To the living history museum of pioneer, frontier, and early artifacts of mountain life in the Southern Appalachians.
We invite you to visit the village, farm, and exhibits at the Museum of Appalachia. We are only one mile off of Interstate 75, but our picturesque pastures, historic 19th century buildings, and authentic old-time music will make you feel as if you've traveled back in time.
With more than 30 historic log buildings gathered onto 63 acres and hundreds of exhibits celebrating the creativity and color of our Appalachian forebears, the Museum annually hosts over 100,000 visitors who view thousands of relics in authentic settings. It was, in fact, founder John Rice Irwin's intention to develop the Museum as an authentic representation of early life in Appalachia, seeking to make the dwellings appear as if the family has just strolled down to the spring to fetch the day's supply of water.
In addition to hosting thousands of families, schoolchildren, weddings and reunions, basket collectors, and historians each year, the Museum celebrates the seasons with three special events:
Our annual fall festival, Tennessee Fall Homecoming, is one of the largest and oldest music and crafts festivals in the Southeast. Now in its 28th year, Homecoming features traditional music and dancing, with craftsmen, cooks, and cloggers serving up four days of lively entertainment and authentic sights and sounds of the remote Southern Appalachians.
Come join us rattle the windows and shake the hills with our July 4th Celebration and Anvil Shoot. We'll be demonstrating old-time mountain activities, and we always have something special planned for the children.
During the month of December, visitors can see the Museum transformed with traditional trees and homemade Christmas decorations, typical of austere pioneer days, in its authentic log buildings. And in the spirit of holiday giving, the Museum throws its doors open for its annual Christmas Open House, with free admission in exchange for a donation to the local food pantry. Details about the Open House and Christmas in Old Appalachia can be found by following the link above.
We also have a small restaurant on the grounds where you can enjoy some old-fashioned country cooking, and there is a gift shop featuring regionally-made quilts, baskets, and pottery. The Museum is open all year, with extended hours in the spring and summer.
