| Union City, Tenn.–Discovery Park of America has been awarded a Tennessee America 250 grant from the Tennessee Commission for the United States Semiquincentennial to support a full year of programming commemorating the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
Throughout 2026, Discovery Park will serve as one of Tennessee’s leading destinations interpreting the state’s theme, “Tennessee: The Original Frontier,” with exhibitions, festivals, concerts and educational programs that explore the people and ideas that have shaped 250 years of American independence and identity.
“We’re honored to be among the Tennessee America 250 grant recipients and to help lead the state in commemorating this extraordinary milestone,” said Scott Williams, president and CEO of Discovery Park of America. “Our America 250 programming will give Tennesseans meaningful ways to connect with their heritage while inspiring new generations to reflect on what freedom and perseverance mean today.”
America 250 is a national initiative led by the U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission and coordinated by a White House task force to mark the 250th anniversary of American independence in 2026. State commissions are planning observances highlighting each state’s contributions to the nation’s story. In Tennessee, the commission has launched statewide programs under the theme “Tennessee: The Original Frontier,” including a 95-county tour, farmland preservation projects and grants administered by the Tennessee State Museum to support community-based storytelling and historical preservation.
The Tennessee State Museum administers the grant program on behalf of the Tennessee Commission for the United States Semiquincentennial.
“Tennessee communities are eager to celebrate our nation’s 250th anniversary,” said Ashley Howell, executive director of the Tennessee State Museum and chair of the commission. “Organizations like Discovery Park are helping bring history to life in creative ways that will engage Tennesseans across the state.”
“I am inspired by the excitement across the state to commemorate our nation’s 250th anniversary,” Howell added. “Next year will be filled with exhibitions, programs, festivals and preservation of our local and state history. We hope that these projects inspire Tennesseans across the state to engage with the anniversary in 2026.”
Discovery Park’s yearlong initiative will feature major exhibitions and events that invite reflection on 250 years of freedom, unity and progress. From Feb. 1 through June 21, 2026, the museum will present “Home, Heart, Heritage: Quilt Exhibition Celebrating Black History,” a traveling exhibition from Monthaven Arts and Cultural Center that features five double-sided quilts celebrating African American contributions to Tennessee and the nation. Each quilt honors a theme — Tennessee Roots; Authors, Writers & Poets; Black Women Rise; Science, Medicine & Technology; and Patriotism & Valor — reminding guests that the American story is one of diversity, resilience and creativity.
On April 17 and 18, 2026, the Discovery Park Military Expo will return, featuring equipment displays, speakers and living historians. This year’s program will include a special performance of “A Revolution of Her Own!” by Judith Kalaora, founder of History At Play, LLC. In her acclaimed one-woman show, Kalaora portrays Deborah Sampson, the first woman to fight in and be honorably discharged from the Continental Army. Through vivid storytelling and meticulous research, she brings Sampson’s remarkable journey to life, celebrating the courage and independence that defined 1776.
On June 19, 2026, Discovery Park’s Juneteenth celebration will honor Black history and the enduring significance of freedom in America’s story through music, food and storytelling. The following week, beginning June 30, 2026, Discovery Park will open a major exhibition, “Brushstrokes of a Young Nation: The Art of David Wright,” in the Southern Artist Showcase Gallery. The exhibition will include prints by celebrated Tennessee artist David Wright. His paintings of early settlers, frontier life and America’s expansion offer a vivid visual journey through the nation’s formative years, including pieces from his recent collaboration with the Tennessee Daughters of the American Revolution that highlight more than 370 Revolutionary War patriots who became early Tennessee settlers.
One of the major highlights of Discovery Park’s Tennessee America 250 programming will be the “Celebrating 250 Years of Independence” event July 3–4, 2026. This two-day festival will include living-history demonstrations, crafts, family activities and extended park hours with discounted admission. On Friday, July 3, country music artist Mo Pitney will headline a free outdoor concert as part of Discovery Park’s Rhythm on the Rails series.
Known for hits like “Boy & a Girl Thing” and “Everywhere,” Pitney contributed vocals to Jeff & Sheri Easter’s “Here Comes Jesus,” which won Southern Gospel Recorded Song of the Year at the 55th GMA Dove Awards in October 2024. He was also featured on the song “Jordan” alongside Darin & Brooke Aldridge, Ricky Skaggs and Mark Fain, which was shortlisted for the Bluegrass/Country/Roots Recorded Song of the Year at the 2023 Dove Awards. Pitney is currently in the studio working on a new album of traditional country songs expected in 2026, bringing fresh, authentic storytelling to the stage for the America 250 celebration.
On Saturday evening, July 4, after a fun day of activities at Discovery Park, guests can enjoy Union City’s fireworks display nearby at the Obion County Fairgrounds.
Additional America 250-focused programs at Discovery Park in 2026 will include:
- Celebration of Native American Culture (Sept. 18–19, 2026): A two-day event honoring the music, art and traditions of Native American communities and their enduring influence on America’s story long before 1776.
- David Crockett Homestead & Heritage Festival (Oct. 23–24, 2026): A celebration of frontier life featuring bluegrass music, heritage crafts and hands-on demonstrations that reflect the pioneer values at the heart of Tennessee’s identity.
- Tennessee History Through the Years: Reenactors, craftspeople and costumed interpreters will bring key moments from Tennessee and American history to life throughout the heritage park.
- Student Art Exhibition: In collaboration with local schools, student artwork inspired by patriotic themes will be displayed.
Throughout the year, Discovery Park will weave the America 250 theme throughout its permanent exhibits and 50-acre heritage park. Freedom Square will feature programs centered on the park’s full-scale Liberty Bell replica, exploring the evolving meaning of freedom. Mill Ridge and the Settlement will interpret 19th-century frontier life through the park’s grist mill, smithy, schoolhouse, and log cabins, while the Military Gallery and outdoor exhibits will highlight the service and sacrifice that have shaped the nation’s history.
Community partners for Discovery Park’s America 250 initiative include the Obion County Chamber of Commerce, Union City Main Street, Obion County and Union City Schools, Obion County Tourism, the Tennessee Daughters of the American Revolution, the City of Union City and Northwest Tennessee Tourism. |
