UNION CITY, Tenn. (Jun. 22, 2026) — As communities across the country prepare to mark the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, Discovery Park of America is inviting reenactors, living historians, traditional skills demonstrators and history-focused vendors to help bring America’s story to life in West Tennessee. 

The museum and heritage park will host its inaugural Reenactor Academy from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Friday, July 3, on the Chapel Lawn. This informal event is designed for both newcomers interested in living history and experienced interpreters who want to be part of future programs and events at Discovery Park. 

The session will be led by living historian J.C. Stahlman and others participating in Discovery Park’s Tennessee America 250 Independence Day Celebration. Attendees will learn how reenactors research and portray historical figures, why authentic clothing and equipment matter and how living historians help guests connect with the past. The program also will provide an opportunity to meet experienced reenactors, ask questions and learn about resources available to those interested in joining the living history community. 

“Many people are interested in living history but don’t know how to get started,” Stahlman said. “This session is designed to answer those questions, connect people with experienced reenactors and help grow a community of living historians who are passionate about sharing history with the public.” 

The session also is open to experienced reenactors, traditional skills demonstrators, history-focused vendors and living historians interested in learning more about Discovery Park’s plans for future programming. The museum and heritage park is working to strengthen its year-round living history offerings and create additional opportunities for historical interpretation, demonstrations and immersive educational experiences. 

“Discovery Park has the space, the facilities and the commitment to create meaningful living history experiences,” said Angela DeMaris, Discovery Park’s events content manager. “We’re looking for people who want to help interpret the past, whether that’s through military impressions, traditional crafts, frontier life, agriculture or other historical demonstrations.” 

Discovery Park’s 50-acre heritage park includes log cabins, a blacksmith shop, mill, one-room schoolhouse, chapel, gardens and other outdoor spaces that provide authentic settings for historical interpretation and hands-on learning. More than 275,000 guests visit Discovery Park each year, giving reenactors and demonstrators a broad audience of students, families and travelers interested in history, science, technology, art and culture. 

The museum welcomes individuals and groups representing many periods of American history, including frontier life, the American Revolution, the War of 1812, the Civil War, World War I, World War II, Native American history, traditional crafts and agricultural heritage. 

Discovery Park provides living historians with admission tickets for friends and family; a private green room to relax, prepare or store gear; meal vouchers for use at Sabin’s Cafe; gunpowder for flintlock shooters and cannon crews when applicable; and free space for tents to camp. Discounted rates are also available at the three hotels next door to the park. 

The July 3 session is part of Discovery Park’s Tennessee America 250 Independence Day Celebration, a two-day event commemorating the nation’s 250th anniversary. Participants are encouraged to stay after the program for the free Rhythm on the Rails concert featuring Hope MacGregor, followed by Dove Award-winning Curb Records artist Mo Pitney. 

Discovery Park was awarded a Tennessee America 250 grant from the Tennessee Commission for the United States Semiquincentennial to support a full year of programming commemorating the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Through exhibits, festivals, performances and community programming, Discovery Park will highlight the people, stories and spirit that have shaped Tennessee and the nation. 

 

Additional America 250-focused programs at Discovery Park in 2026 include: 

“Brushstrokes of a Young Nation: The Art of David Wright” 
June 30, 2026, to Feb. 1, 2027
An exhibition of prints by celebrated Tennessee artist David Wright whose paintings of early settlers, frontier life and America’s expansion offer a vivid visual journey through the nation’s formative years. 

Celebration of Native American Culture 
Sept. 18-19, 2026
A two-day event honoring the music, art and traditions of Native American communities and their enduring influence on America’s story long before 1776. 

David Crockett Homestead and Heritage Festival 
Oct. 23-24, 2026
A celebration of frontier life featuring bluegrass music, heritage crafts and hands-on demonstrations that reflect the pioneer values at the heart of Tennessee’s identity. 

Tennessee History Through the Years 
Reenactors, craftspeople and costumed interpreters will bring key moments from Tennessee and American history to life throughout the heritage park. 

Student Art Exhibition 
In collaboration with local schools, student artwork inspired by patriotic themes will be displayed as part of Discovery Park’s America 250 programming. 

For more information about Discovery Park’s opportunities for living historians, visit discoveryparkofamerica.com/livinghistory/.

 

Photo Caption: Discovery Park is inviting anyone interested in learning more about reenacting, living history or historical demonstrations to drop by the museum’s inaugural Reenactor Academy from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Friday, July 3, on the Chapel Lawn. Pictured, front row from left, are John Piland and Jasper Cox. Back row from left are Bob Grewenow, J.C. Stahlman, Andrew Stahlman, Matthew Stahlman and Nathan Cox.

 

Download High-Resolution Photo