Author Archives: Clare Saum

Discover Park Presents the Story of Innovation in Agriculture Both Inside and Out 2020

Posted on by

May 28, 2020 – One aspect of “AgriCulture: Innovating for Our Survival,” Discovery Park’s permanent exhibit dedicated to telling the story of innovation in agriculture, that requires a unique approach is a large observation honey bee hive that will display the internal components and working of an active hive. Stephen Penick, an occupational therapist, beekeeper and owner of Star Pastures Apiary, is working closely with Solid Light on the production of the display unit and is providing the bees for the hive that will offer a unique glimpse into the daily life of a working colony of honey bees within the exhibit. Additionally, scientists from the pollinator team at Bayer U.S. – Crop Science have been providing research and educational materials for this area of the exhibit that will help educate the public on the role of pollinators like bees and butterflies in agriculture today.

While the exhibit design team has been working with these new partners and many others to develop this one-of-a-kind exhibit, they’ve also been working with sponsor Nutrien Ag Solutions to begin turning the area in front of the Simmons Bank Ag Center into a working display of crops frequently grown throughout the region. Row crops like corn, cotton and soybeans will eventually be seen growing on what is now a lush, green lawn. Plans also include space for flowering plants that will offer nectar and pollen throughout the growing season to attract and support a variety of pollinators. This section will also connect to Discovery Park’s existing vineyard that produces grapes that are harvested and then sold to area wineries.

Mike Hansbrough, area resource biologist for the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), is also working with the exhibit designers and Discovery Park’s grounds director, John Watkins, to make certain guests can learn more about the role of conservation in agriculture today. “The NRCS helps America’s farmers, ranchers and forest landowners conserve the nation’s soil, water, air and other natural resources,” said Hansbrough. “I’m excited we can help educate the public on how we provide technical expertise and conservation planning for farmers and landowners wanting to make conservation improvements to their land.” Roundstone Native Seed will be working with Hansbrough and providing a diverse selection of native seeds for the pollinator garden, and the East Tennessee Nursery and Tennessee Department of Agriculture Division of Forestry is providing a selection of hardwood shrub seedlings selected specifically for wildlife habitat enhancement.

The exhibit will open Dec. 5, 2020 in the Simmons Bank Ag Center.

Major sponsors of this exhibit are Nutrien Ag Solutions and Simmons Bank. To learn about more of our sponsors, click here.

For a current list of Champions of Agriculture, visit the website.

To partner with Discovery Park on this very important exhibit, email Mary Nita Bondurant at mbondurant@discoveryparkofamerica.com or call 731-676-3556.

Discovery Park of America Announces Additional Partners and New Details for Upcoming Exhibit on Innovation in Agriculture 2020

Posted on by

Dresser Winn, a Nutrien Ag Solutions intern and University of Tennessee at Martin agriculture student, preparing to plant seeds that will become a display of crops that will include cotton, soybeans, corn and hemp on Discovery Park’s Innovation Farm.

May 28, 2020 – We’re so excited to announce new partners and more details for “AgriCulture: Innovating for Our Survival,” a permanent exhibit dedicated to telling the story of innovation in agriculture. The exhibit will open Dec. 5, 2020 in the Simmons Bank Ag Center.

New partners include The Dairy Alliance; East Tennessee Nursery and Tennessee Department of Agriculture Division of Forestry; H&R Agri-Power and Case IH; Roundstone Native Seed; “Silo”; Star Pastures Apiary; Tennessee Beef Promotion Board; and USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service.

The Tennessee Beef Promotion Board has contributed $50,000 to the exhibit that tells the story of farming innovation in the past, present—and especially—future in a fun and interactive way. Visitors of all ages will gain an understanding of how food and fiber get from the farm to the family and the role technological, scientific and genetic innovation in agriculture plays in society and culture around the world. “Those of us who work every day in the agriculture industry are always looking for fun ways to educate the public on where their food comes from,” said Valerie Bass, executive director of the board. “The board and I believe an exhibit with facts about innovation in all areas of agriculture is going to fill that need in a unique way.”

Guests to Discovery Park have seen a completely refurbished 1914 Case steam engine on display in front of the Simmons Bank Ag Center. When the new exhibit opens, that example of innovation of the past will be on display next to a modern tractor of today loaded with new technology thanks to H&R Agri-Power and Case IH. “We’re excited about this opportunity to help educate the public on the latest and greatest advancements in farm equipment,” said Wayne Hunt, president of a 17-store Case IH dealership with stores in Kentucky, Tennessee, Illinois, Indiana, Mississippi and Alabama. “I’m certain visitors to this exhibit are going to be surprised at how modern tools are allowing farmers to maximize both their time and their resources,” said Hunt. H&R Agri-Power and Case IH are also making a $50,000 contribution to the exhibit.

The Dairy Alliance, a nonprofit funded by dairy farm families of the Southeast, is contributing $15,000 to the project. “On behalf of dairy farm families, we work to educate the public with facts about dairy foods and the innovation taking place in dairy that allows farmers to do more with less,” said Denise Jones, manager for farm relations for Kentucky and Tennessee. “We believe a fun exhibit like this one is a great way to help people learn more about this important aspect of agriculture.”

The exhibit designers at Solid Light, the firm chosen by Discovery Park to create this new exhibit, are also working with Samuel Goldberg, producer of “Silo”, to tell the story of how innovation impacts farm safety. “Silo” is a film inspired by the story of an 18-year-old farmhand who got stuck in a grain silo. Goldberg spent five years researching with farmers and rural fire departments on the topic of farm safety in order to produce the film.

Major sponsors of this exhibit are Nutrien Ag Solutions and Simmons Bank. To learn about more of our sponsors, click here.

For a current list of Champions of Agriculture, visit the website.

To partner with Discovery Park on this very important exhibit, email Mary Nita Bondurant at mbondurant@discoveryparkofamerica.com or call 731-676-3556.

Whimsical Art Added to the 50-acre Outdoor Heritage Park 2020

Posted on by

Whimsical Art Added to the 50-acre Outdoor Heritage Park

May 26, 2020 – When we reopen our 50-acre outdoor heritage park to the public on June 1, 2020, you will see a new addition that is “out of this world.” The whimsical piece of art, sculpted and donated by John Toras from Marshall County, Ky., is constructed of stainless steel and named Master of the Universe. It features a child holding a spaceship that spins in the wind.

When asked why he named this particular piece the Master of the Universe, John said, “The children of the world today are the future of tomorrow. They can all be the master of the universe one day.” And we couldn’t agree more.

John began applying his skills as a certified pipe fitter and welder to create art in 1977 when he began experimenting with various techniques and methods of welding. He begins most pieces with scrap stainless steel he picks up from a variety of places around his home.

“We often say that you’ll find something inspirational around every corner at Discovery Park,” said Jennifer Wildes, director of exhibits. “Because of all the unique, one-of-kind artifacts on display both inside and out, this artwork fits in very nicely here.”

You can experience a whole display of John’s artwork when we receive more than 15 pieces for an outdoor exhibit that will be open July 1 – Oct. 2, 2020. But until then, come visit our 50 acres of inspiration when we open June 1. We will be open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays for deep cleaning. Purchase your tickets online and save 15% and enjoy no-touch admission.

pin John Toras – websitePin It
pin website sw letterPin It
pin Master of the Universe websitePin It
close keyboard_arrow_right keyboard_arrow_left

Q & A with Kayce Workman about the Tennessee Naturalist Program 2020

Posted on by

May 22, 2020 – Discovery Park of America is excited to team up with the Tennessee Naturalist Program to offer courses focusing on the nature in the state, instilling an appreciation of responsible environmental stewardship and channeling volunteer efforts toward education of the general public and conservation of Tennessee’s natural resources.

Recently, we sat down with Kayce Workman, Discovery Park’s aquarium and wildlife assistant director and asked her a couple of questions about the program.

What is the Tennessee Naturalist Program?

This program is set up to teach participants about the natural world around them. It also works to inspire a desire to continue learning and helps to instill an appreciation of responsible environmental stewardship. The program works to build a volunteer community that tries to educate the general public and help conserve our natural resources.

The mission of the Tennessee Naturalist Program is “inspiring the desire to learn and share Tennessee’s nature.”

This program is excellent for adults 18 and older that are interested in the natural history of our state and want to expand their knowledge. Our chapter will cover ten topics that touch on all aspects of the natural history of northwest Tennessee with the diverse Reelfoot Lake being one of our focal points.

What are some of the topics covered in this program?

The Tennessee Naturalist Program is an amazing set of courses that cover every aspect of Tennessee’s natural history. Participants start out with lessons that will discuss skills, tasks, tools and resources needed to be a naturalist. They will learn the aspects of interpretation and proper programming principles and techniques. The courses will cover the wildlife, plants, trees, fungi, water systems, geology, ecology and astronomy of northwest Tennessee. During the course of the program, participants will also learn about volunteer opportunities and meet professionals in the field.

Where do all the participants travel to during the course of this program?

Participants will spend in-class sessions at Discovery Park of America, Reelfoot National Wildlife Refuge visitor center and the University of Tennessee at Martin Environmental Field Station. The class will then leave these locations and explore the varying and fascinating areas of the Reelfoot Lake ecosystem and the University of Tennessee at Martin campus that is home to a large variety of Tennessee native trees.

Discovery Park of America will provide transportation starting at the park and returning when the class ends. During the current global pandemic we will be taking social distancing into account.

What are you looking forward to while facilitating the Tennessee Naturalist Program here at Discovery Park of America?

When I first started looking into this program, I was excited that the Tennessee Naturalist Program’s mission was directly in-line with our mission at Discovery Park. I can’t wait to meet people around the area who have an appreciation for Tennessee’s natural history and want to continue to see beyond. I hope to utilize their passion and knowledge of Tennessee through special programming at Discovery Park, as well as local state and federal parks, schools and libraries. Hopefully we will build a community of nature enthusiasts who will work together to educate generations to come!

What advice do you have for someone who is considering signing up for this program?

This program is full of excellent material and led by professionals in the field. It will be extremely beneficial for anyone wanting to expand their knowledge and give back to their community and environment. I would advise all participants who sign up to actively participate in each of the classes and ask plenty of questions. The teachers lined up for the classes are very knowledgeable and enjoy sharing their passion with others. Anyone who is interested in participating should be enthusiastic and prepared to put in 40 hours of course work throughout a 9 month period and 40 hours of volunteer service that can be accumulated throughout the time period of the classes, and an additional 12 months after the final class to be fully certified as a Tennessee Naturalist.

Registration Information

The classes are open for adults ages 18 and older will be held on Saturday mornings beginning Aug. 29, 2020 at 8 a.m. and Discovery Park’s health and safety guidelines for guests will be in effect. The 10 classes are limited to just 20 participants and costs $250 for all 10 days and all class materials. A schedule of classes with more information is located at DiscoveryParkofAmerica.com/TNP and registration will open on the TNP website on June 1, 2020.

For answers to questions, contact Kayce Workman at kworkman@discoveryparkofamerica.com or 731-885-5455, ext. 1154.

Discovery Park of America is strictly following all recommended health and safety guidelines for employees and guests.

 

Q & A with Polly Brasher 2020

Posted on by

May 6, 2020 – The Tennessee Association of Museums (TAM) has elected Polly Brasher as their president of the organization. Founded in 1960, TAM serves individuals and organizations who work for and with Tennessee museums through professional development, collaboration and advocacy.

Polly was the very first employee of Discovery Park of America and is currently the director of education at the park. With years of teaching and museum experience, she brings a great wealth of knowledge to the team.

Recently, we sat down with Polly and asked her a couple of questions regarding her work in the museum world, why it’s important for other museum professionals to join organizations like TAM and what advice she would give someone who wants to succeed in the museum industry.

What is your favorite part of working in the museum industry? Museums are non-competitive. I grew up in a highly competitive business, began working there at the age of 8. If you found something that worked, something that sold well, or something that won awards, it was kept in-house as long as possible. In the wonderful world of museums, we share the best ideas and are eager to help one another. Of course, we also share what did not work well, but again, it’s to help our colleagues. This is a truly beautiful thing.

Why do you think it’s important for others working in museums to join organizations like TAM? TAM is a grand way to share and learn. We offer conferences and workshops, of course, but we also offer a network. When I was tasked with creating the organizational chart for Discovery Park, I did a great deal of research, but what I found was that there is no industry standard, and the charts out there are extremely dissimilar. After a workshop in Brownsville, three TAM board members sat with me, going over the charts I had made and helping to choose the best and then tweak it to make it even better. Without TAM, I might as well have been throwing darts at a wall to choose one. Today, I have many more than three people on whom I can call for advice and help.

What do you think is the biggest challenge facing museum professionals as they begin to reopen in the coming months? The unknown is always the biggest challenge, under any circumstance. Right now, though, the blessing is that we are all wondering the same things: When is the right time to open, what is the correct way to open, what is the best way to protect staff and volunteers as well as guests? We are all working toward the same goal at the same time. With this shared focus, it is great time to work together even more than we ever have.

What difference do you think Discovery Park has made to the region? Discovery Center was designed to be striking and unique, to stop traffic that is traveling at 70 miles an hour. The park was designed to be a place of learning and exploration. What Discovery Park is, though, is a beacon of hope. When Goodyear closed, people looked to Discovery Park for hope and jobs. When people are having a bad day or a difficult time, they come to the park to walk or to spend quality time with family or to just focus on something beautiful or interesting for a while. Now, in the midst of a pandemic, I think people are watching to see how we handle the crisis. When we reopen our doors, I believe, and the survey results will back me up on this, that people will breathe a little easier and know that there is still hope and a place to go for comfort, beauty, learning and fun.

What advice would you give someone who wants to have a successful career in the museum industry? Be curious. If you are not interested in the things, places and people around you, then you need a different career path. The museum world is about the discoveries, failures, struggles, innovations and successes of people. We are storytellers, and the stories are sometimes unpleasant, but we have to be truth tellers. We cannot settle for a glossed-over version of anything. We research and validate and then tell the story. Sometimes we have to say we do not yet know, but curiosity will continue to lead us to more answers.

Come Together and Give on #GivingTuesdayNow 2020

Posted on by

Come Together and Give on #GivingTuesdayNow

#GivingTuesdayNow is a new global day of giving and unity that will take place on May 5, 2020 – in addition to the regularly scheduled Dec 1, 2020 #GivingTuesday – as an emergency response to the unprecedented need caused by COVID-19.

May 5, 2020 – Since Discovery Park of America first closed on March 17, 2020 because of the threat brought on by the worldwide COVID-19 outbreak, the goal has been the safety and welfare of our community, guests and staff. Still, our team continues to find new and creative ways to share the mission of Discovery Park, regardless of the loss of income from admission, membership, special events and education programs.

Now is the time we need your help more than ever before to join our mission or inspiring children and adults to see beyond. Your gift allows educators at Discovery Park to develop more programs that are educational and enlightening for guests. Generous people like you support our STEAM Saturdays, art classes and educational weekends like Civil War Days and Military Living History, as well as allow entire classrooms full of students to visit through our scholarship program.

Impact Video

 

 

 

Discovery Park of America in Union City, Tenn. touches hundreds of thousands of lives every year. Benefiting from our transformative experiences are students who get to visit because their teacher took them out of the classroom for a hands-on, state-of-the-art learning experience, families who visit from around the world to discover something new around every corner and adults who participate in classes and panel discussions on a variety of topics relevant today. The museum and park is making a big difference in countless lives, and this could not happen without individuals and organizations who support the mission with their time, talents and financial support.

Impact Report

Our 2019 Impact Report is now available online to view. You will see what all Discovery Park of America offered guests when the visited, whether it was with their family, on a field trip or during a teacher workshop. These educational programs would not be made possible without the support of our generous donors and supporters.

Help Continue our Mission of Inspiring Children and Adults to See Beyond

 

John and Mitzi Crouse recently donated to Discovery Park of America’s mission. When we asked her why she chose us, she said,

“We took our granddaughter to Discovery Park of America few years ago. We all really enjoyed everything you have to offer. We have been receiving your updates for quite awhile. I was reading the current one and thought, what can we do to help during these crazy times? Hence, the donation. Discovery Park offers so much fun, learning opportunities, nature, etc. to adults and children alike, we wanted to help a little until you can reopen.”

How to give

You can join our mission and give back by becoming a member or donating online. If you become a member online, your twelve-month membership will begin when you are able to activate it at Discovery Park of America. Either way you choose, we thank you now for the generations of students and guests who will visit Discovery Park when we open and for years to come.

Become a Member

Give Today

The mission of Discovery Park of America, a premier world-class museum and 50-acre heritage park located in Union City, Tennessee, is to inspire children and adults to see beyond. Included is a 100,000-square-foot museum featuring 9 interactive exhibit galleries with additional space for temporary exhibits from around the world and a 50-acre heritage park. Discovery Park of America is a 501(c)(3) public charity funded by generous individuals, corporations and foundations including its principal funder, the Robert E. and Jenny D. Kirkland Foundation. For more information, visit DiscoveryParkofAmerica.com, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

Share the #SpiritofTravel on Social Media during National Travel and Tourism Week 2020

Posted on by

Share the #SpiritofTravel on Social Media during National Travel and Tourism Week

May 2, 2020 – Right now, your travel plans may be paused, rescheduled or sadly cancelled due to COVID-19. But, that does not mean you cannot experience travel virtually and start planning your experiences this week during U.S. Travel’s National Travel and Tourism Week. This week honors the spirit of travel in recognition of the industry’s strength, selfessness and resiliency.

This week is also about all travelers. You may be one who enjoys a European vacation, or you may be someone who likes to explore the small towns in your own state. Whether you are a world traveler or a weekend getaway close-to-home type, the #SpiritofTravel is in all of us.

National Travel and Tourism Week is May 3-9, and Discovery Park of America is participating in bringing you the spirit of travel. We have a moment each day in which you can join the conversation on social media using #nttw20 and #SpiritOfTravel on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. All this week, we will be highlighting what our followers enjoy the most when they travel to Discovery Park. There will also be some giveaways throughout the week, and we will wrap up National Travel and Tourism Week with a video where we asked several Discovery Park employees, “What does travel mean to you?”

To keep up with the week, be sure to follow Discovery Park of America on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

  • Sun., May 3: Learn about National Travel and Tourism Week in this blog!
  • Mon., May 4: Share your favorite exhibits and artifacts at Discovery Park of America.
    • We will be sharing pictures on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram with photos of exhibits, galleries and artifacts that guests have shared with us!
  • Tues., May 5: Virtual Road Trip
    • Tennessee will be on the #VirtualRoadTrip with @USTravel on Twitter at 1:30 p.m. CDT. Watch for some fun facts about @DiscoveryParkUC and travel during this time!
  • Wed., May 6: Tourism Partnership Spotlights
  • Thurs., May 7: It’s giveaway time! Tune in on Facebook and Instagram to see what you can win! Hint: it involves some free passes and swag from Discovery Park!
  • Fri., May 8: #FlashbackFriday is one of our favorite social media trends. We will share some throwback pictures of what Discovery Park looked like before it was even open. If you have any pictures or stories about the beginnings of Discovery Park, but sure to share them with us.
  • Sat., May 9: We conclude #nttw20 by announcing the winners of the giveaways as well as sharing our video of “What does travel mean to you?” Let us know what travel means to you in the comments of the video, too!

Discovery Park of America is a destination for travelers of all ages. Even though attractions across the world are closed or limiting their number of visitors, we can come together during this week and share the #SpiritofTravel virtually until it is time to explore again.

Discovery Park will be opening our 50-acre heritage park on June 1, 2020 for guests to enjoy. Click here to learn more details about Discovery Park’s reopening plans, cleaning processes and more.

pin Japanese Garden at Discovery Park of America in Union City, Tenn.Pin It
Japanese Garden at Discovery Park of America in Union City, Tenn.
pin Guests fishing at Rhythm on the Rails concert series at Discovery Park of America in Union City, Tenn.Pin It
Guests fishing at Rhythm on the Rails concert series at Discovery Park of America in Union City, Tenn.
pin Boardwalk at Reelfoot Lake State Park in Tiptonville, Tenn.Pin It
Boardwalk at Reelfoot Lake State Park in Tiptonville, Tenn.
pin PT-17 Stearman airplane located at Discovery Park of America in Union City, Tenn.Pin It
PT-17 Stearman airplane located at Discovery Park of America in Union City, Tenn.
pin White Squirrel Winery in Kenton, Tenn.Pin It
White Squirrel Winery in Kenton, Tenn.
pin Guests watching the ducks at Discovery Park of America in Union City, Tenn.Pin It
Guests watching the ducks at Discovery Park of America in Union City, Tenn.
pin Full Throttle Saloon in Trimble, Tenn.Pin It
Full Throttle Saloon in Trimble, Tenn.
close keyboard_arrow_right keyboard_arrow_left

Ronald Reagan: The 40th President of the United States of America 2020

Posted on by

Ronald Reagan: The 40th President of the United States of America

May 1, 2020 – Hollywood actor, union leader, governor and oldest president at the time of his election are only a few of the hats that Ronald Reagan wore throughout his 93 years of life. You can find Reagan standing comfortably, casually holding his signature cowboy hat behind him, alongside the other four statues overlooking Freedom Square.

Reagan’s approval ratings rivaled that of one of his political inspirations, Franklin D. Roosevelt. Coming from humble origins in northern Illinois, Reagan worked his way from radio announcer to Hollywood’s big screens. He served as a stateside Army Captain while also participating in the Screen Actors Guild, eventually becoming a long running president of the organization.

As president, Reagan dealt with high-stakes issues such as an assassination attempt, the Cold war and the 1980 Iran-Iraq war. His financial initiatives, such as supply-side economics that reduced taxes and government spending, were named “Reaganomics” and exist as key debate points in politics to this day.

Reagan’s career was recent enough that many who visit the park will remember his influence on their own lifetimes, but for those too young to remember, his statue will serve as an opportunity to inspire a new generation to see beyond.

For more “Did You Know” articles, check out our latest blog posts.

Also, be sure to watch our “Moments of Discovery” on our Facebook page and YouTube channel.

pin Ronald Reagan in Freedom Square on the grounds at Discovery Park of AmericaPin It
Ronald Reagan in Freedom Square on the grounds at Discovery Park of America
pin Freedom Square on the grounds at Discovery Park of AmericaPin It
Freedom Square on the grounds at Discovery Park of America
pin Bronze statue of Ronald Reagan in Freedom Square at Discovery Park of AmericaPin It
Bronze statue of Ronald Reagan in Freedom Square at Discovery Park of America
pin Freedom Square at Discovery Park of AmericaPin It
Freedom Square at Discovery Park of America
close keyboard_arrow_right keyboard_arrow_left

Q & A with John Watkins, Garden Guru at Discovery Park 2020

Posted on by

Q & A with John Watkins, Garden Guru at Discovery Park

May 1, 2020 – Growing up, I always had a fascination with Greek mythology. Even though I couldn’t pronounce half of the names in those old tales, I thought it was kind of neat how the ancient Greeks came up with some pretty elaborate stories to explain things they couldn’t understand. (Kind of the same way that I used to try and explain algebra to my boys when they were young.) The Greeks had some especially interesting ideas about how plants came into being and thus many plants to this day bear the names from these tales. So in order to get the real low-down, I thought I might sit down and have a little conversation with our own resident Greek Titan here at Discovery Park, Prometheus.

John: “Prometheus, thanks so much for taking a little time out of your busy schedule to talk with us. I know you’re really chained to your work, but I was wondering if you could give us a little more insight into how some our modern day plants came into being?”

Prometheus: “I always welcome the opportunity to enlighten humans about our ancient history. Besides, it might be a pleasant distraction from this eagle that is constantly trying to pull my liver out!”

John: “Yeah, sorry about that. Let’s start with one of my favorite spring flowers, the Hyacinth.”

Prometheus: “Ah yes, that’s a good one alright. As you probably know, Hyacinthus is the Latin name for your modern hyacinth. In my time, Hyacinthus was a popular lad who included as his friends such notables as Apollo and Zephyrus the West Wind. One day, Hyacinthus and Apollo were out flinging the old Frisbee around (or discus as we called it). Apollo yelled to Hyacinthus, “Goest thou deep”, and then he let the discus fly. Hyacinthus told Apollo, “Holdest my ale”, and ran to make a magnificent one-handed grab. But Zephyrus (who was jealous because he wasn’t invited to play), blew up a mighty wind and caused the discus to go off course. The discus struck Hyacinthus in the head and killed him right on the spot. Now Apollo was so upset that he made a little flower out of the spilled blood. I even heard that Apollo’s tears stained the newly formed flower’s petals. And that’s where you get your present day Hyacinth. If you want to take a little friendly advice from old Prometheus, don’t play Ultimate Frisbee on a windy day unless you invite all your friends.”

John: “Those definitely sound like words to live by. Thanks again for taking the time to share with us and I certainly hope we can continue our discussion in the future!”

pin John Watkins having a conversation with Prometheus in Freedom SquarePin It
John Watkins having a conversation with Prometheus in Freedom Square
pin Freedom Square on the grounds at Discovery Park of AmericaPin It
Freedom Square on the grounds at Discovery Park of America
pin Prometheus, Titan of Greek MythologyPin It
Prometheus, Titan of Greek Mythology
pin Hyacinth PlantPin It
Hyacinth Plant
close keyboard_arrow_right keyboard_arrow_left

The Saber-Toothed Cat 2020

Posted on by

The Saber-Toothed Cat

April 28, 2020 – How might you answer the question, “where did saber-toothed cats live?” In the treeless tundra of modern Canada? In the jungles of South America? If you were to answer with either of these statements, you would be correct. Saber-toothed cats were not one species, or even a group of closely related species, but many different organisms that shared a similar appearance. One such species, the South-American Thylacosmilus, is believed to have been a marsupial! Without a doubt, the most famous creature to have earned the title of saber-toothed cat is Smilodon.

Smilodon had a diverse range of habitats, from subtropical to subarctic, but the largest collection of saber-toothed cat fossils, and those most referenced in science, were not recovered from an icy pit or a rainforest floor; they were recovered from Hancock Park in urban Los Angeles, California.

The La Brea Tar Pits were pivotal in the formation of Hancock Park when W.W. Orcutt, a petroleum geologist, noted the presence of prehistoric fossils in the natural asphalt pits on the Hancock Ranch in Los Angeles in 1901. Since then, hundreds of saber-toothed cats, as well as mammoths, dire wolves, ground sloths, and dozens of other mammal species from the Pleistocene Epoch have been recovered from the pits. The Smilodon specimens were so well preserved and so abundant that in 1973, the California state legislature adopted the Smilodon as the California State Fossil.

The specimen in the Natural History Gallery here at Discovery Park of America was cast from one of these very specimens and stands as a local access point to this incredibly piece of America’s paleontological heritage.

For more “Did You Know” articles, check out our latest blog posts.

Also, be sure to watch our “Moments of Discovery” on our Facebook page and YouTube channel.

pin Saber-toothed cat in the Natural History Gallery at Discovery Park of AmericaPin It
Saber-toothed cat in the Natural History Gallery at Discovery Park of America
pin Guests enjoying the Natural History Gallery at Discovery Park of America in Union City, Tenn.Pin It
Guests enjoying the Natural History Gallery at Discovery Park of America in Union City, Tenn.
pin T-rex head on display in the Natural History Gallery at Discovery Park of AmericaPin It
T-rex head on display in the Natural History Gallery at Discovery Park of America
pin Dinosaur Hall at Discovery Park of America in Union City, Tenn.Pin It
Dinosaur Hall at Discovery Park of America in Union City, Tenn.
close keyboard_arrow_right keyboard_arrow_left

The Pickelhaube 2020

Posted on by

The Pickelhaube

Did you know?

April 26, 2020 – The distinctive spiked infantry helmet on display at Discovery Park is called the “Pickelhaube,” and the design is still in use today!

The word “pickelhaube” might sound confusing at first, bringing to mind food instead of pointed objects, but other English words like “peak,” “pick,” “spike,” “pickaxe,” or the “pike,” a historic polearm consisting of a wooden shaft up to 25 feet long topped with a steel spearhead, all refer to pointed things. In German, “pickel” has several translations, including “point,” “pick,” and “pickaxe,” and “haube” means “hood,” or “cap.”

The headgear is heavily associated with the military tradition of the Kingdom of Prussia, a nation of moderate size whose formidable army allowed it to become a great power in Europe and take the dominant position among the German states which joined together in 1871. When the German Empire was formed, their constitution codified that whoever was King of Prussia was also Emperor of Germany.

Though the pickelhaube’s point may have been useful in deflecting saber blows on the battlefields of the 1800’s, the helmet proved problematic in World War I, with the shiny spike protruding from trenches and drawing fire. Needing better-protecting and easier-to-produce headgear, and facing leather shortages, Germany replaced the pickelhaube.

Though the German Empire collapsed in 1918, other nations wished to emulate the Prussian army and its successes, so the pickelhaube is still traditionally worn, sometimes with elaborate horsehair ornamentation, by parading soldiers and honor guards even today.

In our Military Gallery, visitors can view an authentic pickelhaube made in 1915. It is standard-issue and was made from leather by “Rudolf Witmer & Co,” with a metal spike on top, and a metal plate in front displaying the crowned eagle found on the Prussian flag.

For more “Did You Know” articles, check out our latest blog posts.

Also, be sure to watch our “Moments of Discovery” on our Facebook page and YouTube channel.

pin Model 1915 Prussian Officer’s Pickelhaube helmet on display at Discovery Park of America in Union City, Tenn.Pin It
Model 1915 Prussian Officer's Pickelhaube helmet on display at Discovery Park of America in Union City, Tenn.
pin A glance at the lower level of the Military Gallery at Discovery Park of America in Union City, Tenn.Pin It
A glance at the lower level of the Military Gallery at Discovery Park of America in Union City, Tenn.
pin PT-17 Stearman airplane located at Discovery Park of America in Union City, Tenn.Pin It
PT-17 Stearman airplane located at Discovery Park of America in Union City, Tenn.
close keyboard_arrow_right keyboard_arrow_left

Basket Weaving 2020

Posted on by

Basket Weaving: A 10,000-Year-Old Craft

Did you know?

April 23, 2020 – Humans have been weaving baskets for at least 10,000 years, and the basic principles used by the first weavers are still in practice today. As the craftsmen working in Discovery Park of America’s Settlement will tell you – “over and under, over and under, and then over and under again.” A number of more advanced techniques have been developed over the millennia, of course, including several Appalachian and Midwestern traditions that pioneers of this region were among the first to employ in the 19th century.

The primary material used by pioneers in this area for basket weaving was the bark of hickory, willow and white oak trees, which can be removed from the trunk, cut into strips and woven into baskets. This is accomplished using drawknives, like the four on display in the Settlement’s Tool Barn. This was a long process and the entire process, from falling a tree to completing a basket, could take weeks or even months. This made baskets a precious commodity in the 19th century and a pioneering family would have treated them with great care.

Handmade baskets can be found in the Regional History Gallery in Discovery Center, but the David Crockett Cabin in The Settlement offers the unique opportunity to watch the magic happen. Discovery Park’s basket-weaving demonstrator, Carol Whitmore, has been weaving baskets for over 30 years and has worked in historical interpretation and museums even longer. Carol can be found working in the Craftsmen Room of the David Crockett Cabin alongside a collection of her work.

For more “Did You Know” articles, check out our latest blog posts.

Also, be sure to watch our “Moments of Discovery” on our Facebook page and YouTube channel.

pin Craftsmen are set up inside the David Crockett Cabin in the Settlement at Discovery Park.Pin It
Craftsmen are set up inside the David Crockett Cabin in the Settlement at Discovery Park.
pin Homemade baskets and ornaments inside the David Crockett Cabin at Discovery Park of America.Pin It
Homemade baskets and ornaments inside the David Crockett Cabin at Discovery Park of America.
pin Intricately-designed homemade baskets on display and for sale in the David Crockett Cabin in the Settlement.Pin It
Intricately-designed homemade baskets on display and for sale in the David Crockett Cabin in the Settlement.
pin Meet Carol Whitmore. She has over 30 years of basket weaving experience, working as a historical interpreter with museums. You can meet her and watch her weave in the Settlement at Discovery Park of America.Pin It
Meet Carol Whitmore. She has over 30 years of basket weaving experience, working as a historical interpreter with museums. You can meet her and watch her weave in the Settlement at Discovery Park of America.
close keyboard_arrow_right keyboard_arrow_left