.com.

Church leaders are in the process of planning where and when their new church building will be built. Contributions to the Dresden First United Methodist Church rebuilding effort may be made online at GoFundMe.com, or checks may be mailed to:

Bldg & Renovation Fund
Dresden First United Methodist Church
411 Morrow St.
Dresden, TN 38225

Media: Link to B-roll

Photo Caption: Discovery Park of America exhibits team opening the cornerstone box. 

Photo Caption: Current members of Dresden First United Methodist, Beverly Oliver and Jamie Kemp, discussing the items discovered inside the cornerstone box with Jamie Thomson (far right), member of the Discovery Park exhibits team. 

Photo Caption: Items discovered inside the cornerstone box. 

Photo Caption: Letter from the church’s pastor at the time, S.L. Jewell. 

Discovery Park of America to Celebrate National Ag Day on March 22, 2022 with Free Admission for Ag Student Groups

Union City, Tenn.—Discovery Park of America will celebrate National Ag Day at the museum and heritage park on Tues., March 22, 2022.

National Ag Day is held by The Agriculture Council of America (ACA), an organization uniquely composed of leaders in the agriculture, food and fiber communities dedicated to increasing the public awareness of agriculture’s vital role in our society. The Agriculture Council of America and the National Ag Day program was begun in 1973.

Discovery Park recently opened a permanent exhibit, “AgriCulture: Innovating for Our Survival” in the museum’s Simmons Bank Ag Center.

On March 22, Ag-related businesses and organizations will have booths with information and hands-on activities focused on innovation in how food, fuel and fiber products are produced, the role agriculture plays in providing safe, abundant and affordable products around the world and the essential role of agriculture in maintaining a strong economy. There will also be special emphasis placed on career opportunities in the agriculture, food and fiber industry.

Other content that day will include a groundbreaking for the park’s new greenhouses and Farm Credit Mid-America Education Pavilion at 11 a.m. and activities in the Simmons Bank Ag Center and on the Nutrien Ag Solutions Mainstage. Also unveiled will be a new guided pollinator tour.

Ag educators who would like to bring a group of students and companies and organizations who would like to participate should apply at DiscoveryParkofAmerica.com/Event/Agday.

For more information about National Ag Day at Discovery Park, contact Zach Rea at zrea@discoveryparkofamerica.com.

Photo Caption: Farm Credit Mid-America shared more about the business of agriculture with a group from the Paris chapter of Future Farmers of America.

Photo caption: Carol Reed, executive director with the Tennessee Corn Promotion Council discusses innovation in agriculture with a group of students at a previous Ag Day at Discovery Park.

Farm Credit Mid-America Kicks Off Discovery Park of America’s Fundraising Campaign for Greenhouse and Education Pavilion with Major Gift

Union City, Tenn.— Discovery Park of America announced today a new partnership with Farm Credit Mid-America that kicks off a new phase in the museum and heritage park’s dedication to educating children and adults on innovation in agriculture. The Farm Credit Mid-America Education Pavilion will be located between Discovery Park’s vineyard and “AgriCulture: Innovating for Our Survival,” an exhibit that opened in early 2021.

Farm Credit Mid-America is a financial services cooperative that has served the credit needs of farmers and rural residents across Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky and Tennessee for over a century providing loans for real estate, operating, equipment, housing and related services such as crop insurance and vehicle, equipment and building leases.

“One of the most impactful ways our association can help secure the future of rural communities and agriculture is through educational initiatives that deliver value for people,” said Andrew Melton, regional vice president of agricultural lending at Farm Credit Mid-America. “This partnership with Discovery Park of America will provide an interactive educational experience to a variety of visitors—many of whom have no background in agriculture. We’re excited to partner with them in their mission of inspiring children and adults to ‘See Beyond.’”

The public is invited to a ground-breaking ceremony for the greenhouse that will take place on Tues., March 22, 2022 at 11 a.m. during the park’s National Ag Day celebration.

Discovery Park’s education department and others will be utilizing The Farm Credit Mid-America Education Pavilion to spotlight topics relating to the business of agriculture along with growing cycles, garden design, soil health and other topics relating to the basics of plant science. The area will also feature two greenhouses. One greenhouse will provide an opportunity for guests to see members of the Discovery Park grounds team working with plants that will be used to enhance the park’s 40-acres of landscaping. An additional greenhouse will be designated for children and adults for educational-related programs and hands-on experiences.

“The beauty of the grounds was very important to Discovery Park founder Robert Kirkland, and for many years, we talked about all the good things we could do with our own greenhouse,” said John Watkins, the director of grounds for Discovery Park. “Being able to have an entire area dedicated to growing plants and educating our guests on plant science aligns perfectly with our mission.”

Other organizations and individuals are also encouraged to give to support the building of the greenhouses. Large gifts have been made or are committed by leading agri-tech company Green Plains, Inc., Betty and John Tanner, Michelle and Al Creswell and Diana Frankum.

Other organizations and individuals are also encouraged to give a gift to support the building of the greenhouses, and donations may be made in memory or honor of a friend or loved one. Those who give a gift of $100 or will be included on the sponsorship wall as a “Green Thumb” supporter. Those interested in supporting Discovery Park’s greenhouse project can make a gift on Discovery Park’s website or by contacting Mary Nita Bondurant at mbondurant@discoveryparkofamerica.com.

Photo caption: Artist rendering of the Farm Credit Mid-America Greenhouse and Education Pavillion that will open at Discovery Park of America later in 2022. 

Cornerstone Box Discovered During Demolition of Historic Dresden First United Methodist Church to be Opened at Discovery Park of America

Union City, Tenn.— Church leaders from Dresden First United Methodist Church in Dresden, Tenn., are working with artifact experts from Discovery Park of America, a museum and heritage park in nearby Union City, Tenn., to open and conserve contents of a copper cornerstone box that was discovered during demolition of the church building.

The building was damaged beyond repair in December 2021, during one of the worst outbreaks of tornadoes ever recorded in the United States. The cornerstone box was found bricked inside a part of the church that was dedicated in 1923 and was previously unknown to many of today’s church members. Once discovered, demolition halted as those on hand began work to carefully extract the box from the cornerstone of the building.

Wayne McCreight, a church trustee, contacted Discovery Park to ask for help safely extracting the contents of the box.

Jennifer Wildes, the museum’s senior director of collections and exhibits, will manage opening the box in the next few weeks and will be prepared to conserve what, if anything, remains inside after being hidden away nearly 100 years. Photos of any items found will be posted on Discovery Park’s Facebook page and loaned by the church for display at Discovery Park for a short time.

A clipping from the Dresden Enterprise, the town’s newspaper, noted that when the church was originally dedicated, a crowd gathered on a Saturday afternoon to watch the laying of the cornerstone. According to the clipping, the box that was placed there at the time contained a complete roll of the church membership, a full history of the church, copies of the church newspaper, copies of the Dresden Enterprise and copies of hymnals.

“If we find artifacts that are damp and fragile, it will require delicate care to preserve them intact before they can be thoroughly examined and cataloged,” said Wildes. “Whatever we find, we’ll make certain these items left by church members from the past are preserved as a reminder of the church’s important history.”

Dresden, the county seat of Weakley County, Tenn., was organized in 1825 and incorporated in 1827. When the town was laid out and lots made available for purchase, land was designated for a house of worship. That lot was purchased on Feb. 4, 1833, and it was there the church was located in various buildings until the tornadoes of 2021.

Church leaders are in the process of planning where and when their new church building will be built. Contributions to the Dresden First United Methodist Church rebuilding effort may be made online at GoFundMe.com by searching “Dresden FUMC Rebuilding Effort,” or checks may be mailed to:

Bldg & Renovation Fund
Dresden First United Methodist Church
411 Morrow St.
Dresden, TN 38225

Photo caption: The cornerstone box that was recovered from the historic Dresden First United Methodist Church.

Photo credit: Brody Kemp

Discovery Park of America Announces Free Admission for Children in January and New Exhibits for 2022

Union City, Tenn.— Thanks to a partnership with Magnolia Place Assisted Living, children 17 and younger will receive free admission to Discovery Park of America in January 2022.

Magnolia Place’s support is being made in memory of Bart White who was a long-time board member and board president of Magnolia Place. “Bart White was a true servant of our community and a good friend to us all,” said Cindy Cox, administrator of Magnolia Place. “This year, we see this as a way we can honor Bart while helping even more young people have an opportunity to visit Discovery Park.”

Discovery Park has developed a strong reputation for being a museum that is both educational and fun for young visitors. Tennessee Tourism’s recent award-winning Kid Reviewed campaign incorporated a wearable device called the Laugh Tracker. The device tracked laughter and heart rate to measure excitement of children at more than 30 Tennessee attractions including Discovery Park. The data was then paired with candid reviews to scientifically prove where kids have the most fun. Young people at Discovery Park experienced “75 average laughs and 162.3 average moments of excitement per hour.”

In 2022, there will be many opportunities for “moments of excitement” for children and adults at Discovery Park including three temporary exhibits. “The Fascinating World of Murray Hudson’s Globes and Maps” will shine a spotlight on one of the most unique collections of globes and maps in the world. Hudson is a former English professor, stockbroker and farmer from Dyersburg, Tenn., who owns the largest private collection of for-sale antiquarian maps, globes, books and prints in the world. On display will be early maps from the 16th century to the present, items of historic relevance and incredible globes that could pass for works of art. Those exploring the exhibit will also get to see rare globes that range from a two-and-a-half-foot wide diplomat’s globe from 1918 that focuses on political geography to one of the smaller curiosities in his collection, an 1840s boxed globe from Germany that shows Texas as an independent republic, just before it was annexed by the United States. This exhibit is sponsored by Conley and Conley Attorneys at Law.

“Southern Artist Showcase: Hattie Marshall-Duncan” will be at Discovery Park May 27 to Oct. 24, 2022. Self-taught sculptor, Hattie Marshall-Duncan of Jackson, Tenn., turns common household items and found objects that are often overlooked into distinguished masterpieces. Hattie’s work is reflective of her African American community and family. Recipient of the 2019 Tennessee Governor’s Arts Award, Marshall-Duncan’s art is displayed statewide in various galleries including Discovery Park’s partner in this exhibit, the West Tennessee Regional Art Center.

Making its Tennessee debut June 18, 2022 to Jan. 8, 2023, “Discover Steampunk: A Fantastical Hands-On Adventure” includes a series of immersive galleries featuring one-of-a-kind, hands-on interactive Steampunk sculptures. Steampunk typically combines the romanticism of the Victorian Era, steam-powered technology and science fiction. The exhibit, created by Imagine Exhibitions, utilizes the stories of seven 19th-century visionaries to explore the power of imagination and creative problem solving. Visitors will also discover the important intersections of STEM (science, technology, engineering and math), art, history and reading.

The visionary authors featured in “Discover Steampunk: A Fantastical Hands-On Adventure” are: Mary Shelley, the English novelist who wrote the Gothic novel “Frankenstein;” Jules Verne, the French novelist, poet and playwright who wrote bestselling adventure novels including “Journey to the Center of the Earth,” “Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Seas,” and “Around the World in Eighty Days;” and H.G. Wells, the science fiction author who wrote “The Time Machine,” “War of the Worlds” and the “The Invisible Man” and who is often remembered today as the “father of science fiction.” Joining them are four influential Victorian-era inventors: Isaac Singer, who developed the sewing machine; Thomas Blanchard, who worked on automation and the first automobiles; George Eastman, who helped popularize photography; and Jan Matzeliger, the son of a Surinamese slave, whose inventions made decent footwear accessible to the masses.

The annual Robert E. and Jenny D. Kirkland Discovery Awards Gala returns on Sat., March 5, 2022 and will once again recognize individuals whose work, like that of Discovery Park, brings enlightenment, inspiration and education to those whose lives they’ve touched. The 2022 honorees are Anita Kay Archer, LtGen John “Glad” Castellaw (Ret.), Dr. Ron Kirkland and Jerry Reese.

Among other events returning in 2022 is the Rhythm on the Rails Summer Concert Series on Friday evenings May 6 to June 22. This family-friendly festival will feature live performances at the Train Depot, food trucks and fishing at Discovery Park’s lake.

Discovery Park 2022 Events Calendar 

Children 17 and under receive admission 

January 2022

Temporary Exhibit: “The Fascinating World of Murray Hudson’s Globes and Maps”

Dec. 2, 2021 to March 1, 2022

The Robert E. and Jenny D. Kirkland Discovery Awards Gala 

March 5, 2022

Educational Greenhouse

Spring 2022

Military History and Armed Forces Symposium 

April 22 and 24, 2022

Rhythm on the Rails Summer Concert Series

Friday evenings in May and June 2022

Cardboard Boat Regatta

May 14, 2022

Temporary Exhibit: “Southern Artist Showcase: Hattie Marshall-Duncan”

May 27 to Oct. 24, 2022

Discovery Park Cruise-in

June 4, 2022

“Discover Steampunk: A Fantastical Hands-On Adventure”

June 18, 2022 to Jan. 8, 2023

Independence Day Celebration

July 2, 2022

Antique Tractor Show

August 5 and 6, 2022

David Crockett Birthday 

August 13, 2022

9/11 Stair Climb and First Responders Appreciation Day

September 10, 2022

Discovery Dash 5K/10K and Pediatric Day

September 17, 2022

Southern Heritage Arts and Crafts Festival

September 24 and 25, 2022

Pumpkin Village

October 2022

Let it Glow Light Show Drive-thru and Walk-thru

Nov. 11 to Dec. 30, 2022, closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day

A complete calendar of events with details can be found at discoveryparkofamerica.com.

All events are subject to change.

Photo caption: “Discover Steampunk: A Fantastical Hands-On Adventure,” coming to Discovery Park of America June 18, 2022 to Jan. 8, 2023, focuses on creative problem solving using functional art sculptures modeled after famous historical figures.

Photo caption: A group of students from the Fulton County Middle School Academic Team and the Milan High School AP Human Geography class recently enjoyed a presentation from Murray Hudson about his collection of rare globes and maps. The exhibit will be on display at Discovery Park of America through March 1, 2022.

Discovery Park of America Announces the First Bottles of Wine from Their Vineyard Now Available to Members

Union City, Tenn.– Discovery Park of America has announced a limited number of bottles of the very first wines to be produced from their vineyard are now available in the gift shop at the museum and heritage park for members to purchase. The inaugural offering includes a red and a white option.

Each will be available for $24.95 for Discovery Park members only until Mon., Dec. 13, 2021. They will then be made available to the public.

Bottled by Crown Winery, LLC of Humboldt, Tenn., the wines are produced from grapes harvested from the Discovery Park Vineyard located on the 50-acre heritage park.

John Watkins, Discovery Park’s director of grounds, has been tending to the vineyard since the first grapes were grown in 2017. Harvesting the crop has become an annual task that many on the park’s team look forward to each season. In 2020, 850 lbs. of grapes were harvested and taken to Crown Winery for processing for this vintage.

Discovery Park’s vineyard is located next to the park’s Simmons Bank Ag Center along with small fields of wildflowers, cotton, corn and soybeans used to educate visitors about innovation in agriculture and the important role of pollinators.

“Seeing bottled wine made from grapes in our own vineyard for sale in our gift shop is something all of us at Discovery Park have dreamed of for several years,” said Watkins. “We’re glad they are now available so our visitors can take a bit of Discovery Park home to share with friends and family.”

Photo caption: Discovery Park wine will be available for sale at Discovery Park of America on Dec. 13, 2021.