Education & Events

Visit the Wilderness Road Blockhouse or Blockhouse Visitor Center, the Natural Tunnel Visitor Center, and the Daniel Boone Wilderness Trail Interpretive Center and  earn a 10% discount – good for any NTSP merchandise. Please see a staff member for details.

Pick up a copy of the scavenger hunt and see how many items you can find while you explore the museum. If you find them all, you’ll get a special prize.

*each program of this series will begin at 2 p.m. and will be held in the conference room

January 19 – The Native People of the Southern Appalachians

Join Randy Smith as he shares the story of the origins of indigenous people in the Americas. He will discuss the many ways Native culture is very different from that of European culture and aspects of the “Great Encounter” when Europeans came to this continent.

February 15 – The Night Sky of 1775

Join Bob VanGundy as he shares the night sky from the pespective of pioneers traveling westward on the Wilderness Road.

March 22 – Declaring Independence on the Frontier: Backwoods Patriots and the Outbreak of the Revolutionary War

When Americans think of the origins of the American Revolution, they usually focus on Boston and other seaboard cities. But settlers on the Appalachian frontier were also caught up in the struggle against Britain, long before winning important victories in the Southern Campaign. This presentation examines backwoodsmen’s relationship with the American Revolution from the time of the Intolerable Acts to the outbreak of war with the Cherokees in 1776.

April 19 – Benjamin Cleveland – The Terror of the Tories

For a Tory or dissident on the Southern Appalachian frontier during the American Revolution, few names struck fear as did that of Benjamin Cleveland. The Wilkes County farmer and politician roamed the back country looking for Tories. When caught, they were frequently hanged. Cleveland was a friend of Daniel Boone, exploring Kentucky in 1772; fought against the Cherokee in 1776 and was present during the Treaty at Long Island; and commanded one wing of the Patriot forces at the battle of Kings Mountain. Join award winning historian Michael C. Hardy as he leads a discussion about the life of the complicated and fascinating Benjamin Cleveland, the “Terror of the Tories.”

Build your journey along the Wilderness Road towards Cumberland Gap as a volunteer takes you on a guided tour of the museum. The tours will be the first Saturday of the month from 2 p.m. – 4 p.m. Visit the Wilderness Road Blockhouse at Natural Tunnel State Park and earn a 10% discount at the gift shop. Free admission:

• May 2
• June 6
• July 4
• August 1
• September 5
• October 3

*each program of this series will begin at 11 a.m. and will be held in the demonstration area

May 23 – Black Powder Demonstration

Learn about flintlocks of the 18th century and their vital role on the frontier. Afterwards, you’ll get an opportunity to watch a firing demo.

June 13 – The Original Iron Chef

The kitchen of the 18th century looks vastly different from present day. The Dutch Oven was a vital and versatile tool in the “frontier kitchen”. Have the opportunity to sample foods commonly made during this time period.

August 8 – Forage for your Cordage

During this hands-on program, you’ll have the opportunity to gather plant material and make your own cordage from start to finish.

Join us on July 3rd at 10 a.m. as we celebrate Independence Day. Kids will have the chance to participate in games commonly played during the time America gained its independence. Participants will also have the opportunity to participate in the kid’s militia, learning various drills and getting the full experience of being a part of the militia during the 18th century.

July 3rd from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m., Demonstration Area

Get all of your holiday shopping done early. There will be a variety of vendors set up with 18th century themed items to purchase. All items for sale are handmade, using skills or trades commonly practiced on the frontier or along the trail.

November 7 from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.