Discovery Park of America will mark David Crockett’s 238th birthday on Saturday, Aug. 17, 2024 with interactive activities, live demonstrations and musical entertainment. Discovery Park’s education team will offer a variety of programs on topics such as woodworking, fur trapping, outdoor cooking and more.

Visitors will also find many other ways to experience David Crockett at Discovery Park that are at the museum and park all year. 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, a replica of his first and fondest rifle, the Regional History Gallery telling the story of Northwest Tennessee, a 20,000-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 the new forge and more.

Celebrate the lives of West Tennessee pioneers and the birthday of David Crockett, the folk hero, politician and Tennessee settler who made his home here from 1822 until he departed for the Alamo in 1835.

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS BELOW:

All events will take place in The Settlement unless noted otherwise.

10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.  |  Exploring Sheep Farming: A Hands-On Demonstration with Grant Saum

Gain fascinating insights into the world of sheep farming as Grant, an experienced sheep farmer, showcases traditional techniques and modern practices.

11:00 a.m. and 1 p.m.  |  Reelfoot Lake Birds of Prey Animal Encounter in the Regional History Gallery

Presented by Reelfoot Lake State Park, offering guests a unique opportunity to view these magnificent creatures up close and learn about their importance in nature. 

11:30 a.m.  |  The History of Fur Trapping

Explore the evolution of fur trapping with Micah Seavers, owner/founder of Seavers Beavers and WHOA (Walking Humbly Outdoor Adventures)

12:15 p.m.  |  Mulberry Jam Performance at the Settlement Pavilion 

Mulberry Jam is a five-piece band, out of the Memphis area, that plays period songs of the past with traditional instruments and arrangements of the string dance performers of the 19th and early 20th century.

1:30 p.m.   |  Finding Daniel Boone featuring Ted Franklin Belue, hosted by Discovery Park CEO Scott Williams

Author and historian Ted Franklin Belue shares his story of how searching for Daniel Boone’s final resting place resulted in a book that examines the legendary woodsman’s life as much as his death. Belue will also be signing his books which will be for sale in Discovery Park’s gift shop.

2:15 p.m.   |  Community Jam Session led by Mulberry Jam at the Settlement Pavilion

All local musicians are invited to participate in the one-hour jam session. All participants are encouraged to bring their own instruments.

Learn more about the community jam session here.

ALL DAY ACTIVITIES (10 A.M. TO 4 P.M.)

Woodworking in Wade Cabin

Join Jeb Ewer, owner of Sand Creek Woodworking and Discovery Park’s Erik Uselton for a lesson on the historical techniques behind woodworking.

Blacksmithing in the Forge at Mill Ridge

Members of the Tennessee River Artist Blacksmith Association will be demonstrating blacksmithing techniques.

Axe Throwing 

Randal Dilday is a veteran, long-time Discovery Park volunteer and local historian. He’ll have a tent set up with displays of frontiersman crafts and axe throwing for kids and adults.

Frybread Cooking Demonstrations in The Settlement

Kimberly Green Bugg is an award-winning artist and member of the Oneida Nation on the Six Nations Reserve in Ontario, Canada. She and her husband, David, will be cooking up delicious frybread.

J.C. Stahlman’s The Living Historians 

With over thirty years of experience in reenacting, J.C. Stahlman’s the Living Historians bring history to life. From period clothing and accoutrements to firearms and authentic camps, the Living Historians provide an up close and personal experience that’s both educational and fun with a focus on details and historical accuracy. Join the Living Historians as you step back in time for an unforgettable journey through the past.

Book Signing with Ted Franklin Belue

Ted Franklin Belue is an accomplished historian and writer. He has made significant contributions to the field of American frontier history. You can find his books in the Discovery Park of America giftshop.

Displays of new artifacts at The William A. (Bill) Homra Lodge and Landing and the Sleeping Beauty Cabin.

New artifacts going on display are a collection of hunting guns belonging to the late Allen Homra, a Boone and Crockett Club “Pioneers of Conservation Rifle” and reproductions of a pair of rare carte de visite photographs of Susan Godsey, a.k.a. Obion County’s Sleeping Beauty.

This event is brought to you in part by Jarred Mayo: Allstate Insurance of Martin, Tennessee.