‘Heritage and Hoopskirts’ to bring 19th century culture to life on Friday, May 4

The music, dances and culture of the Civil War era will return to Greeneville with “Heritage and Hoopskirts,” a nineteenth century ball, on Friday, May 4.

The Doak House Museum is partnering with the 1860s Living History and Dance Society to bring the 19th century to life in this family friendly event at 7 p.m. at the Nathanael Greene Museum.

The 1860s Living History and Dance Society will demonstrate dances of the period and teach them to the audience. The group is composed of families interested in the Civil War civilian population. Formed in 2009, the group offers many demonstrations on fashion, dress and dance from the Civil War time period and has been part of regional Civil War events including the Lincoln Presenters Ball held last year in Greeneville. Last fall, the group was part of the Museums of Tusculum Lantern Tour.

Music will be provided by Olde Towne Brass, a group of professional musicians who perform in the manner of early American and Civil War bands. The band members play original period music on Civil War over-the-shoulder brass horns just as they were played more than 150 years ago. The repertoire of Olde Towne Brass includes more than 4,000 songs of both Confederate and Union bands compiled from various resources across the country including the Library of Congress and the Museum of the Confederacy.

In addition to performing at countless prestigious Civil War events throughout the country, Olde Towne Brass has recorded music for renowned documentary director Ken Burns’ productions, “Not for Ourselves Alone” and “Jazz.” The group also appeared in the documentary “Civil War Songs and Stories” that appeared on public television in 2011. The band also appeared in the film, “American Drummer Boy.”

This event is made possible by a grant from the Tennessee Arts Commission’s Arts Builds Communities program, which receives funds through the sales of specialty license plates.

“Heritage and Hoopskirts” is part of Greene County History Week, which will be observed April 27 through May 6. Greene County History Week is a collaborative effort to raise awareness and involve the community in appreciation of the heritage of the area.

In addition to the Museums of Tusculum College, participants in Greene County History Week include the Greene County Partnership, the Genealogical Society, the Greene County Heritage Trust, the Andrew Johnson National Historic Site and National Cemetery, the Dickson-Williams Mansion, the Nathanael Greene Museum, Davy Crockett Birthplace State Park, the Nolichucky Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution and many other parties interested in the preservation and celebration of Greene County’s rich history. The full calendar of events can be found at www.greenecountyhistoryweek.com.

Tickets are $10 for general admission or $5 for senior citizens, students, and attendees in period costume.

Call the Doak House Museum at 423-636-8554 or email lwalker@tusculum.edu for reservations. Tickets will also be available at the door the evening of the event.

The Doak House Museum and the President Andrew Johnson Museum and Library are operated by the Department of Museum Program and Studies of Tusculum College. In addition to the museums, the department is responsible for the College Archives and offers one of the few undergraduate Museum Studies degree programs in the country. The two museums are also part of the National Historic District on the Tusculum College campus. Follow the museums on Facebook and Twitter to learn the latest news and upcoming events or visit its Web site at www.tusculum.edu/museums to learn more about the variety of programs offered at the museums.