Not just a museum, but a historical sight with re-enactment in the period specific structures in period custumes by very good docents !!!!!
This was an excellent outing for my visitors from Germany. Of course historic reminders are everywhere in Europe, but not like the living history at Rocky Mount where you get an idea of the pioneer spirit. Most interesting were the priced possessions from that time (you have to guess what they are, and I bet you won't) but the "tour" guides were excellent and engaging. They conveyed a very realistic glimpse of life in the late 18th century. My German friends enjoyed it immensely and I'm planning to take my grandkids this week. They are 8 and 11, and I bet that will be their most interesting history lesson yet.
Went with my wife while were in the area on vacation. The museum is set up very nicely and the staff is friendly. The tour part of the property is also quite fun and ecucational, with period tour guide actors. We had three actors along our tour, two of which were quite good. The third was probably new and was obviously nervous in front of a group, but held it together.Overall, it was quite educational and interesting. I'd recommend a stop by here for any history buff!
Docents in 18th Century costumes bring northeastern Tennessee culture and history to life. The tour varies with each season and holiday, making Rocky Mount an attraction that can be experienced and enjoyed over and over again. The 4th of July celebration is fun for all ages, as are the candlelight tours conducted at Christmas time. Many buildings set on spacious grounds. Originally built for our first Territorial Governor, long before Tennessee gained statehood!
The introduction video was cute and informative. The actors stayed in character very well, and they took us through a very in-depth tour of the area. The characters explained how everything worked, how things were done at that time, and they were able to answer every question we could throw at them. Although there was not A huge amount for us to do but listen, we found it entertaining and enlightening. I would definitely recommend the Rocky Mount Museum.
We are a family of 7 which includes a 7 year old, a 10 year old, a 20 year old, 2 parents (not disclosing our ages!) and 2 grandparents in 70s/80s. We arrived a little after 11 am on a Wednesday and the place was empty other than another (elderly) couple that arrived at the same time. We paid our admission (senior & AAA discounts by the way) and were told it is best to use the restroom first since the tour was 1-2 hours. The restroom was spotless. Very nice bonus. You start in the theater where they show a brief movie on the history of the house and the area. It was very informative and interesting for all of us (well maybe not my 7 year old the whole time but most of the time at least). You are then led to the back door of the newer building and told you are going back in time to 1791. You are told to follow the path to the front door of the Cobb's house and to knock. (By the way, photography is only allowed outside and you spend the majority of your tour inside). On the tour, you visit the main room, the sleeping quarters, the children's room, the office, the kitchen, the dining room and the spinning room. I'm sure I'm missing something or I have renamed something but my point is that it was a good number of rooms and a nice variety. You are given lots of good information in an easy to understand format, the "characters" are all so nice and welcoming and informed, you get to touch things and the children were able to interact, and you can ask lots of questions. The downside was that it was hot and this is 1791 where there's no AC. The windows were open but not much of a breeze. There are seats in some rooms but not all. No food or drinks are allowed inside. Plan accordingly. :)Well worth our visit. Staff could not have been nicer. I also like the gift shop. Very reasonable prices. Children's items were 75 cents to $5. Unheard of at other museums/tourist destinations. That was very much appreciated. I probably won't be back because this was more of a one-time thing BUT I highly recommend it for school-age children or adults. :) Well worth the visit!
If you live in the tri-city area or are just visiting, this place is a must see if you have any interest at all in local history. "Residents" act and talk as if it were the 1700's and if you ask about computers, cars, etc., they don't know anything about them. Really enjoyable for adults and kids to see how people lived many, many years ago.
Our homeschool group went to Rocky Mount Museum for the day. It far exceeded my expectations! I am not sure how it works if you go on your own, but for our group it went like this: The kids first got to do a craft, which was either candle making or soap making. We toured the museum, which had some great artifacts and info about the area. Then we saw a short film on the history of the area. Finally, we toured the buildings. The tours were led by period-dressed guides, who stayed in character throughout the tour. I particularly enjoyed seeing the kitchen and learning about the day to day activities. There is a small gift shop with some neat items, and a picnic area outside. We were there all morning, and were sad when it was time to leave. Highly recommended!
What a great way to get into the Christmas Spirit. Check out Rocky Mount's Candle Light Tours. The stories and wonderful. Meet all the Cobbs, the Governor and his wife, but the best could be the kitchen and slave cabin.
The last time our family visited RM was over the holidays. Recommend this attraction as an introduction to the early history of TN.