Ignite the Spark of History

in Your Classroom with Rocky Mount

Where Tennessee's Story Begins

Why Rocky Mount?

Discover the Gateway to Tennessee's Past: At Rocky Mount, history isn't just told; it's lived. As the Original Capital of the Southwest Territory, we offer a unique glimpse into the life of 1790s America. Our educational programs are designed to immerse students in the past, teaching them not only about the history of Tennessee but also about the cultural heritage that shaped our nation.

  • Field Trips

    • Come Visit Us

    • Programs for Pre-K - adult

    • Tour & Craft Program - for up to 80 students

    • Sampler program for groups of 80 or more

    • Age appropriate crafts for all age & grade levels

    • Craft examples; fireplace cooking, pewter casting, quill pen writing, etc.

  • Moveable Museum

    • We Come to You

    • Appropriate for all ages

    • Field trip comes to the classroom

    • Examples: Fashion’s Statement, The Mightiest Tool, etc.

    • Grade appropriate project included with each visit

  • Virtual

    • We Come to You Virtually

    • Online Video Calls (Zoom, WebEx)

    • Examples; guess the artifact, museum in a box, etc.

    • In-class worksheets & tests

    • Online Course - Coming Soon

- Our Programs -

  • Living History Tour

    This program offers your group the opportunity to interact with the Cobb and Massengill families in the year 1791. It includes a video orientation, a brief guided museum gallery tour, and 18th century clothed interpretation through the historic site. The Living History Tour accommodates both large and small groups. Usually requires a stay of around 2 hours.

  • Living History Tour & Craft

    The Tour and Craft option allows your students to get hands-on experience with 18th century crafts, as well as the Living History Tour described above. It normally requires 3 1/2 hours and is only available for groups up to 80 students. 

  • Living History Sampler

    Samplers are structured to accommodate very large groups (80 students or more.) As the title suggests, students will get a "sample" of 18th century life and demonstrations. Requires a stay of 3 to 4 hours.

  • Preschool Program

    Suitable for our youngest visitors, this program includes stories and games, a visually oriented "Adventure Tour," a visit with Rocky Mount's Cotswold sheep and a take home art project. You can choose a special emphasis on wool processing or traditional toys. Requires a stay of 1 1/2 hours.  

  • Kindergarten Program

    This program consists of a tour of the Cobb farmstead as more of a “Scavenger Hunt” and introductory video, with the emphasis on wool processing and a visit with Rocky Mount’s Cotswold sheep. 

  • Moveable Museum

    This program is designed to “come to you.” With our outreach programs, you decide which lesson we will bring to your class. We have multiple lessons that you can choose from that average around 45-60 minutes. Some programs come with additional crafts that will require certain age groups and additional lesson time.

Reservations

Ready to embark on a historical adventure?

Planning your visit is easy. Simply fill out our field trip reservation form, and we'll take care of the rest. Don't forget, our education team is here to help you every step of the way.

What Teachers & Parents Are Saying

 

"Rocky Mount is the perfect place to take a walk-through history. From their museum, to the grounds, to the staff; all is engaging for any age. We love being able to learn the history of our area, but also the lifestyle of the people during that time period. We go as a family, but I also take my class on field trips. I always leave with a new fun fact."

Rebecca S.

"This is a neat place to visit. People are in colonial garments and it’s a similar experience to visiting Williamsburg. We went earlier this year to learn how to make candles and soap. My 5-year-old loves it! We just did their Christmas program, and it was very informative. Also, they have sheep you can pet. Who doesn’t like to pet sheep?!"

Amy B.

Funding Your Trip

Assistance may be available through the following programs:

  • School districts throughout Tennessee can receive aide for museum expenses such as admission costs and transportation fees through the Tennessee Arts Commission’s Student Ticket Subsidy Grant. Guidelines and application information mat be obtained at: https://tnartscommission.org/grants/student-ticket-subsidy-sts/. Paperwork must be completed 30 days in advance of the trip.

  • All Tennessee public schools are invited to apply for Tennessee Arts Commission Grants. Counties especially encouraged to apply include: Carter, Greene, Hawkins, Johnson, Unicoi, and Washington.

  • The Overmountain Victory Trail Association offers needs-based funding for transportation and admission cost to ANY school system, not just those within Tennessee. Call (423) 524-9104 for questions and application information.

We thank the Tennessee Arts Commission and The Overmountain Victory Trail Association for their support of our 2022 educational programs and their assistance in helping school districts in need access museum programs.