CLARKSVILLE, TN – The Historic Collinsville Pioneer Settlement in rural Montgomery County will celebrate its 2021 season opening weekend June 5-6.
The 40-acre, open-air property showcases pioneer life from 1840-1900 with 16 authentically furnished buildings.
“We are privileged to have this type of property right here in our own community,” said Visit Clarksville executive director Theresa Harrington. “We hope everyone locally, as well as visitors traveling here, will come out and take full advantage of a quiet day in the county with a picnic, quality family time, and enjoy the beautiful property while learning about local history.”
One new feature that visitors will enjoy this year is the addition of audio tours.
“There’s so much to take in and experience, especially if you’re a first-time visitor,” Harrington said. “To help us be diligent with social distancing recommendations, and as a cost-effective alternative to in-person guides, we created a way for visitors to hear the stories of the buildings in authentic voices. Visitors can scan QR codes from a printed map on their phones and hear details and interesting facts about each structure or room.”
Funding for producing the audio program was provided by a CARES grant through the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development. Narrators Frank Lott, executive director at the Customs House Museum and Cultural Center, and Ellen Kanervo, director at the Arts & Heritage Development Council, volunteered their time and talents to share the stories.
The season’s activities and events at the settlement are set to begin with a blacksmithing demonstration on June 5.
On Friday, June 18, dress up in your finest 1800s attire and put your sleuthing skills to the test at a classic 1800s Murder Mystery Dinner. Seating and social hour begin at 5:30p.m., a catered dinner from North Meets South will be served at 6:30p.m., then the drama begins with dessert. The Murder Mystery event is for ages 21 and over and seating is limited. See the detailed dinner menu and purchase tickets at http://bit.ly/CollinsvilleMurderMystery. The Murder Mystery Dinner is fundraiser that will help restore more buildings and add more activities.
During the regular season, June 5-Oct. 30, Historic Collinsville is open on Saturdays from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. and Sundays from 1-4 p.m. Regular admission is $8 for ages 6 and up. Military receive a 10% discount with a valid ID, with special event admission varying. The property is open other days and times for groups of six or more guided tours, rentals, weddings or special events.
Advanced tickets for all events this season may be purchased at www.historiccollinsville.com/events.
For more information about Historic Collinsville, please visit www.historiccollinsville.com, follow them on Facebook or contact Linda Ebel by phone or email at 931-245-4344 or linda@visitclarksvilletn.com