The Museum of Appalachia
The Museum of Appalachia is located just 20 miles north of Knoxville in Norris, Tennessee. This museum was created in 1969 by founder John Rice Irwin as a local living history museum that interprets the pioneer and early 20th century period of the Southern Appalachian region of the United States. The museum strives to preserve the physical artifacts of these early regional times as well as instill a greater knowledge and overall appreciation for this period of history. In 2007 this museum became Smithsonian affiliated, attracting over 10,000 visitors per year plus about 5,000 students for field trips.
While here you will have the opportunity to explore several exhibit buildings, each containing thousands of authentic artifacts, gardens, and farm animals. These buildings portray an authentic mountain farm and pioneer village and contain specifically about three dozen historical log structures. This nationally acclaimed and very picturesque venue holds several annual events, weddings, and parties within the grounds of its split-rail fences. Be sure to check to see if there are any special events the day of your visit, ranging from fun activities such as the Barn Dance, Student Heritage Day, Sheep Shearing, Anvil Shoot, and Old Town Christmas. Take advantage of the group tour options while here, an approximately three hour long (completely customized) tour that takes your group through the grounds, the delicious banquet hall buffet, and even though some live old-time music. If you are looking to spend some more time in this area head over to the nearby Norris Dam and State Park and soak in all the regional natural beauty you can!