For grades 4 and up, Destination:1840! propels students and adults onto the stage of a dramatic, historical fiction "living play."Our time-traveling destination is carefully chosen. Here on the Appalachian frontier "The Removal" of the Cherokee has been declared a success, yet pockets of resistance remain. Enter a group of greenhorn, time-warping students half posing as Cherokee and half as settlers. They've come to learn the lessons of the past but get more than they bargained for as the "cold peace" of the mountain top erupts into ethnic and cultural brinkmanship. Our strong characters ensure that fun is paramount, but the sobering situation that unfolds is straight out of the Middle East, Northern Ireland, and "Any City, USA". It is surely the central question of our time:
We offer no world-saving magic solution. Insights may well lead more to confusion than clarity. Only one clear "evil" emerges ...ignorance. Understanding and empathy rise as the primary agents of hope. As each "play" takes on a life of its own, we often find ourselves humbled by the power of Destination:1840!
 CHEROKEE MEALS |
 EARTHSHINE LOOMS |
 THE FESTIVAL DANCE |
 CANDLEMAKING |
 DIPPING CANDLES! |
 SPINNING WOOL |
Cherokee Life - Students experience life as Cherokee Indians in the post "Trail of Tears" era. As apprentices, they will contribute to the ongoing construction of the secret Cherokee village. They will learn to grind corn using a traditional mortar and pestle, build and tend fires, clean fish, and cook their meals over the fire. As Cherokee they'll discover that work such as fleshing and tanning animal hides, sculpting a dug-out canoe, making pottery and stringing bead necklaces are all part of daily life. Native Americans knew that much could be learned through games and dances. This rich heritage provides wonderful opportunities for fun and knowledge.
Pioneer Life - Students experience life as pioneer settlers in the new lands opened up by "The Removal." As apprentices they will be a part of a working homestead. They will take wool, recently shorn from our sheep, and prepare it for use through washing, dyeing, carding, spinning and weaving. Students will learn about caring for our farm animals which include goats, sheep, donkeys, chickens, and ducks. They will learn the old ways of cooking in dutch ovens, make drip candles, and press cider with apples straight from our trees. Blacksmithing and traditional carpentry will work up a sweat for all, as real projects make lasting contributions to the farm.