Blog Archives - Historic Collinsville

Clarksville Offers Hauntingly Good Time in October

Boo! Things are about to get a little creepy around Clarksville as October ushers in some spine-chilling options for encountering the area’s mysterious side.

Visitors can experience Historic Collinsville Pioneer Settlement in the dark during its Lantern Tours, Oct. 13 & 14, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Walk through the near-darkness and hear tales from Montgomery County’s past, some scary and some not, but all true. Do ghosts really wander the grounds? Perhaps you’ll find out!

Lantern Tour special event admission is $10 per adult, $5 per child ages 6-12, and ages 0-5 are free. Space is limited, and advance registration is available at https://historiccollinsville.com/events/

Take a spooky stroll through the winding paths of Greenwood and Historic Riverview cemeteries during Cemetery Walking Tours hosted by the Customs House Museum & Cultural Center on Saturdays through Oct. 28. Hear tales full of local history and intrigue. Plus, learn about the cemeteries’ history and the notable figures interred there.

The Riverview Cemetery has existed since February 23, 1800 (when Clarksville was no more than a village), on land donated by Valentine Sevier near the confluence of the Cumberland and Red rivers. Greenwood Cemetery is also one of Clarksville’s oldest active cemeteries, established in 1872.

Tickets for the walking tours must be purchased in advance and space is extremely limited. Please note, the grounds of Riverview Cemetery are not handicap accessible. For more information, visit customshousemuseum.org.

Don’t be frightened, but two popular events are wrapping up in October. Your last chance to experience Downtown @ Sundown is Oct. 20, and the final show of the Jazz on the Lawn concert series at Beachaven Vineyards & Winery is Oct. 28. Hurry, or you’ll be “witch-ing” you had gone!

Art Abounds in Clarksville This September

art canvas set up outside — Artist canvas plein air.

Art lovers, unite! September provides the perfect opportunity to take part in artistic events in and around Clarksville. From a competitive “paint-out” to a leisurely “artwalk,” there’s something for everyone.

Artist Kitty Harvill paints on the grounds of Historic Collinsville.

Historic Collinsville Pioneer Settlement in rural Montgomery County is hosting “Create at Collinsville” on Sept. 22 & 23, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Both days will feature artists at work. Visitors on Saturday, Sept. 23, will enjoy special historical reenactors and craftspeople, including a woodworker carving spoons, a blacksmith, a spinning and weaving demonstration, an artist demonstrating how paints were made using natural pigments and minerals, and musicians playing tunes from the 1800s.

Special event admission is $10 per adult, $5 per child ages 6-12, and ages 0-5 are free.

The event is organized by the Clarksville Arts & Heritage Council, Two Rivers Society of Painters, Downtown Artists Co-op, and Visit Clarksville. Artists are invited to participate in related workshops, a Plein air paint-out, a community quick draw, and a photography contest.

Winners will be featured at the Final Exhibition and Reception on October 5 in F&M Bank’s Franklin Room located at 50 Franklin Street. The event will include an awards ceremony, art sales of pieces created during the Create at Collinsville contests, and live music from Red River Breeze. The Final Exhibition and Reception will coincide with the October First Thursday Artwalk.

people in an art gallery — Artwalk at Clarksville’s Downtown Artist Co-Op.

But you don’t have to wait until then to bask in the creativity of local residents, along with live music, food and drinks! Artwalk happens the first Thursday of every month, including Sept. 7. Visit exhibits from local and regional artists as you stroll the streets of historic downtown Clarksville from 5 to 8 p.m. (weather permitting) The event hub is the Downtown Artists Co-Op, 96 Franklin Street.

Artwalk participating venues:

Customs House Museum & Cultural Center, 200 South Second Street
Mildred & Mable’s Mercantile, 109 Franklin Street
Pups Plants + Goods, 117 Strawberry Alley
Roxy Regional Theatre, 100 Franklin Street
Sanctuary on Main, 334 Main Street
The Clarksville Collection, 131 Franklin Street
Trazo Meadery, 116 Franklin Street
Edward’s Steakhouse, 107 Franklin Street
River City Clay, 115 Franklin Street
Two Birds Coffee Co., 136 South 10th Street
DBO Gallery, 106 North 2nd Street
Downtown Artists Co-Op, 96 Franklin Street
First Presbyterian Church, 213 Main Street
Hudubam, 110 Franklin Street
The New Gallery, 44 Joseph Street
ArtLink, 116 Strawberry Alley

More information about Artwalk.

Take an Immersive Tour of Montgomery County Heritage

group hearing a pioneer demonstration — 19th medical demonstration.

Ready for a little history? August offers a great opportunity to take a step back in time and explore several sites that tell the story of life as it was.

Just a short drive from downtown Clarksville, Historic Collinsville Pioneer Settlement is presenting Montgomery County Heritage Day on Saturday, Aug. 19, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Bring the family to see 19th-century demonstrations of historic skills and crafts along with reenactors portraying Montgomery County citizens of the 1800s. Special event admission for both days is $10 per adult, $5 per child ages 6-12, and ages 0-5 are free. Located at 4711 Weakley Road, Southside.

woman with a mobile app at a museum sign — Check in at local places with the Visit Clarksville App.

A helpful companion on your history quest is the Visit Clarksville app, which includes Challenge Trails. (Download the VisitClarksvilleTN mobile app from the Apple Store or Google Play. Open the app and choose the Trails icon.) Complete any or all of the 18 “trails” and earn cool and fun collectible pins. History buffs will appreciate the Heritage Trail, which includes Historic Collinsville among several other sites to explore:

historic gothic buidling — Customs House Museum by Lindsay Ferrier.

Customs House Museum & Cultural Center

Built in 1898 as a US Post Office and Customs House for the flourishing tobacco trade, this architecturally fascinating structure is among the most photographed buildings in the region. The state’s second-largest general history museum, the center features rotating shows, art galleries, and a newly renovated explorer’s floor complete with a bubble cave, family art room, and a massive model train exhibit. Located at 200 South Second Street, Clarksville.

landscape of a lake and a cave entrance — Dunbar Cave State Park photo by @dlvanderpool.

Dunbar Cave State Park

Dunbar Cave is a remarkable prehistoric site, not just for Tennessee but for the entire Eastern Woodlands. The cave has been used for thousands of years and is the site of significant prehistoric Mississippian Native American cave art dating to the 14th century. The 144-acre park is home to an array of wildlife, nearly five miles of trails, and picnic areas. Located at 401 Old Dunbar Cave Road, Clarksville.

a round visitor center and a statue — Fort Defiance Civil War Park by Chris Lancia, Grid Square Recon.

Fort Defiance Interpretive Center & Park

Fort Defiance overlooks the Red and Cumberland Rivers atop a 200′ bluff, giving the earthen works fort a breathtaking view of the Clarksville skyline. A large interpretive center tells and shows the history of the site – and the Civil War – from many perspectives. Located at 120 Duncan Street, Clarksville.

After you’ve checked off all the sites on the Heritage Trail, make plans to tackle one of the other trails, such as Outdoors, Public Art, Scenic Spots, Unique Shopping, Food & Beverages… and so many more!