Sumner County Historic Sites Kickoff

Sumner County Historic Sites Kickoff
Saturday, April 3, 2021
Times vary at each site; see below
Various historic site locations around Sumner County

Sumner County, Tennessee, has a rich past filled with fascinating stories that are sure to leave an imprint on those who interact with such history. And luckily, Sumner County has more than its fair share of amazing historic sites and museums to explore!  Join these participating sites as they celebrate the seasonal opening of Sumner County, Tennessee’s historic sites and museums! Make a day of it to share in the history of Sumner County, Tennessee!

Check back for more details about individual sites and what they’ll be offering at the Kickoff!

2020 Schedule

Castalian Springs

Historic Cragfont – 200 Cragfont Rd
Tours: 10am – 3pm
Cost: Free
Note: The historic house will not be open for tours during the Kickoff; the grounds will be open to the public for outdoor programming. Revolutionary War and War of 1812 veteran General James Winchester lived at Cragfont, a stately house in the hills of rural Sumner County. Learn the storied history of General Winchester and his family’s life.

Rogan’s Cottage at Bledsoe’s Fort Historical Park – 2923 Hartsville Pike
Tours: 10am – 3pm
Cost: Free
The circa 1800 Rogan Cottage and Parker Cabin at Bledsoe’s Fort Historical Park in Castalian Springs will be open. Period-dressed docents will conduct tours of the housesand a half-faced shelter will be built in the woods close to the Parker Cabin. Shelters of this sort were built by the long hunters during their hunts in the wilderness. Other 18th century activities can be observed during the day.

Wynnewood State Historic Site – 210 Old Highway 25
Tours: 10am – 3pm
Cost: Free
Note: The historic house will not be open for tours during the Kickoff; the grounds will be open to the public for outdoor programming. Wynnewood, one of the largest log structures in Tennessee, was home to a mineral springs resort after it was built in 1828; in 2008 the structure was struck by a tornado but was luckily saved and restored.

Gallatin

Historic Rose Mont – 810 S. Water Ave
Tours: 10am – 3pm
Cost: Guided tours $5 per person (50% discount) or free self-guided tours
Starting at 11am Historic Rose Mont is offering guided tours led by period-dressed interpreters through this unique antebellum house, the former home of Judge Jo Conn Guild. Learn about Guild’s thoroughbreds & his time as a prisoner during the Civil War! The grounds and self-guided tours of the house open at 10am and are free. Rose Mont will also have a Civil War 101 program in their Reception Hall and Victorian-era musicians!

Historic Stonewall – 332 E. Main St
Tours: 10am – 2pm
Cost: Free
Stonewall is an 1831 antebellum house that is staged to appear as it would in the 1850s, and during the kickoff guests will be able to tour the house. It is currently owned and operated by the Sumner County Museum.

Sumner County Museum – 183 W. Main St
Tours: 10am – 2pm
Cost: Free
Tour the museum for free and explore the county’s history through a variety of exhibits and displays including Native American artifacts, vehicles, machinery, photos, and more! Also see the original signs of Randy’s Record Shop and the Sumner Drive-In! Next door is Trousdale Place, which is also free, so be sure to visit both!

Hendersonville

Monthaven Arts & Cultural Center, Hendersonville – 1017 Antebellum Cir
Tours: 10am – 5pm
Cost: Free
Built around 1860 and used as a field hospital during the Civil War, Monthaven now hosts a variety of exhibits and events throughout the year. Art, photography, classes, and more grace the large antebellum rooms and exhibits change throughout the year. Past exhibits included works by Autumn de Forest, Alexandre Renoir, William Lee Golden, and Marty Stuart! The exhibit during the Kickoff will be the Bugg Hollow Plein Airs from Cottontown, Tennessee, that features 10 Plein Air artists from Middle Tennessee.

Rock Castle State Historic Site – 139 Rock Castle Ln.
Tours: 10am – 2pm
Cost: Free
Rock Castle State Historic Site is one of the oldest historic sites in Sumner County. It was constructed for Daniel Smith, a prominent figure in the county’s early history; he was even credited with naming the state of Tennessee! The grounds of the property will also be open for guests to explore and enjoy stunning views of Old Hickory Lake! Later in the day beginning at 5pm, the first Summer Songwriter Night of the season will be held and guests are invited to return to Rock Castle for live music and family fun. Admission to the Songwriter night is $10/adult. Anyone under the age of 18 will be admitted free of charge.

Portland

Days Gone By Tractor Show & Threshing – 122 Davis St
Tours: Appointment required to view from 9am – 4pm
Cost: $5 per person (kids 10 & under free)
Please call ahead to schedule an appointment to view this museum on Saturday, June 20; walk-ins cannot be accommodated. This incredible museum is stuffed full of amazing antiques from tractors to automobiles to home appliances to tools and so much more! Prepare to be in awe of this vast collection that truly is a blast from the past!