NPS Photo

A visitor learns to make a basket with a demonstrator from the Tombigbee Pioneer Group.

There are numerous special events that take place in the Tupelo area throughout the year. Have you ever wanted to practice playing a dulcimer or learn how early pioneers survived in the wilderness surrounding the early Natchez Trace? Come during one of the park’s Dulcimer Days or Pioneer Days and practice your skills!

You may also choose to join a park ranger and explore parts of the original Trace, or learn more about the many American Indian mounds found along route of the modern Parkway. Discover the world of boatmen and bandits, Chickasaw and Choctaw, and forest and wildlife. Ranger programs are always free; schedules and topics vary by season. Please call 1-800-305-7417 for more information on ranger-led activities.

November 2009

The Natchez Trace Parkway to Host An Interpretive Display of Prehistoric American Indian Tools

In recognition of American Indian Heritage Month, Mr. Pat Arinder will present a display of prehistoric American Indian replicas at the Natchez Trace Parkway Visitor Center on Saturday, November 14, 2009 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

The display will contain examples of prehistoric American Indian stone tools, including knives, spears, bow and arrows, atlatls, grinding stones, and a bow drill. Mr. Arinder will be available to share information about the tools with visitors and the replicas will be available for hands-on interpretation.

Mr. Arinder has studied Early American and American Indian cultures for over 40 years, and has assembled a large collection of stone tools to lead living history programs. In addition to working with school groups, he has also shared his talents as a volunteer interpretive historian with the National Park Service at the Natchez Trace Parkway for the past thirteen years.

This event is free to the public. The Natchez Trace Parkway Visitor Center is located along the Parkway at Milepost 266, near Tupelo, Mississippi. For additional information, please call the visitor center at: 662-680-4027 or 1-800-305-7417.

November 21, 2009 Dulcimer Day

A special program of dulcimer music will be provided by the North Mississippi Dulcimer Association from 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 21, 2009, at the Parkway Visitor Center located at milepost 266 near Tupelo, Mississippi.

The North Mississippi Dulcimer Association teaches dulcimer history, tradition, craftsmanship, and music by sharing its knowledge and talents. The Appalachian mountain dulcimer is the first instrument developed in the United States. Dating back to the early 1800s, the dulcimer is an instrument whose very name means “sweet sound.” The National Park Service and the North Mississippi Dulcimer Association invite everyone to listen to the soft sweet sounds of the dulcimer and learn of its extensive history.

This program is free. For additional information, call 662-680-4027 or 1-800-305-7417.

Tales of the Trace, milepost 266

• Sunday, November 1 at 10:00 am 
• Sunday, November 8 at 10:00 am
• Sunday, November 15 at 10:00 am

Come by the Natchez Trace Parkway Visitor Center to hear a Ranger’s Choice Program. Wildlife, American Indian history, Kaintucks, bandits, and more are among the possibilities for this thirty minute program.

December, 2009

Annual Holiday Open House

The Natchez Trace Parkway’s annual Holiday Open House will be held on Friday, December 11, 2009, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Parkway Visitor Center located at milepost 266 near Tupelo, Mississippi.

“TomFoolery”, an acoustic trio, will perform traditional and seasonal music from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.  The public is welcome to bring their instruments to join in during the play-along and sing-along.  Light refreshments will be served and there will be an opportunity to meet park staff.

The event is free to the public.  Further information may be obtained by calling 662-680-4027.