Aug. 5, 2020 – The Historical Theater Academy is about to gear up again on Tuesday nights, and we wanted to sit down with a current student of the program to get the inside scoop on what goes on behind the scenes during the program.

Linus Pulley, a junior at Fulton Independent High School and current participant in the Historical Theater Academy, was recently cast as a main character in a music video by an up-and-coming country band, Bexar. We sat down with Pulley and asked him some questions about how Historical Theater Academy impacted his life and how it prepared him for this role in the video.

How did you hear about Historical Theater Academy, and what made you sign up for it?  

I participated in Jenny Virgin’s summer workshops at the Masquerade Theatre for many years. After she retired from the program, she announced the Historical Theater Academy (HTA) at Discovery Park. My mom told me about it and I entered the class to participate in theater again.

What has been the best thing about being involved in Historical Theater Academy?

The best part of HTA is the whole experience. Being able to create an entire show from the ground up, being able to act in that show, and making great friends along the way are some of the highlights. 

Why should students in grade 6 – 12 sign up for Historical Theater Academy? 

Students should sign up for HTA for a one-of-a-kind experience. Being involved in every single aspect of a new show is amazing. 

You recently were the main character in the music video, “Again,” by the band Bexar. How did HTA prepare you for this role? 

Historical Theater Academy taught me many acting skills that I still use today. The way I am able to convey emotion without speaking is a skill I picked up through HTA and other acting. HTA has also taught me to listen to my director. 

What piece of advice would you give your peers who are thinking about participating in Historical Theater Academy?  

I would tell them that it doesn’t matter if they have acting experience or not. HTA is a place for beginners and experts alike. 

Anything else you would like to share about your experience in HTA? 

I would like to say that HTA is the best program I have ever participated in. Building a show, acting in it, and making friends are some of the best experiences I’ve ever had.

Watch the music video for “Again” by Bexar and see Linus’s role in the video.

A group of young Discovery Park guests posing with a reproduction of a John Gadsby Chapman painting of David Crockett on display in the Regional History Gallery.

July 1, 2020 – On the shores of Discovery Park of America’s North Lake lies a quaint collection of nearly a dozen cabins devoted to preserving the culture and heritage of West Tennessee during the 19^th century. From cooking to gardening, sewing, weaving, and even going to the doctor, almost every conceivable facet of life is addressed in the two-acre Settlement. Acting as the centerpiece of the conglomeration is a shimmering, larger-than-life statue of one of the most pivotal figures of this region during the early 19^th century – David Crockett.

Originally hailing from Green County, Tennessee, Crockett found his way to West Tennessee in 1826 at the age of 39 after suffering a political defeat in his home district. He immediately assumed the congressional office for Tennessee’s 9^th District, including Obion County, which had been organized just 4 years prior. Crockett last resided in nearby Rutherford, before leaving Tennessee for Texas in November 1835. Crockett infamously met his end fighting for Texan Independence the following March at the Alamo Mission in San Antonio.

“Davy” Crockett, as he is often misnamed in modern publications, is a figure shrouded in mystery and legend; this was the case during his life as well. Crockett presented himself as the people’s politician – a man in tune with the working class, the impoverished, and the plight of frontier families. This strategy earned him titles such as “king of the frontier,” and gave rise to the folk legend that most people recognize. It was not until 1954 that the popular image of “Davy Crockett” was donned with a coonskin cap by Walt Disney’s miniseries by that name. In reality, Crockett and all of his friends and acquaintances simply referred to him as David, a tradition preserved and respected in the museum and academic communities.

Jun. 24, 2020 – As we prepare to kick off the 2020 outdoor summer concert series, “Rhythm on the Rails,” on Fri., June 26, we are faced with a very different world than last year’s successful concert series. From employees wearing face masks to adult beverages being served to guests at their seats, Lauren Jones, Discovery Park’s director of special events, and others at the museum and heritage park have been hard at work for weeks to create a safe place so guests can sit outside and listen to live music.

Lauren took a few minutes to answer some questions about putting together such a big event in the unprecedented times we live as everyone adapts their behavior due to the pandemic.

Question: Why did Discovery Park decide to proceed with a live music series?

Having an outdoor summer music series near the Depot is perfect because families can enjoy the wide-open space of the park, catch some fish, eat good food and listen to great talent while maintaining a safe, six-foot distance from other guests. We’ve had many of our members and people who live in the communities around Union City let us know they are eager for us to continue with the series, and after such a successful reopening of Discovery Park earlier this month, we decided we could apply those same health and safety policies and continue with the popular event.

Question: What sort of things are being done differently this year?

All Discovery Park teammates will be wearing masks, and we’re not having bars like we have had in the past. We’ll have enough of our folks working that can take drink orders from guests who will be able to spread out if they choose. We’ll also have a lot of hand sanitizer available for everyone. Our teammates also have their temperature taken before the shift begins and, of course, no one who has been exposed to anyone with Covid-19 is allowed to work.

Question: How have you known what policies make sense for Discovery Park?

We’ve been closely following recommendations from Gov. Bill Lee’s Economic Recovery Group, led by the Tennessee Department of Tourism Development Commissioner Mark Ezell. By taking the Tennessee Pledge, as they call it, we’re part of a bigger group of companies and organizations who are working with the medical community and state government to safely reboot Tennessee’s economy.

All of us here have found the Tennessee Pledge to be a careful, measured approach to get Discovery Park open once again while creating a safe environment for our teammates and guests.

Question: Who are some of the bands and performers booked for the series?

We’re kicking things off big with a performance by the Grammy award-winning blues band, Chubby Carrier and the Bayou Swamp Band. Other bands will be performing throughout the music series, including Tyler Goodson; Coby Watts and the AC43 Band; Kimberlie Helton Band; Johnny Mac and the Heart Attacks; Seeing Red; Clark Beckham; Brent Hinson and Matt Crosson; Steve Short and Keith Brown; Olivia Faye; Katie Thorpe Tohn and Kicking Keys with Roger and Barry; and Blair and Madison.

Question: What kind of food will be available?

The first night of “Rhythm on the Rails” is blues and brats night. Sabin’s Café will be grilling delicious brats, burgers and hot dogs for guests to purchase. The rest of the summer concert series will have a variety of food by Sabin’s Café and food trucks.

Full Schedule of “Rhythm on the Rails”

June 8, 2020 – If you are a follower of Discovery Park of America on any social media, or if you are subscribed to our newsletter, you may have seen an increase of posts and articles on the new agriculture exhibition, “AgriCulture: Innovating for Our Survival.” This exciting new exhibit is scheduled to open Dec. 5, 2020.

It takes a lot of hard work, research, time and organization to build an exhibit. Jennifer Wildes, who is the park’s exhibits and collections director, is the liaison between the partners, exhibit designers and internal staff to make sure this exhibit is exactly up to Discovery Park standards and that the facts are shared. We asked her how organizations and individuals who are passionate about agriculture can get involved.

What is “AgriCulture: Innovating for Our Survival?

“Agriculture: Innovating for Our Survival” is a new, permanent exhibit that will open in the Simmons Bank Ag Center in December of this year. It will focus on telling the story of innovation in agriculture and explain why innovating was and is so vital to the agriculture world — especially as today’s farmers are navigating the challenge to provide more food, fuel and fiber to a growing population while using less of our shared resources. We have a robust section on our website dedicated to the exhibit, and if anyone is interested in finding out more about it, they can visit www.discoveryparkofamerica.com/agriculture.

How can organizations and individuals participate in this new exhibit?

We are still raising funds through our development department and are happy to meet with interested people one-on-one to discuss a gift to the new exhibit. We still need around $90,000 to be able to complete the exhibit in its entirety and would be grateful for support of any amount. An option for individuals rather than organizations would be to become a Champion of Agriculture.

If someone chooses to become a Champion of Agriculture, what do they need to do to become involved?

A Champion of Agriculture refers to an individual or family that wishes to make a contribution of any amount towards the exhibit. Those greatly appreciated donations can be easily made by clicking the Champion of Agriculture link available on the exhibit’s section of our website or by visiting discoveryparkofamerica.com/agchampion.

Will there be any sort of recognition if someone chooses to become a Champion of Agriculture?

Absolutely. As soon as visitors walk through the doors into the new exhibit, they will be greeted with a visual display of givers from all levels, including Champions of Agriculture. In fact, when making a Champion of Agriculture contribution on our website, there is a section where donors can tell us exactly how they would like their recognition to be worded for that display.

What are you looking forward to the most about this exciting new exhibit on agriculture?

Honestly, it is so hard to choose. Overall, I think I am most excited to see our visitor’s response. It is a path that I traveled myself during the development of the exhibit. I do not come from an agriculture background, so I was ignorant on a lot of topics that we present within the exhibit. Agriculture’s diversity — in the way of workers, jobs, ideas, and practices — is much more than I ever imagined. I have been able to learn so much and developed a great appreciation for those who work in the agriculture field, and I can’t wait for our visitors to experience the same.

May 28, 2020 – When “AgriCulture: Innovating for Our Survival,” Discovery Park’s permanent exhibit dedicated to telling the story of innovation in agriculture opens on Dec. 5, 2020, a memorable part will no doubt be the “faces of farming” that will be on display featuring photographs taken around the region by photographer Luke Johnson. “If your first thought of a farmer is of the stereotype that we see in popular culture, the reality may just surprise you,” said Jennifer Wildes, Discovery Park’s exhibits director. “The men and women who chose to dedicate their lives to providing food, fuel and fiber for families around the world vary in age, gender and race just like other industries.” In anticipation of the opening of the exhibit, Discovery Park has created an online gallery at Discoveryparkofamerica.com/facesoffarming to share just a few of the hundreds of photos that have been taken of farmers, ranchers and others who are part of the agriculture industry today and who will be included in the exhibit.

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.

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.

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.

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.