Special Events are Upon Us!
We’ve been hard at work at Cordell Hull Birthplace this summer hosting fun programs and activities each week. We’ve had a great time making old fashioned ice cream, needle felting, spelunking, hiking, making potholders, quilting, making baskets and so much more. Junior Ranger and Pioneer Camps were a blast. Each activity has been a unique adventure as we’ve welcomed so many first-time visitors, as well as our longtime friends and neighbors.
As we look toward the fall, we’re gearing up for a series of annual events. Planning these special days is a year-round labor of love for our staff and we hope to see as many of you at each of them as possible. Please mark your calendars for these dates & stop by for a visit with the whole family:
- Apple Butter Day: Saturday, August 31st
- Cordell Hull School Day: Friday, September 27th
- Cordell Hull Day: Saturday, September 28th
- The Haunted Trail: Saturday, October 26th
This Weekend:
Saturday, August 24,
9:30 am: Spelunking at Bunkum Cave
Spelunking is the exploration of caves. Join interpretive Ranger Rachel for a trip down to Bunkum Cave and explore the interior as we learn about the cave and what it holds! We will see lots of cave critters and the beautiful rock formations formed over thousands of years! The hike to the cave is moderate, and we will be going into some places in the cave we will have to crawl in. Bring sturdy shoes you won’t mind getting wet, water, a light jacket, and maybe some snacks. We will meet at the trailhead. This adventure is limited to only 10 people and is $15 per person. You can sign up at tnstateparks.com under Cordell Hull Birthplace State Park’s upcoming events. Use the following link. https://tnstateparks.com/parks/event_details/cordell-hull-birthplace/#/?event=spelunking-bunkum-cave-august-24-2019
3:00 pm: Croquet
Join Interpretive Ranger Abbey for a game of Croquet! We will learn about the history of the game, learn the rules, and get to play a game yourself. We will meet behind the office.
Sunday, August 25th
Water Quality Hike: 9:30am
Interested in learning a little about water quality testing? Join Interpretive Rangers Abbey and Rachel for a moderate hike to the opening of Bunkum Cave. We’ll be using a water quality testing kit to test the water in the mouth of the cave. The hike is roughly 2 miles, round trip, and will take about an hour and a half to complete. Be sure to wear sturdy shoes and bring plenty of water. We will meet at the trailhead.
Saturday August 31st
Apple Butter Day: 10am – 4pm
Join us for a day of making apple butter the old fashioned way, outside over a fire! We’ll be dressed out in late 1800’s wardrobe all day, introducing visitors to a day of late 19th Century farm work. We’ll enjoy children’s games, food and special guest speakers, including a canning workshop from one of our local Extension Agents, Amanda Woody.
Schedule of Events:
Hull Homestead (demonstrations & tastings throughout the day):
• Apple Butter Making
• Coffee Roasting
• Beans, Bacon, Apple Butter & Biscuits ($5 a plate)
- Traditional Fiddle Music with Tater Caruthers
Park Office/Activities Room:
9:30 AM – Canning Workshop with Amanda Woody ($15 advance registration required, seehttps://reserve.tnstateparks.com/register/canning-apple-butterto register)
1:00 PM – Fred & Jill Sauceman: Learn about Dried Apple Stack Cake (Free)
3:00 PM – Dr. Michael Birdwell: Learn about Fermenting Apples (Free)General admission to the event and the speakers is free, although donations are always welcome and help us offset program costs. Canned apple butter and Red Oak Roasters coffee beans will be available for sale, as well as other park merchandise.
Participants in period dress suitable for the late 1860’s through the early 1870’s are also welcome to participate in the work of the day. Please contact Marcianne O’Day for details at marcianne.oday@tn.gov or by phone at 931-200-9597.
Save-the-Date:
September 27th – September 28th – Cordell Hull Day: On Saturday, September 28th, the general public is invited for a day of music, historical interpretation, workshops, traditional crafts & storytelling. School groups and homeschoolers are welcome to come to our school day on Friday the 27th. Vendors and demonstrators are still welcome to apply to participate. Preference is given to traditional crafters & artisans.
Saturday, October 26th – Halloween in the Park: Our annual Haunted Trail experience will return, along with expanded spooky fun for the whole family.
For registration or questions about any of our programs, contact the park at 931-864-3247, or message us on facebook.