The Museum of Appalachia, a Smithsonian Affiliate, welcomes students and families to celebrate the arrival of spring and the rich cultural heritage of the region with their annual Sheep Shearing Days, Friday, April 24th, and Friday, May 1st from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
For early Appalachian farmers, sheep shearing was an important springtime ritual. After a winter of growth, sheep were sheared so their wool could be cleaned, carded, spun into yarn, and woven into clothing, blankets, and other household goods. Sheep Shearing Days gives visitors a chance to see this traditional process firsthand and learn how wool moved from pasture to finished product in the pioneer era.
In addition to sheep shearing, the event will feature dozens of pioneer demonstrations including sheep herding, dollmaking, broom making, coopering, wood carving, quilting, and beekeeping. Interactive activities for kids include spelling bees, painting, an animal meet-and-greet, shape-note singing, storytelling, and more.
The event will also feature live bluegrass music, on-site food options, and a self-guided tour of the museum itself. The Museum of Appalachia is home to three-dozen historic log structures, exhibit halls brimming with thousands of authentic Appalachian artifacts, working gardens, and farm animals.
Tickets for Sheep Shearing Days are available at museumofappalachia.org. Admission is $20 for adults, $18 for seniors/military/first responders, and $10 for children, with free entry for Museum members. There is no charge for parking.
School groups, homeschool organizations, and groups of 15 or more should complete the online reservation form in advance to reserve their visit. For questions or assistance, please email bookings@museumofappalachia.
Educational programming for Sheep Shearing Days is supported in part by the Tennessee Arts Commission.
