Traveling Trunks
Traveling trunks are available year-round, free-of-charge, and by reservation only. The trunks were developed with the help of educational specialists and teachers. They are interdisciplinary, curriculum-based, target 4th-8th grade levels, and offer students an opportunity for hands-on learning and access to primary resource materials to further study about the Civil War in Tennessee and Kentucky. All trunks have reproduction clothing, books, VHS tapes, CDs, and suggested activities.
The park has five trunk themes: women's history, the Underground Railroad, US and Confederate soldier life, and naval history.
A Journey on the Underground Railroad, focusing on Black Troops at Fort Donelson and the legacy of the Underground Railroad;
A Confederate Soldier at Fort Donelson, which focuses on soldier life at the Civil War fort. (Trunk Photographs)
Sarah's Journey: Civilians During the Civil War, which chronicles the life of a Tennessee widow and her family during the war.
U.S. Sailor Trunk focuses on the lives of Union volunteers in the Navy. (Trunk Photographs)
U.S. Soldier Trunk investigates the life of a typical Union soldier from the Midwest.(Trunk Photographs)
How do I reserve a trunk for my classroom?
Please call the park at (931)232-5706, extension 104. The park staff will check availability and verify your reservation. A completed trunk reservation form, with important contact information and a school principal's signature, will be provided and is required before trunks are shipped to the school.
How will the trunk be delivered to my classroom? Trunks are shipped to the school via United States Postal Service parcel post.
Are there fees for using the trunks?
No. The park presently requests that schools and educational groups return the trunk via a trackable method, and insured for $1,000. The park recommends using United States Postal Service parcel post with Delivery Confirmation and USPS insurance as it is the most cost effective.
From October 1, 2011 to September 30, 2012, borrowers of traveling trunks are eligible to have their return shipping costs reimbursed as part of the park's 150th anniversary commemoration. We ask that the most cost effective manner of shipping be used. This assistance is available as long as the funds are available. This assistance is funded through the generosity of Eastern National, a nonprofit partner of the National Park Service that operates the bookstore in our visitor center. For more information, please inquire at the time of booking, or call (931)232-5706, ext. 104.
How long may our class use the trunk?
Trunks may reserved for two--week periods. We do not recommend using two trunks at once, since teachers and schools are responsible for lost, broken, or misplaced items in the trunks. The estimated value of each trunk is $1,000 each.
