All aboard! The Chuckey Depot Museum will be celebrating National Train Day on Saturday, May 7 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Watauga Valley Railroad Historical Society member, Brad McCroskey, has created a special audio-visual program about trains around the United States. The program will be approximately 30 minutes long and run every half hour at the museum. There will also be extra museum docents on site to answer any train related questions.

National Train Day is a holiday started by Amtrak in 2008 as a method to spread information to the general public about the advantages of railway travel and the history of trains in the United States. It is held each year on the Saturday closest to May 10^th, the anniversary of the pounding of the Golden spike in Promontory, Utah, which marked the completion of the first transcontinental railroad in the U.S. Events were held at major Amtrak stations as well as railroad museums across the country. Although Amtrak no longer celebrates the occasion, lots of train museums throughout the country still do. The Chuckey Depot Museum is proud to join in this tradition.

The Chuckey Depot Museum is free of charge, but donations are greatly appreciated. You can visit the museum in person on Thursday, Friday, and Sunday from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

For more information on the exhibit or the Chuckey Depot Museum, visit Jonesborough.com, follow the Chuckey Depot on Facebook, or call the Visitor’s Center at 423.753.1010.

The haunted andhistoric Chester Inn State Historic Site will be opened to the public for two nightsof paranormal investigations on May 7 and 14. The S.R.S Paranormal team will guidethe hunt as they use their investigative equipment and teach the public themethods of their profession. The night will begin at 6pm and end around 11pm.There will be a limit of 20 participants that must be 12 years or older. Pleaseemail [email protected] to register as slots will fill quickly. Cost is $25 perparticipant. Chester Inn is a Tennessee Historical Commission State-OwnedHistoric Site.

More details to come.
McKinneyCenter.com

Register here: https://bit.ly/3EUBE3C
The McKinney Center will host Conversations That Matter on May 12, 2022. In this upcoming “Conversation,” attendees will hear from a very special guest, Tybre Faw and his grandmothers, Leigh Weaver and Lauren Annarino. This conversation will be moderated by McKinney Center Advisory Board Member and volunteer, Michelle Treece and friend of the McKinney Center, Brittany Butler. It will take place via Zoom on May 12, at 7 pm. Register at McKinneyCenter.com.
Supported by the East Tennessee Foundation’s Hope in Action Grant, “Conversations that Matter” is a monthly series produced by the McKinney Center in Jonesborough, Tennessee. In each “Conversation” two local guests from different backgrounds (age, race, religion, culture, etc.) explore their own culture and perspective and talk to each other about what makes them unique, discover their similarities, and explore their differences. They will look at where their lives might intersect personally and in the community. The goal of each “Conversation that Matters” is for guests and participants to hear real stories, from real neighbors. This month will feature personal experiences along with real history questions about local Black History and Black History throughout American history.
Tybre Faw is a rising 9th grader in Johnson City. He is a sensitive, thoughtful public figure who feels he is chosen to carry on the legacy of Congressman John Lewis. He is an activist for social and racial justice, human rights, climate change, and common-sense gun control who has spoken on the local and national level. Tybre was first featured nationally after meeting John Lewis in Selma at the 53rd Faith and Politics Institute Civil Rights Pilgrimage. Since leading the march across the Edmund Pettis Bridge with Congressman Lewis and other dignitaries and civil rights leaders, he was thrust into the national spotlight. He has been featured on CNN, CNN Politics, ABC World News, CBS This Morning, USA Today, the F&PI, Atlanta Journal, Daily Kos, Politic Nation, Daily Magazine, Youth Today, Tennessean, News Break, MPR News, Johnson City Press, WVLT TV, WJHL TV on his journey to get into “good trouble”. He has been featured in Southern Living, TIME Magazine, Highlights for Kids, and in a music video “Freedom” with Grammy award winner Regina Belle. Tybre was honored to be chosen by the Junior League of Johnson City to help create Tybre Faw’s Little Library which will improve diversity and inclusion in his community. Tybre was invited to accompany Congressman Lewis to vote on the House floor in 2018. In 2020, Tybre was honored by the Lewis family and staff by being asked to speak at the historic Ebenezer Baptist Church for the Homecoming Service in Atlanta for John Lewis. He recited the Congressman’s favorite poem, Invictus. In March 2022, Tybre was invited to attend the Faith & Politics Institute Pilgrimage. He was asked to address members of Congress and dignitaries on the Edmund Pettus Bridge with a moving tribute to his beloved Congressman. Most recently Tybre was invited to explore the development of a youth council for the NAACP of Johnson City. In April, he was honored at the NAACP banquet in Hardin County Kentucky.
To assist Tybre in his engagements and travels are his two grandmothers:
Lauren Annarino is a sales director covering 25 states in software sales and is one of Tybre’s biggest fans.
Leigh Weaver is a retired educator and photographer.
This monthly series is inspired by the Diversity & Equity Subcommittee at the McKinney Center, and their desire to highlight the experiences of all voices in Washington County, Tennessee, with an intention to include marginalized groups. By showcasing these conversations, the Diversity & Equity subcommittee hopes to open doors to new ideas and perspectives amongst our very own neighbors. Questions such as, “What was your experience in grade school and how did that make you feel?” or, “Have you experienced exclusion or racism?” For many of us, the answers are different and unique. The McKinney Center believes it is time to talk about our experiences and share them.
There is value in uplifting these stories so that we may learn from one another. Then, after hearing from one another our moderators and guest conversationalists will give insight on how to move forward.

The Golden Heirs Community Choir, the JohnsonCity Senior Chorale and the Jonesborough Novelty Band hosts the Songsof the Railroad on Saturday, May 14 at 1:30 p.m. atthe Jonesborough United Methodist Church back parking lot. Music willbegin with the Jonesborough Novelty Band and followed by the choirs and asoloist. The Jonesborough Novelty Band is directed by Terry Countermine andCherry Smith directs both choirs.

Concessions will be available for this event.Admission to this event is free, but donations are encouraged to supportconstruction for the new Community Center located behind the JonesboroughUnited Methodist Church.

Participants are encouraged to bring a chair asthere will be limited chairs available. Parking is available behind the church. 

History Happy Hour is exited to host William Isom with Blackin Appalachia on Thursday, May 19^th at 6:30 pm!

 TheHeritage Alliance has partnered with Black in Appalachia in the past, but we’venever had them present at History Happy Hour. William Isom will talk about "Enslavementto National Emancipation: Black Data from Washington County, Tennessee 1860 –1870.” Theprogram will begin at 6:30 pm and participants can join in-person or streamlive on the Chester Inn Museum’s Facebook page. The event will take place inthe Chester Inn’s board room, located in the back addition of the building. Theprogram is free and open to the public!

 Black in Appalachia: Research, Education &Support is a non-profit that works in collaboration with public media,residents, university departments, libraries, archives and communityorganizations to highlight the history and contributions of African-Americansin the development of the Mountain South and its culture. They do that throughresearch, local narratives, public engagement and exhibition. Black inAppalachia is a community service for Appalachian residents and families withroots in the region. William Isom is an East Tennessee native & thedirector of Black in Appalachia. He coordinates the project's research,community data base development, documentary film & photography production,oral history collection, and educational events with residents. For moreinformation, visit their website at www.blackinappalachia.org.

History Happy Hour takes place on the third Thursday of themonth through November at 6:30 pm. The full schedule for the year is availableat heritageall.org and on the Chester Inn Museum’s Facebook page.  Put the dates on your calendar, because younever know what you’re going to learn at History Happy Hour. This program offers insightful history to thepublic, fosters a collaborative relationship with various individuals andorganizations, and increases the role of the Chester Inn State Historic Siteand Museum as a community meeting place. 

This project is funded under an agreement with the TennesseeDepartment of Environment and Conservation, Tennessee Historical Commission.For more information on the Chester Inn Museum, History Happy Hour, or theHeritage Alliance please call our office at 423.753.9580 or the Chester InnMuseum at 423.753.4580. You can also contact the organization via email [email protected] Additional information about the Heritage Alliance andits mission can be found online at http://www.heritageall.org/. Be sure tofollow the Chester Inn and Heritage Alliance Facebook pages and the Chester InnMuseum’s YouTube channel for updates about events at the Chester Inn and otherHeritage Alliance programs.

The McKinney Center will host an Art/Craft show on Friday, May 20, noon – 6pm and Saturday, May 21, 10am – 6pm. This juried event features over 30 artists and vendors representing a wide variety of media, including painting, acrylics, glass, fiber arts, wood, sculptures, photography, jewelry, and more.
The event will also include musicians playing throughout the day, and there will be food and beverages for sale as guests shop the indoor and outdoor artists. Guests will have a chance to talk directly with artists about their work.
Artists in the May Market include:
Glass Work
Beth Deming with Last Chance Glass (glass garden flowers and bird feeders)
Michael Howell with Glass by Hoot (glass marbles/orbs, ornaments etc)
Painting
Wendy Ritchie with Helbing Studio (painting)
Dee Martin of D’Inspired Art (acrylic paintings, reclaimed wood and jewelry)
Joseph H. Snyder (painting and prints), Carolyn McLaney (painter)
Natural Arts
Grace Viola-Pearson with Made for Your Soul (kokedamas and natural plant center pieces)
Amy Henley with F&H Farm (goat milk soap)
Cherry May Bently with Keepsakes and Flowers
Jewelry
Jeffrey Steinmann with Steinmann Creations (sterling coin jewelry)
Bailey Harris (cross stitches, macrame, and jewelry)
Suzanne McKinney with Beauty in Stone Jewelry
The River (button bracelets)
Ginny Tallent of G. Tallent Designs (laser cut jewelry and small home decor items)
Fiber Art
Nancy Bouffard (fiber art and painting)
Ann Florence (fabric, bowls, bookmarks, etc)
Cissy Sanders (handwoven items)
Abigail Francis of Meraki Macrame (macrame)
Robin Castania (fabric art)
Photography, 2-D Art, Ink, Drawing, Prints, Photography
Calvin Bennett (photography)
Stephen Simmerman with Cicada Creative Design & Illustration (2D, ink, drawing, and prints)
Jeannie G’Fellers with JGFellers Creations (handmade journals and 2D art)
Elizabeth Dotson with Moon Owl Creations (framed botanicals, Zentangle art, cards)
Food and Health
Jessica Edmisten with The Syrup Shop JC (immune-boosting and natural remedies)
Greg Mueller with Olive Oil Divine
Paul Vowell with Chocolate Elegance
Woodwork
Michael Bishop with Rustic River Design (wooden cutting boards, coasters, and other items)
Earl Dwight Hobbs (wooden bowls, pepper mills, bowls, etc)
Ceramics
Michael Dinapoli with the MAD Potter (pottery)
The McKinney Center is still taking applications for vendors and food trucks. To be a vendor, please visit www.mckinneycenter.com for more information.
The event is open to the public. There is a suggested donation of $1 per person to enter the market but not required. Proceeds go to support the McKinney Center’s student scholarship program. The building and parking are ADA accessible. For more information on this or upcoming markets, please call the McKinney Center at 423-753-0562.

The McKinney Center will host an Art/Craft show on Friday, May 20, noon – 6pm and Saturday, May 21, 10am – 6pm. This juried event features over 30 artists and vendors representing a wide variety of media, including painting, acrylics, glass, fiber arts, wood, sculptures, photography, jewelry, and more.
The event will also include musicians playing throughout the day, and there will be food and beverages for sale as guests shop the indoor and outdoor artists. Guests will have a chance to talk directly with artists about their work.
Artists in the May Market include:
Glass Work
Beth Deming with Last Chance Glass (glass garden flowers and bird feeders)
Michael Howell with Glass by Hoot (glass marbles/orbs, ornaments etc)
Painting
Wendy Ritchie with Helbing Studio (painting)
Dee Martin of D’Inspired Art (acrylic paintings, reclaimed wood and jewelry)
Joseph H. Snyder (painting and prints), Carolyn McLaney (painter)
Natural Arts
Grace Viola-Pearson with Made for Your Soul (kokedamas and natural plant center pieces)
Amy Henley with F&H Farm (goat milk soap)
Cherry May Bently with Keepsakes and Flowers
Jewelry
Jeffrey Steinmann with Steinmann Creations (sterling coin jewelry)
Bailey Harris (cross stitches, macrame, and jewelry)
Suzanne McKinney with Beauty in Stone Jewelry
The River (button bracelets)
Ginny Tallent of G. Tallent Designs (laser cut jewelry and small home decor items)
Fiber Art
Nancy Bouffard (fiber art and painting)
Ann Florence (fabric, bowls, bookmarks, etc)
Cissy Sanders (handwoven items)
Abigail Francis of Meraki Macrame (macrame)
Robin Castania (fabric art)
Photography, 2-D Art, Ink, Drawing, Prints, Photography
Calvin Bennett (photography)
Stephen Simmerman with Cicada Creative Design & Illustration (2D, ink, drawing, and prints)
Jeannie G’Fellers with JGFellers Creations (handmade journals and 2D art)
Elizabeth Dotson with Moon Owl Creations (framed botanicals, Zentangle art, cards)
Food and Health
Jessica Edmisten with The Syrup Shop JC (immune-boosting and natural remedies)
Greg Mueller with Olive Oil Divine
Paul Vowell with Chocolate Elegance
Woodwork
Michael Bishop with Rustic River Design (wooden cutting boards, coasters, and other items)
Earl Dwight Hobbs (wooden bowls, pepper mills, bowls, etc)
Ceramics
Michael Dinapoli with the MAD Potter (pottery)
The McKinney Center is still taking applications for vendors and food trucks. To be a vendor, please visit www.mckinneycenter.com for more information.
The event is open to the public. There is a suggested donation of $1 per person to enter the market but not required. Proceeds go to support the McKinney Center’s student scholarship program. The building and parking are ADA accessible. For more information on this or upcoming markets, please call the McKinney Center at 423-753-0562.

Get close withlocal history on Saturday, May 21^st as the Heritage Alliance hosts“Picnicking with History” at the Embree House Historic Farm in Telford. Thisevent will include a tour of three, historic homes and a chance to have apicnic lunch on the grounds. Tickets include the tour, a special, periodappropriate tasty treat at each of the houses, and a boxed, picnic lunch fromMain Street Café.

The tour willstart at the Embree House. Built in the 1790s by Seth Smith, this stone housewas the childhood home of Elihu Embree, publisher and editor of The Emancipator, the first periodical inthe world dedicated solely to the cause of abolitionism. Guests will have achance to tour the original great room in the house as well as the enslavedquarters in the lower level where the enslaved people worked and lived. Fromthere, guests will have a chance to tour portions of the Wassom House, an 1820’sbrick home that is currently being restored. The tour will conclude at the KykerHouse, a 1950’s home. It’s not every day that you get a chance to tour threedifferent homes from three different centuries. The Embree House and the WassomHouse are both listed on the National Register of Historic Places and the KykerHouse received a Preservation Award from the Heritage Alliance.

The site as awhole is managed by Patrick Stern and is used for agrotourism. The event willconclude with a picnic lunch at the Embree House on the grounds where theIndigenous Peoples once lived and a Civil War battle was fought in 1863. Pleasenote that these are historic houses and they include stairs, uneven ground, andtight spaces. During lunch, guests will have a chance to explore the grounds atthe Embree House. Good walking shoes are required for this event.

There are fourtour and lunch slots available on May 21^st at 11:30 pm, 1:00 pm,2:30 pm, and 4:00 pm. There are only 20 tickets available per slot, so makesure you book your tickets fast. The cost is $30.00 per person. This event is aunique fundraiser for the Heritage Alliance and the proceeds will help keep ourmuseums free to the public. You can purchase tickets online through the Town ofJonesborough’s ticketing system at Jonesborough.com/tickets. You canalso call the Visitor’s Center at 423.753.1010.

The Heritage Alliance is dedicated to the preservation ofthe architectural, historical, and cultural heritage of our region and toproviding educational experiences related to history and heritage for a widerange of audiences. For more information on the Heritage Alliance please call our officeat 423.753.9580.  You can also contactthe organization via email at [email protected].  Additional information about the HeritageAlliance and its mission can be found online at http://www.heritageall.org/.Be sure to follow the Heritage Alliance on Facebook and Instagram for updatesabout events and programs.

More details to come.
McKinneyCenter.com

Register: https://bit.ly/3w1lvpf
World-Renowned Choreographer to present Master Class at McKinney Center
Choreographer, dancer, and educator Kevin Iega Jeff will present a master class at the McKinney Center from 10am-1PM on Wednesday, May 25. Go to www.mckinneycenter.com to register.
Kevin Iega Jeff is co-founder and creative/executive director of Deeply Rooted Productions in Chicago, Illinois. His work has been featured in the Broadway shows Comin’ Uptown and The Wiz, in several films including Spike Lee’s She’s Gotta Have It, and on television, to include choreographing for the Academy Awards. Iega began studying dance formally at age thirteen. He trained at the Bernice Johnson Cultural Arts Center, New York City’s High School for the Performing Arts, Darvash Ballet School, and the Alvin Ailey American Dance Center before matriculating into The Juilliard School. In 2005, Iega was named as one of the Juilliard School’s 100 Outstanding Alumni in celebration of the school’s centenary anniversary. As a dancer he has been praised for his technical brilliance and rigor, his dramatic power, and the singular ability to perform and bridge different dance forms in a seamless manner, whether it be ballet, modern, contemporary, or African American dance. Among his other awards are those from the National Endowment for the Arts, the National Council for Culture and Arts, the BTAA Best Choreography Award, and the Chicago Dance Makers Forum Grant. Iega currently serves on the Arts & Culture Transition Committee for Chicago Mayor-Elect Lori Lightfoot, and is leading the creation of Deeply Rooted’s new home, the South Side Center for Black Dance and Creative Communities. In addition to his professional works, Iega collaborates on a range of community-engaged projects across the country, including Jonesborough’s latest community play, “We Did It Together” which premiers June 3-12 at the McKinney Center.
The master class session Iega will lead is entitled “Memories in Movement,” which begins with a short dance performance by Iega. He will then facilitate participants in movement and dance exercises, with a focus on discovering the different places that emotional memories are stored in the body besides the brain, exploring how we access and engage with a memory — An incident, event, or experience that may live in the body. In this interactive session, dancer, choreographer and educator Kevin Iega Jeff works with participants to examine the relationship between memory, intuition and the body.
Following the session, Iega will lead participants in a “brown bag” group sharing of the experience. Participants are encouraged to bring a snack or meal to enjoy together during this discussion.
Spaces for this master class are limited. Ages recommended are teen-adult, including senior adults. Modifications will be made for those need to participate in a sitting position. The cost for this session is $26 for the early bird rate and $36 after the early bird special. Reservations may be made online at mckinneycenter.com under workshops. For more information, call the McKinney Center at 423-753-0562. This workshop is sponsored by the Tennessee Arts Commission.