Historic Collinsville Visitor Center
Historic Collinsville Pioneer Settlement in rural Montgomery County, Tn., celebrates its 2021 season opening weekend June 5-6. The 40-acre, open-air property showcases pioneer life from 1840-1900 with 16 authentically furnished buildings.
One new feature that visitors will enjoy this year is the addition of audio tours. “There’s so much to take in and experience, especially if you’re a first-time visitor,” said Visit Clarksville Executive Director Theresa Harrington, the entity that manages the property. “To help us be diligent with social distancing recommendations, and as a cost-effective alternative to in-person guides, we created a way for visitors to hear the stories of the buildings in authentic voices. Visitors can scan QR codes from a printed map on their phones and hear details and interesting facts about each structure or room.”
Funding for producing the audio program was provided by a CARES grant through the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development. Narrators Frank Lott, executive director at the Customs House Museum & Cultural Center, and Ellen Kanervo, director at the Arts & Heritage Development Council, volunteered their time and talents to share the stories.
A variety of special events are planned throughout the season beginning with blacksmith demonstrations on opening weekend. June will feature a Murder Mystery Dinner on June 18 and a Wine Walk/Beer Browse on June 25. Southside Summer Music is planned for on August 14, 1800s How-To Day on August 28, and HarvestFest on October 30 which celebrates Fall and the season closing.
Tickets for all special events will be available at least one month in advance on each event listing at www.historiccollinsville.com/events.
The pioneer settlement opened in 1974 to give children a “hands-on” experience outside of the classroom about life from the 1840s through the turn of the century. It has been open to the public since 1997, recreating the past with restored historical structures, each filled with authentic period furnishings that show a glimpse of life before and after the Civil War.
Once at Collinsville, guests can stroll through a re-creation of the past from the earliest “first home” to the expansive Dogtrot House, a tobacco-drying house, smokehouse, church/schoolhouse, wildlife center, loom house, cobbler’s shop, teacher’s home and more. Picnic tables are placed throughout the property and a covered pavilion with tables and restrooms, is also on site. A visitor center greets guests and offers period souvenirs.
During the regular season, June 5-Oct. 30, Historic Collinsville is open on Saturdays from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. and Sundays from 1-4 p.m. Regular admission is $8 for ages six and up. Military receive a 10 percent discount with a valid ID. Special event admission varies. The property is open other days and times for groups of six or more for guided tours, rentals, weddings, or special events.
“We are privileged to have this type of property right here in our own community,” said Ms. Harrington. “We hope everyone locally, as well as visitors traveling here, will come out and take full advantage of a quiet day in the county with a picnic, quality family time, and enjoy the beautiful property while learning about local history.”
Montgomery County Government purchased Historic Collinsville from founders Glenn and JoAnn Weakley in 2018. The property is managed and marketed by Visit Clarksville.
For more information about Historic Collinsville please visit www.historiccollinsville.com, follow them on Facebook, or contact Linda Ebel by phone or email at (931) 245-4344 or linda@visitclarksvilletn.com
Historic Collinsville