Museum of Appalachia

06/17/2026

Not sure what to bid on in the Barn Dance Silent Auction? Why not sponsor one of our Museum animals!

Our farm animals are some of the most loved residents on the property, greeting visitors, starring in our meet and greets, and helping us share the story of Appalachian life. Your sponsorship supports the feed, care, and resources needed to keep our farm animals healthy and ready to welcome visitors each day.

To sponsor an animal, download the Handbid app, search for “Museum of Appalachia Barn Dance 2026,” and scroll to the Sponsor an Animal category. Thank you for helping us care for these special members of the Museum family!

06/15/2026

The Barn Dance Silent Auction is officially LIVE!

Whether you're joining us at Barn Dance or cheering us on from afar, you can bid on incredible experiences, local favorites, unique artwork, sports packages, travel getaways, and so much more—all while supporting the Museum of Appalachia's mission to preserve the history and culture of Southern Appalachia.

You do not have to attend Barn Dance to participate, so start browsing and place your bids today!

🔗 Bid now: Download the Handbid app and search for "Museum of Appalachia Barn Dance 2026", or sign up here: https://events.handbid.com/auctions/museum-of-appalachia-barn-dance-2026

06/12/2026

The Silent Auction for our 13th Annual Barn Dance fundraiser is almost here!

Browse dozens of items now, with 100+ more to be added before bidding opens Monday at noon. From local experiences and artwork to unique getaways and one-of-a-kind treasures, there's something for everyone.

Download the Handbid app and search for "Museum of Appalachia Barn Dance 2026", or sign up here:
https://events.handbid.com/auctions/museum-of-appalachia-barn-dance-2026/intro

Best of all, you don't have to attend Barn Dance to participate—the Silent Auction is open to everyone!

Every bid helps support the Museum of Appalachia and the work we do to preserve Appalachian history and culture. We hope you'll find something you love while supporting a great cause!

06/11/2026

Artifact of the Week: The Pactolus Ironworks Brass Kettle

This brass kettle was made at Pactolus Ironworks on the South Holston River near present day Spring Road in Kingsport, Sullivan County, Tennessee. The ironworks was originally established in 1789 by Capt. Moses Cavett (1742-1801), one of the Overmountain Men who fought during the Battle of Kings Mountain in South Carolina in 1780. In 1795, Cavett sold the ironworks to fellow Overmountain Man and first Governor of Tennessee, John Sevier (1745-1815). Later, Pactolus would be owned by brothers Elijah (1784-1846) and Elihu Embree (1782-1820). Elijah had married Sevier's granddaughter Maria King (1803-1883), and Elihu was the publisher of the Manumission Intelligencier (later known as The Emancipator), the United States' first newspaper exclusively devoted to the abolition of slavery.

The handle of the brass kettle bears the faint inscription "E. & E. Embree Pactolus June 11, 1828"

06/10/2026

In celebration of Father's Day, the Museum of Appalachia is offering FREE admission for fathers on Sunday, June 21, 2026!

Taken just a few weeks before his passing, this photograph captures Ross England with his granddaughter.

06/08/2026

Thanks to Frank Murphy for having us on to talk about the @ Independence Day Anvil Shoot Celebration and all things Museum of Appalachia!

Frank Murphy interviews Will Meyer, vice president of the Museum of Appalachia, located at 2819 Andersonville Highway, Clinton, Tennessee. The Museum of Appalachia, which was founded in 1969 by John Rice Irwin, portrays an authentic mountain farm and pioneer village, with three dozen historic log st...

06/05/2026

The glamping tents at Appalachia Ridge are now open for reservations!

If you've ever wanted to stay just steps away from the Museum of Appalachia, here's your chance. These spacious canvas tents are within walking distance of the Museum and offer the perfect mix of camping and comfort, complete with private bathrooms, kitchenettes, Wi-Fi, Smart TVs, firepits, and covered porches.

Whether you're planning a Museum visit, a family getaway, or just a relaxing weekend in East Tennessee, Appalachia Ridge makes a great home base.

Visit appalachiaridge.com to book your stay.

06/04/2026

Pictured is Bob Cox, Lee Bumgardner, and Museum of Appalachia founder John Rice Irwin at Bumgardner’s place on Foust Hollow Road in Anderson County, Tennessee.

Photo by Gary Hamilton, 1980.

06/03/2026

Get ready to party like it's 1776 with our NEW America250 collection! 🎆🦅🗽

Get your merch today and level up your fit for our America250 Independence Day Anvil Shoot Celebration 😎

Tickets for our Anvil Shoot Celebration are on sale for a limited time. Grab yours before June 23 for a discounted price! For more information or to purchase tickets-> https://www.museumofappalachia.org/independence-day/

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📸 by: Odd Soul Photography

06/02/2026

Animal of the Month: Rice 🐖

Rice came to the museum as a piglet in the fall of 2022. His brother, Louie, was already living at the museum and after noticing he needed a companion, we brought home the last piglet of the litter…the runt. Rice and Louie bonded immediately and have been inseparable ever since.

Even though he’s grown quite a bit since arriving at the museum, Rice has never quite outgrown his “little brother” personality. He tends to follow Louie’s lead and has a gentle, timid nature about him. His favorite things include:

-Belly rubs
-Naps
-His mud hole
-Napping in his mud hole
-Snuggling with Louie (when Louie allows it)

You can often spot Rice grazing, snoozing, or cooling off in the mud in our cantilever field.

As a reminder, our animals are on carefully managed diets and receive all of their food and treats from our animal care staff. While visiting, please help us keep them healthy by refraining from feeding them.