Imagine this: You're living in pioneer times, and it's the Fourth of July.

You’ll be celebrating the day with an explosion of sound that pioneers heard thunder through the hills when they celebrated Independence Day. Folks as far as 15 miles away have reported hearing our Anvil Shoot, and certainly everyone gathered for the excitement feels the earth shake under their feet.

Anvil shooting used to be a fairly common way that rural folks celebrated special events--they "shot the anvil" to celebrate the nation’s Independence, Christmas, and even Davy Crockett’s election to the U.S. Congress. A few years ago, two men, each more than 100 years old, watched the Museum’s anvil shoot and recalled this tradition from their early boyhood.

So shooting the anvil has come to be the highlight of the Museum's fabulous July 4th Celebration.  Along with the big boom several times during the day, there are patriotic ceremonies and lots of music—the old-time mountain music and folk tunes of the Southern Appalachian Mountains.

Activities run from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., starting with the opening ceremony and anvil shoot. A replica of the Liberty Bell is rung precisely at 2 p.m. in conjunction with the National Bell Ringing Ceremony. The Sons of the Revolution will raise the Liberty Pole, commemorating the colonial spirit that protested British rule.

Mountain skills will be demonstrated, ranging from rail-splitting, basket-making, whittling, sheep herding, quilting, spinning, blacksmithing, and more. The old-time circular sawmill will be in operation, and Ruby Patterson will play the role of Betsy Ross sewing our nation’s first flag.

Tasty summertime treats will be available, including Tennessee barbeque and hot fruit cobblers baked over the coals in Dutch ovens, homemade ice cream, sassafras tea freshly brewed over a fire, and freshly squeezed lemonade.

The Museum is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., so July 4th visitors will have ample time to tour the extensive village-farm complex with dozens of historic log structures, display buildings filled with authentic Appalachian artifacts, gardens surrounded by split rail fences, and farm animals in a traditional setting. The Hall of Fame offers a portrait of the Appalachian people, both famous and not-so-famous—and these exhibits may be enjoyed in air-conditioned comfort.

Step back into history for a Fourth of July Celebration
that you'll never forget!

Click here to download the main stage schedule

Special July 4th activities are free with regular admission. Museum members are admitted free with membership card; plenty of free parking is available.

To save time at the gate, buy your July 4th tickets in advance
Visit the Museum and purchase your tickets now.
Note: In order to allow for mailing time the cut off date for online and phone ticket
sales will be June 26. You may still purchase your advance tickets in advance
at the Museum front desk up to July 2.