Historic Sites Kickoff

Sumner County, Tennessee, has a rich past filled with fascinating stories that are sure to leave an imprint on history lovers.

Historic Sites Kickoff

Saturday, April 5th, 2025 | 10:00AM – 5:00PM

Step into the rich history of Sumner County, Tennessee, where captivating stories and remarkable heritage await. With an abundance of historic sites and museums to explore, there’s no better time to experience the past come to life! Join us as we celebrate the seasonal opening of Sumner County’s beloved historic sites and museums. Plan your visit and immerse yourself.

Memories are made of this!

See event details below!

Extend Your Adventure

Enjoy a memorable weekend in Sumner County by extending your adventure! We made this itinerary with you in mind!

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Participating Sites

Historic Castalian Springs: Cragfont State Historic Site & Wynnewood State Historic Site
- Admission: Free
- Hours: 10:00AM – 2:00PM
- Self-guided tours, special talks and presentations, and a hands on activity
Sumner County Museum
- Admission: Free
- Hours: 10:00AM – 2:00PM
- Free t-shirts for all kids who visit!
The Bridal House
- Admission: Free
- Hours: 10:00AM – 3:00PM
- Special Details:
  - 18th & 19th century music by Debbie and Mark Lewis
  - Primitive Easter crafts
  - Display of 18th & 19th century samplers, tours and refreshments.
Rock Castle State Historic Site
- Admission: Free
- Hours: 10:00AM – 2:00PM
- Special Details:
  - Guided House Tours at 10:00 and 11:30
  - Docents dressed in Colonial attire
  - Hands-on activities
  - Scavenger Hunt inside the Castle (during Tour)
Douglass-Clark House
- Admission: Free
- Hours: 10AM – 2PM
- Special Details:
  - Light refreshments
  - Tours of the Douglass-Clark House

We welcome everyone to visit all ten locations during their kickoff day. Passports provided at historic sites. At each site, a historian will stamp your passport for a chance to win a gift basket!

Bledsoe’s Fort Historical Park – 2895 Hartsville Pike, Castalian Springs, TN 37031
- Admission: Free
- Hours: 10:00AM – 1:00PM
  - Schedule of Events:
    - 10:00AM: History and Wildflower Hike 1.5 miles (weather permitting)
    - 11:00AM – 12:00PM: Visit the Rogan Stone Cottage
    - 12:00PM – 1:00PM: Long Hunters Talk- Come see and hear the amazing 1780s history and demonstrations of Long Hunters (rain or shine).
    - There are over 4 miles of hiking trails, 2 log cabins, a stone cottage, the Bledsoe Pioneer/Belote cemetery, the original site of Isaac Bledsoe’s Fort, and the Cavern of Skulls to explore.

The Douglas-Clark House- 2115 Long Hollow Pike, Gallatin, TN 37066
- Admission: Free
- Hours: 9:00AM – 5:00PM
  - Special Details:
    - Tours of house
    - Light refreshments
    - Kids activities
The Palace Theater -146 N. Water Ave, Gallatin, TN 37066
- Admission: $10
- Hours: Doors at 2:30PM, show starts at 3:00PM
  - Special Details:
    - Showing of “Easter Parade”
    - Movie ticket comes with a free small popcorn.
    - Doors open at 2:30PM, show starts at 3:00PM
    - You can purchase tickets at the door or here: https://www.eventeny.com/events/ticket/?id=19282&fbclid=IwY2xjawJKWp9leHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHUHWZGV6SKCXmA4xSfq7BCrjkUZ8cpMbtNjUCxay12OKgSE7SGnu8nHauQ_aem_9T_aAZ37vCQKl3C1uORZKg

Bridal House- 2315 Highway 25 West, Gallatin, TN 37066
- Admission: Free
- Hours: 10:00AM – 3:00PM
  - Special Details:
    - Antique samplers
    - A quilt circa 1900 signed by 450 Sumner County Ladies on exhibit
Monthaven Arts & Cultural Center – 1017 Antebellum Cir, Hendersonville, TN 37075
- Admission: Free
- Hours: 10:00AM – 5:00PM
  - Special Details:
    - Sumner county student art show exhibit
    - Tours

Rose Mont – 819 South Water, Gallatin, TN 37066
- Admission: Free
- Hours: 10AM – 4:00PM
  - Special Details:
    - Self-guided tours
    - Honey Rock Books will have a pop-up bookshop in the reception hall

Sumner County Museum – 183 W Main St (back), Gallatin, TN 37066
- Admission: Free
- Hours: 10:00AM – 2:00PM
  - Special Details:
    - Free t-shirts for all kids who visit!
    - Scavenger hunts for kids

Trousdale Place – 183 W Main St (front), Gallatin, TN 37066
- Admission: Free
- Hours: 10:00AM – 2:00PM
  - Special Details:
    - Self-guided tours
    - The West Wing will be open as the first lending library in Gallatin.
    - The Gallatin Public Library will be onsite with Bessie the mobile library.
    - There will be a drawing for several history related items both adult and children.
Cragfont -200 Cragfont Rd, Castalian Springs, TN 37031
- Admission: Free
- Hours: 10:00AM – 2:00PM
  - Special Details:
    - Self-guided tours
    - 11:00AM Garden Talk
    - Book Garden
    - Free Historic Castalian Springs Scavenger Hunt
Wynnewood -210 Old Hwy 25, Castalian Springs, TN 37031
- Admission: Free
- Hours: 10:00AM – 2:00PM
  - Special Details:
    - Self-guided tours
    - 1:00PM Artifact Talk
    - Exhibit and Doctor’s Office Open
    - Free Historic Castalian Springs Scavenger Hunt

Interested in winning a Historic Sites gift basket? Visit 4 or more participating locations to get your passport stamped and bring it to Sumner County Tourism by April 11th for a chance to win. Sumner County Tourism is located at: 2310 Nashville Pike, Gallatin, TN 37066. We are open 8:30am-4:30pm Monday-Friday. Drawing will take place on April 14th and winner will be contact via email/phone.

Enjoy the Perfect Historic Weekend

Why Old Places Matter with Thomson Mayes

Distinguished guest, Thompson Mayes, Chief Legal Officer and General Counsel, National Trust for Historic Preservation, will share his observations on Why Old Places Matter. His book of the same name explores the myriad reasons old places touch our souls, ignite our creativity and create a sense of identity for our community.

Get Tickets

1968: A Folsom Redemption

Monthaven Arts and Cultural Center celebrates Johnny Cash’s best-known performances by presenting the exhibition 1968: A Folsom Redemption. The 31 photos in this exhibit cover a critical juncture in the career of Johnny Cash, one of the 20th century’s most beloved performers.

More Details Coming Soon