‘Heroes’ dinner to kick off Museum ’26 events
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Visitors to the Museum of Appalachia watch as sheep are being sheared during “Sheep Shearing Days” last spring. - G. Chambers Williams III
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The Independence Day Anvil Shoot Celebration will return to the Museum of Appalachia on July 3 and 4. The tradition launches a 200-pound iron blacksmith’s anvil 200 feet into the air in a field at the museum as part of the museum’s annual Independence Day activities. - G. Chambers Williams III
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Visitors, including about 1,600 schoolchildren, turned out for the Museum of Appalachia’s Fall Heritage Days event in 2024. The event will take place on Oct. 22-23 and again on Oct. 29-30, 2026. - G. Chambers Williams III
Special events for 2026 at the Museum of Appalachia in Norris will begin on Feb. 27 with the annual “Heroes of Southern Appalachia” dinner, followed by the popular “Sheep Shearing Days” on April 24 and May 1.
The museum last week released its list of events “celebrating Southern Appalachia history and culture” for the new year, most of which are aimed at fund-raising.
“Heroes of Southern Appalachia” includes a dinner and awards ceremony honoring “individuals of Southern Appalachian heritage who embody the spirit of the region and whose accomplishments have brought greater awareness and understanding of its history and culture,” the museum announced.
The 2026 recipients of the award are Sam and Ann Furrow.
Other events
include:
• Sheep Shearing Days – April 24 and May 1, during which “students and families are invited to celebrate the arrival of spring with the annual tradition of sheep shearing.
This student-focused event explores how pioneers turned wool into clothing, and features hands-on activities and immersive learning experiences with Appalachian artisans, educators, and musicians.
• Barn Dance – June 19.
This is the museum’s signature fundraising event, which includes a Southern dinner, live and silent auctions, square dancing, and an evening of celebration in support of the museum’s mission.
• Independence Day Anvil Shoot Celebration – July 3 and 4.
This event commemorates the nation’s independence by launching gunpowder-filled anvils high into the sky — “an explosive tradition once used by pioneers to mark special occasions,” according to the museum.
The 2026 celebration will also include enhanced programming developed in conjunction with TN250, Tennessee’s official commemoration of America’s 250th anniversary, highlighting the state’s Revolutionary-era history and contributions.
• Fall Heritage Days – Oct. 22, 23, 29, and 30.
This student-focused event showcases the sights, sounds, smells, and tastes of the fall harvest season in Southern Appalachia, featuring dozens of pioneer artisans, musicians, and hands-on demonstrations throughout the museum’s grounds.
• Candlelight Christmas – Dec. 11-12.
This is a traditional Christmas celebration featuring evening tours of the museum’s festively lit pioneer village, along with live music, pioneer demonstrations, interactive activities for children, and seasonal storytelling.
In addition to these big events, the Museum of Appalachia offers regular weekly programs from spring through fall, including live traditional music, artisan demonstrations, and animal meet and greets.
The museum’s restaurant is open daily, but is restricted to ticketed guests during some of the signature events.
Additional special events may be announced throughout the year. For the most up-to-date information and event details, visit museumofappalachia.org.