CLARKSVILLE, TN – The historic pioneer facility in Collinsville, rural Montgomery County, Tennessee is celebrating its opening weekend of the 2021 season from June 5-6. The 40-acre open-air property showcases pioneer life from 1840 to 1900 with 16 authentically furnished buildings.

A new feature that visitors will appreciate this year is the addition of audio tours.

“There is so much to experience and experience, especially if you are a first-time visitor,” says Theresa Harrington, General Manager of Visit Clarksville, 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’ve created a way for visitors to hear the stories of the buildings with authentic voices. Visitors can scan QR codes from a map printed on their phone and hear interesting details and facts about each structure or room. ”

Funding for the production of the audio program was provided by a grant from CARES through the Tennessee Department of Tourism Development. Narrators Frank Lott, Executive Director of the Customs House Museum & Cultural Center, and Ellen Kanervo, Director of the Arts & Heritage Development Council, volunteered their time and talents to share the stories.

A variety of special events are planned throughout the season, starting with blacksmith demonstrations on opening weekend. The month of June will feature a murder mystery dinner on June 18 and a wine / beer walk on June 25. Southside Summer Music is scheduled for August 14, 1800 on August 28, and HarvestFest on October 30 which celebrates fall and the end of the season.

Tickets for all special events will be available at least one month in advance on the listing for each event at www.historiccollinsville.com/events.

The Pioneer Colony opened in 1974 to provide children with a “hands-on” experience outside the classroom on life from the 1840s to the turn of the century. It has been open to the public since 1997, recreating the past with restored historic structures, each filled with authentic period furniture that shows a glimpse into life before and after the Civil War.

Once in Collinsville, you can stroll through a recreation of the past from the oldest ‘first house’ to the sprawling Dogtrot House, a tobacco kiln, smokehouse, church / school, wildlife center, craft. loom, a shoemaker’s shop, a home teacher, and more. Picnic tables are placed throughout the property and a covered pavilion with tables and toilets also on site. A visitor center welcomes guests and offers period memorabilia.

During the regular season, June 5 to Oct. 30, Historic Collinsville is open Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sundays from 1 to 4 p.m. Regular admission is $ 8 for ages 6 and over. Military members get a 10% discount with valid ID. Admission to special events varies. The property is open other days and times for groups of six or more for tours, rentals, weddings, or special events.

“We are privileged to have this type of property here in our own community,” said Harrington. “We hope that everyone local, as well as visitors who travel here, will come out and fully enjoy a quiet day in the county with a picnic, some quality family time and enjoy the beautiful property while discovering local history. ”

The 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 on Historic Collinsville, please visit www.historiccollinsville.com, follow them on Facebook or contact Linda Ebel by phone or email at 931-245-4344 or [email protected]