Discovery Park Marks Employee Milestones

Oct. 8, 2021 – On Oct. 7, Discovery Park of America recognized employees who have celebrated five and ten-year anniversaries with the museum and heritage park. Two members of the staff, Polly Brasher, senior director of education, and Jennifer Wildes, senior director of exhibits and collections, celebrated ten years with Discovery Park. While the museum did not open to the public until Nov. 1, 2013, it was under construction for several years and included the efforts of many volunteers. Both Brasher and Wildes were among the very first employees officially on the payroll.

In his opening comments, Scott Williams, the organization’s president and CEO, shared a long list of positive comments from museum visitors and acknowledged they are a result of those in the room who shared their time and talents to make Discovery Park such an incredible, award-winning museum and attraction. Williams added, “Tonight, on behalf of the Discovery Park board, the Kirkland family and the more than two million guests who have come through those doors, I get to say, ‘Thank you.’ Thank you for the incredible job each and every one of you does every single day as we implement our important mission, and thank you all for making this such a joyful place to get to work.”

As 10-year honorees, Brasher and Wildes received a solid-brass, early Victorian-style telescope. All 5-year honorees received a solid-brass compass in a hand-made wooden box that featured an inlayed compass rose. Williams noted, “a compass rose is sometimes called a rose of the winds and is used to indicate direction on a map or nautical chart. I hope each time you look at it, you are reminded of all the things you do that inspire our guests to leave here and head in directions they never dreamed of before visiting Discovery Park.”

Both the telescope and the compass were engraved with the honoree’s name and an acknowledgment of gratitude for their years of leading discovery.

Current Discovery Park employees celebrating a ten-year anniversary are Polly Brasher and Jennifer Wildes. Employees celebrating a five-year anniversary are Judy Anding, Randy Anding, Chris Armstrong, David Blincoe, Mary Nita Bondurant, Hunter Brown, Christy Buchanan, Chambry Callicott, Art Chivers, Jessica Dunivant, David Eastep, Marie Fee, Robert Finley, Diane Forrest, Lisa Glass, John Hall, Gloria Harris, David Heathcott, Glenn Heatherly, Karl Johnson, Lauren Jones, Allison Laws, Jerome Leath, Dianne McCoy, Jeanne McMillen, Ashton Milan, Russell Orr, Tom Pyron, Mike Ramsey, Zachary M. Rea, Linda Rose, De Rushing, Lisa Sears, Samantha Simbeck, James Simpson, Nita Simpson, Jamie Suiter, Jamie Thomson, Tammy Ursery, Kayla Uzzle, Jenny Gillihan, Hugh Wade, Jade Walsh, John Watkins, Sheridan Wells and Al Wright.

Earth Science Week Celebration to Feature Special Guests

Oct. 11, 2021 – On Oct. 16, we will be exploring the exciting world of Earth and Environmental Science. From fossils to game shows to stories from a storm chaser, there will be something for the whole family to enjoy.

Guests will not want to miss a feature panel on “Climate Change and its Effects on Water Resources Today” from special guests Lt. Gen. John Castellaw, 36-year veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps, expert on climate security and founder and CEO of FarmSpace Systems, UTM professor Dr. Michael A. Gibson and UTM professor Dr. Jeff Rogers. The panel will take place in Dinosaur Hall at 2 p.m.

This program is made possible by a partnership with UTM’s Department of Agriculture, Geosciences and Natural Resources.

Student groups will receive free admission. To reserve student group passes email Sheridan Wells at swells@discoveryparkofamerica.com

Schedule of Events

Programs are subject to change. All programs are located in Dinosaur Hall unless otherwise specified. 

11:30 a.m. The Lowdown on Groundwater in West Tennessee with Dr. Michael A. Gibson.

Noon The Snails of the 72 million-year-old Coon Creek Formation with Jack Garrett.

12:30 p.m. Storm Stories: Stories from a Student Chaser with Shannon Sullivan.

12:45 p.m. The Geo Game Show with Dr. Jeff Rogers, Tennessee Room.

2 p.m. Climate Change and its Effect on Water Resources Today with Lt. Gen. John Castellaw, Dr. Michael A. Gibson and Dr. Jeff Rogers.]

Click here for a full list of events for Earth Science Week.

Discovery Park to Participate in West Tennessee AgResearch and Education Center’s Bicentennial Heritage Festival

Sept. 30. 2021 – Discovery Park of America will be part of the upcoming Bicentennial Heritage Festival presented by the University of Tennessee’s West Tennessee AgResearch and Education Center on Sat., Oct. 9, 2021. 

Scott Williams, Discovery Park’s president and CEO, will be making a presentation on David Crockett and West Tennessee at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Williams recently published a book on Crockett, The Accidental Fame and Lack of Fortune of West Tennessee’s David Crockett, and the museum and park has several displays and exhibits on the iconic frontiersman. The festival will also include presentations by other subject matter experts on topics including wildlife in Tennessee, Native American farming and more.  

Additional activities will include over a dozen booths showcasing blacksmithing, beekeeping, leatherworking, woodturning and traditional music. Attendees will be given wagon tours of the facility to learn about the research that has contributed towards the agricultural success in West Tennessee. Inside the main building, quilts will be displayed and outside food will be available for purchase. 

“The West Tennessee AgResearch and Education Center was a big help to us while we were creating our exhibit at Discovery Park on innovation in Agriculture,” said Scott Williams. “We’re very excited to join them in celebrating this exciting milestone.”

“AgriCulture: Innovating for Our Survival” opened at Discovery Park in December and includes a section on Tom McCutchen who was the first superintendent of the West Tennessee AgResearch and Education Center, then named the Milan Experiment Station. McCutchen was nicknamed “The Father of No-till” because of his dedication to the environmentally friendly crop-growing system.

Established in 1907, the West Tennessee AgResearch and Education Center is the oldest AgResearch center in the University of Tennessee System. It is known for its researchers’ work in ornamentals, turfgrass and horticultural crops. 

The Bicentennial Heritage Festival will be Sat., Oct. 9. from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the West Tennessee AgResearch and Education Center at 605 Airways Boulevard in Jackson. Admission is $5 for adults 18 and older. A complete schedule is available on the center’s website.

David Crockett’s 235th Birthday Celebrated at Discovery Park with Programs, Music and Proclamation from Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee.

Aug. 16, 2021 – More than 1,000 guests attended Saturday’s celebration of the life and career of David Crockett at Discovery Park for the occasion of his 235th birthday on Aug. 17. Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee sent a proclamation from the state capital calling for a day of recognition for Crockett.

The folk hero, frontiersman, politician and Tennessee settler made his home in Northwest Tennessee from 1822 until he departed for the Alamo in 1835.

Demonstrations of arts and crafts from that era were shared by a variety of craftspeople throughout the park, and guests enjoyed tours of the pollinator gardens, vineyard and Innovation Farm. The museum’s educators presented programs on a variety of topics including the history of the geography of West Tennessee, Crockett’s relationship with Sam Houston, 1800s natural medical practices and the wildlife of West Tennessee during Crockett’s time in the region.

Discovery Park CEO, Scott Williams, who has released a book about Crockett, “The Accidental Fame and Lack of Fortune of West Tennessee’s David Crockett,” hosted a panel discussion with guests Broadway actor Bart Shatto and educator Arthur W. Hunt III, PhD on the fame of David Crockett and his journey from frontier to icon.

One highlight of the day was the performance by Shatto, who is a member of the original Broadway casts of Tony-nominated “Hands on a Hardbody” and “The Civil War” and performed on Broadway in “War Paint” and “Les Misérables.” Shatto premiered selections from his new play, “The Life and Times of Davy Crockett,” that takes place in Memphis the night before Crockett departs Tennessee for Texas. Joining Shatto on stage for the performance that received a standing ovation, was Micah Barnes, Ken Robinson, Brent Hopper and Chloe Cook.

Crockett, known for his marksmanship, was one of the earliest non-Native American hunters around nearby Reelfoot Lake. A passionate advocate for the earliest settlers of West Tennessee, he served in the state legislature from 1821 to 1824, then as congressman representing West Tennessee counties in the United States House of Representatives from 1827 to 1831 and 1833 to 1835. He represented settlers making their homes in the counties of Carroll, Dyer, Fayette, Gibson, Hardeman, Hardin, Haywood, Henderson, Henry, Lawrence, Madison, McNairy, Obion, Perry, Shelby, Tipton, Wayne, and Weakley.

Visitors will find many ways to experience David Crockett at Discovery Park all year long. Included is a statue dedicated to the frontiersman, a congressional exhibit in Liberty Hall at Freedom Square, a reproduction of Crockett’s portrait by John Gadsby Chapman, the Regional History Gallery telling the story of Northwest Tennessee, a 20,0000-gallon aquarium and tanks featuring the wildlife of Reelfoot Lake, a one-of-a-kind Earthquake Simulator, the Native American Gallery, an 1800s Tennessee log cabin community, Mill Ridge featuring a working gristmill and forge and more.

Discover David Crockett at Discovery Park of America.

David Crockett’s 235th Birthday Celebration was sponsored by Dixie Gun Works.

Tennessee: Celebrating 225 Years

June 1, 2021 – On June 1, 1796, The United States Territory South of the River Ohio, more commonly known as The Southwest Territory, became the 16th entity to be granted statehood by the United States Congress – the first federal territory to apply for statehood. It was granted the name Tennessee, from the Cherokee village of Tanasi, in modern day Monroe County. The land that now constitutes our state has been granted many names throughout its brief history, and there is a rich history behind this process.

In 1784, settlers living in what is now East Tennessee became dissatisfied with both the government of North Carolina and the Federal government under the Articles of Confederation. The settlers broke away from North Carolina to create what they called the State of Franklin, drafted a state constitution, elected John Sevier as governor, and began independently governing their unofficial “state.” The two issues that the Franklinites wanted resolved were Native American relations and the right to navigate the Mississippi River, and even signed a compact with the Spanish Empire for rights to transport goods along the Mississippi. The government of North Carolina quickly reasserted its dominion over the territory, and in a matter of four years, the state of Franklin was extinguished.

“On June 1, 2021, Tennessee celebrates 225 years of rich heritage.”

In 1789, upon its own statehood, North Carolina ceded all lands west of the Appalachians to the federal government. The Union then used the land to reward revolutionary soldiers, as well as to settle further land claims under the Cession Act of 1789. Congress gave the name Territory of the United States South of the River Ohio, which, after a few modifications, became The Southwest Territory – the name it retained until statehood in 1796.

On June 1, 2021, Tennessee celebrates 225 years of rich heritage. The contributions of the state and its inhabitants to the global markets of food and music cannot be overstated, nor can its contributions to science and national security. Now a key player on the national stage, it is an enlightening consideration that just over two centuries ago, our great state was a primitive region shrouded in conflict and mystery.

Grumman F11 Tiger: The Jet Fighter that Shot Itself Down

May 26, 2021 – In the 20 years between the two World Wars, aviation technology advanced in leaps and bounds, but was always dependent on internal combustion engines and propellers.

Even after all metal designs with advanced aerodynamics entered service during wartime, their speed would be limited by forces not fully understood. Propellers could only revolve so fast because once their tips exceeded the speed of sound, thrust decreased significantly.  The same so-called “sound barrier” presented problems for aircrafts nearing the transonic range, where air flowed over the aircraft at both subsonic and supersonic speeds.  As its speed increased, air could not get out of the way quickly enough.  In a dive, planes like P38 Lightnings and P51 Mustangs encountered compressibility; shockwaves emanated off their wings, fuselages and tail planes.  In some cases, control surfaces froze.  If not slowed quickly enough to regain control, a crash would result.

The jet engine provided the cure for propeller issues. Further study of the aerodynamic issues, helped by captured German wind tunnel data and rocket powered experimental aircraft such as the Bell X1 and X2, resulted in designs with thin, swept wings and tails.  By the early 1950s, the underpowered jets of the early post-war period were giving way to designs which paired more powerful engines with airframes sophisticated enough to routinely exceed Mach One, approximately 750 mph, smoothly accelerating them to a speed where air flowing around the plane is entirely supersonic.

“It was during its testing in 1956 that it garnered the dubious distinction of being the first, and so far only, fighter jet to shoot itself down.”

Grumman’s 1954 proposal for an improved version of their subsonic F9 Cougar naval fighter evolved into an entirely new aircraft. Capable of modestly supersonic speeds, the F11 Tiger’s swept wings featured wing spoilers for roll control and full span flaps for good handling when launching from and recovering aboard ship.

Its coke bottle shape greatly reduced drag.  It was equipped with four 20mm cannons and could carry drop tanks for extra fuel, and air-to-air missiles.  It was during its testing in 1956 that it garnered the dubious distinction of being the first, and so far only, fighter jet to shoot itself down.

During one test, pilot Thomas Attridge flew his F11 out over the Atlantic to a designated firing range.  Flying a test profile designed to investigate the 20mm guns’ ability to fire under supersonic conditions, he dove from 20,000 feet to 13,000, firing a four second burst.  He then dove even more steeply and lit the engine’s afterburner.  Descending to 7,000 feet, he emptied the rest of his ammunition.  Seconds later, the windshield shattered.  Turning back toward the Grumman factory, he nursed the plane along, holding the shattered windshield in place with one hand.  He noticed a hole near the engine’s air inlet.  The engine itself was barely running and making very little thrust.  A mile short of safety it failed completely.  Too low to eject, he crash landed, the plane erupting into flames.  Severely injured, he was able to extricate himself and would recover.

The plane was a complete loss, but enough evidence remained to determine the cause of the crash.  After firing its first test burst at 13,000 feet, the plane accelerated to a speed high enough to catch up with the cannon shells, which were slowing rapidly and falling nearly vertically.  The plane and four rounds of its own ammunition had wound up in the same tiny patch of sky at the same time.

The Grumman F-11 Tiger on display at Discovery Park of America was piloted by Captain Bob Rasmussen, who served from 1951 to 1983.

Rasmussen flew the jet fighter while a member of the Blue Angels demonstration squadron; one of the first aviators to pilot the new aircraft in 1957. Rasmussen would go on to become a well-known military artist and served as director of the National Naval Aviation Museum in Pensacola, Florida from 1987 to 2014.

New Benefit Coming for Members of Discovery Park of America

May 12, 2021 – We have a new benefit coming for members of Discovery Park of America coming June 1, 2021. Because Discovery Park is now a member of the Association of Science and Technology Centers (ASTC), with your Discovery Park membership, you will also have access to FREE tickets to other museums around the world. You will find a complete list of all museums where members will get free admission here and answers to frequently asked questions about the program here.

You will possibly need to show a copy of your Discovery Park membership card, so we’re working on a way for you to print out or save a digital membership card that will include your annual renewal date.

Founded in 1973, ASTC champions and supports more than 500 science and technology centers and museums, natural history museums, children’s museums, and other STEM-rich, place-based institutions, such as nature centers, aquariums, planetariums, zoos, and botanical gardens throughout North America and in nearly 50 countries, as well as nearly 200 other organizations that share an interest in science learning and engagement.

The list of participating museums is updated twice a year. Lists are active from May 1 to October 31 and November 1 to April 30 of the following year. New lists are posted every March and September in advance of the May 1 and November 1 activation dates.

Need to renew your membership? Call our membership team at 731-885-5455 or email them at membership@discoveryparkofamerica.com.

Not a member? Join today!

Military History and Armed Forces Symposium Held at Discovery Park

May 7, 2021 – More than 5,000 guests visited Discovery Park during the three-day Military History and Armed Forces Symposium that was held April 23-25, 2021. The event featured a variety of programs and interactive activities that explored the past, present and future of the American military. It was considered such a success that the dates of April 22 – April 24, 2022 have been selected for next year’s event.

Attendees experienced a number of special guests who participated in panel discussions and presentations on topics like women and minorities in the military, national security, and closer looks at the wars of the past including the Civil War and the Vietnam War.

Reenactors and authors of military-related books were on hand to share stories from the history of the military and Discovery Park educators led gallery talks that provided more details on several different areas of the park’s military gallery. A pop-up exhibit of portraits by early photographer Matthew Brady was unveiled and members enjoyed a free reception with entertainment by Operation Song.

For those who could not attend, below are links to some of what you missed. Be sure to save the date for the 2022 Military History and Armed Forces Symposium.

Sponsored by Union City Coca-Cola and Dixie Gun Works.

Photos

Photo Galleries from Day One

Photo Galleries from Day Two

Photo Galleries from Day Three

“Reelfoot Forward: A West Tennessee Podcast”

This special episode of “Reelfoot Forward: A West Tennessee Podcast” with Dr. Timothy Smith was recorded during the event. Dr. Smith was one of the featured historians on “Grant,” a three-night mini-series from The History Channel. The audience learned more about the life and career of Ulysses S. Grant and the Civil War and discovered how history-related documentaries are made. Dr. Smith also shared suggestions on getting your children interested in the past and the best historic Tennessee destinations. He is the author of more than 20 books on topics ranging from Shiloh to Champion Hill to Vicksburg to Grant.

Listen to the podcast here.

Watch the live recording here.

Learn more: history.com/shows/grant

Check out his books here.

National Security and Climate Change

Lt. Gen. Castellaw is a 36-year veteran of the Marine Corps, where he held several commands, including chief of staff for the United States Central Command during the Iraq War. Since retirement, Castellaw has served as an advising expert in matters of national security, with emphasis on climate change. He  lives in Alamo, Tenn. and is the founder and CEO of Farmspace Systems, a company specializing in drone and aviation technology in agriculture.

Watch here.

From Kuwait to Capitol Hill

Maj. Gen. William M. Maloan served as the Deputy Commander, Joint Force Headquarters, Tennessee Army National Guard since 2007, and retired in 2012. He currently serves as the Presiding Judge and Chancellor of the 27th Judicial District for Weakley and Obion Counties in Tennessee. Featured were members of the Tennessee National Guard who recently returned from serving in Washington, D.C. during the inauguration of President Joe Biden. Included were Capt. Elliott Martin, Lt. Col. Tony Glandof and 1st Lt. Brittany Allsop.

Watch here.

In Harm’s Way: A History of the American Military Experience

Dr. David Coffey, professor of history at the University of Tennessee at Martin, discussed his latest book, In Harm’s Way: A History of the American Military Experience that is being used now as a textbook at West Point Military Academy.

Watch here.

Women in the Modern Military

Cmdr. Braddock is a 24-year veteran of the U.S. Navy. Since retiring in 2004 and earning a Master of Arts degree in counseling, has worked as a licensed marital and family therapist in Jackson, Tenn. She hosted a panel discussing the experiences of women in the modern military. Included were Cmdr. Becky Walthour, U.S. Coast Guard; Cmdr. Sheree T. Williams, U.S. Navy; Corp. Carrie Mercer, U.S. Marine Corps.

Watch here.

Go There: A Call to Bring Invisible Soldiers of Vietnam into View

Kent is a retiree of the Tennessee Department of Agriculture, where she most recently served as the creative resources director. She is the author of “Better Men: Alpha Upsilon in Vietnam,” in which she sheds light on the comradery of 14 fraternity brothers from Alpha Gamma Rho’s Alpha Upsilon Chapter at the University of Tennessee at Martin who became brothers in service in Vietnam between 1964 and 1972. Kent holds a degree in psychology and a master of arts degree in broadcast journalism from the University of Tennessee. In this panel, several of the servicemen who were featured in her book shared their story. Included were 1st Lt. Thomas Raines, Vietnam veteran; 1st Lt. Bill Powell, Vietnam veteran; and Col. Ed Bevill, U.S. Army retired Vietnam veteran.

Watch here.

Minorities in the Military

Col. Porter is a retired Army serviceman who now serves as program director for Veterans Employed in Service Technology and Agriculture (VETSA.) Before retiring, Porter held the title of deputy chief of staff for the United States Army Human Resources Command at Fort Knox in Kentucky. He has over 30 years of experience in human resources, much of that time is the Army. He led a panel on issues and prejudices facing service members in today’s armed forces. Included were Col. Milton Thompson and Dr. Adam Wilson.

Watch here.

Media Coverage

WBBJ Jackson attended the event and aired this story, and WPSD Paducah interviewed several of the guests in advance. You can find those interviews here.

Dr. Rhea Seddon, Reaching for the Stars

March 17, 2021 – As we continue to celebrate Women’s History Month, we are spotlighting some of the women featured throughout our museum and heritage park who have changed history, made scientific breakthroughs, overcome seemingly insurmountable adversity and inspired the generations after them to see beyond.

One of two NASA flight suits on display in Discovery Park of America’s Moon Dome at STEM Landing was worn by former astronaut, Dr. Rhea Seddon. In 1978, Dr. Seddon was selected as one of the first six women to enter the Astronaut Program and would go on to serve a total of 30 days in space as  mission specialist on Space Shuttle flights in 1985 and 1991 and as a payload commander in charge of all science activities on her final flight in 1993.

After a 19 year career with NASA, she went on to become the assistant chief medical officer at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville. There she led an initiative to improve patient safety, quality care and team effectiveness by use of an aviation-based model of Crew Resource Management.

She is a national speaker and award-winning author who today encourages young and old alike to reach for the stars. Dr. Seddon, a Murfreesboro, Tennessee-native now living in Nashville, was inducted into the Tennessee Aviation Hall of Fame in 2005, the Astronaut Hall of Fame in 2015, and the Tennessee Women’s Hall of Fame also in 2015.

For more blog posts click here.

Discovery Park of America Provides Learning Tools to Local Preschool

March 11, 2021 – At Discovery Park of America, our mission is to inspire children and adults to see beyond. A big part of that mission includes working alongside organizations in our community to encourage others to grow and consider new ideas regardless of age or education.

Al Wright, Discovery Park’s director of maintenance, recently constructed learning tools for the Miles Head Start preschool in Union City, Tennessee. He carved dog treat bones for a “Pet Study” lesson that taught numerous objectives including sorting, classifying, counting, using fine motor skills to paint and comparing. This activity offered the young students a fun and interactive method of learning new skills that they will use in their everyday lives for years to come.

Wendi Wright, a teacher at Miles Head Start, said, “I truly appreciate the time Discovery Park of America took to help my students grow in so many areas while still having fun.”

Community engagement projects like this one are what Discovery Park’s  founders, Robert and Jenny Kirkland, envisioned when they built this one-of-a-kind, transformational museum and heritage park right here in Northwest Tennessee.

For more blog posts, click here.

Dr. Nadia Shakoor, Pioneer in Digital Agriculture

 March 10, 2021 – As we celebrate Women’s History Month at Discovery Park, we are making people aware of the women who have changed history, made scientific breakthroughs, overcome seemingly insurmountable adversity and inspired the generations after them to see beyond.

Dr. Nadia Shakoor is a senior research scientist at The Donald Danforth Plant Science Center in St. Louis, Missouri, and a pioneer in digital agriculture. She and her team are developing FieldDock, an integrated smart farm system that will collect and analyze real-time data from fields, allowing for effective tracking of crop performance.

We expect the FieldDock to transform the way crop scientists, breeders and farmers interact with agricultural technology and have a significant impact on the sustainability of food production.

While working on the FieldDock project, Dr. Shakoor needed a data-collection instrument that did not exist yet — so she invented one. The PheNode is a 100 percent solar-powered device with environmental sensors that monitor the soil, temperature, humidity, air pressure, wind speed, wind direction, rainfall and more for researchers. Automated systems like the FieldDock will pioneer breakthrough for rapid advancement in digital agriculture and play a pivotal role in farms of the future. An example of Dr. Shakoor’s PheNode is on display in Discovery Park’s “AgriCulture: Innovating for Our Survival” exhibit in the Simmons Bank Ag Center.

For more blog posts click here.