Summer Saturdays and fun-filled activities for the family are just minutes away at the Tennessee Agricultural Museum.  Special programs will spotlight farm happenings from 9 AM to 2 PM, July 5 to August 9.

From heirloom gardening to butterfly stations, buggy rides and story-tellers, there will be different things for families to see and do each weekend.  Sampling apples, grooming and riding miniature donkeys, milking goats, working with the blacksmith and carving apple-head dolls are a few of the activities that can be enjoyed.  The museum, located at the Ellington Agricultural Center, features a two-story barn with over 3,500 artifacts plus log cabins, a farmhouse, gardens and nature trails.  Plan a trip to the Ag Museum to enjoy Summer Saturdays and special farm activities.  Or you may want to drop by during the week to browse and see exhibits that include quilts, household items, farm equipment, buggies, wagons, wood working tools and more. For a schedule and more information about Summer Saturdays, call (615) 837-5197. SCROLL DOWN FOR DETAILS.

July 5 – Farm Chores & Summer Fun - Step back to a time when most people lived on a farm.  Discover heirloom gardening secrets, visit the log cabins or watch as spinners turn lamb's wool into thread. Children can shell corn for the chickens, gather eggs, roll an old-fashioned hoop or join in a scavenger hunt. Scrub boards and tubs, butter churns and the walking plow will all be part of the fun. Bring your spinning wheel for the 11 AM spin-off.

July 12 - Hold Your Horses!! - Enjoy a buggy ride or spend time with those clever Tennessee Walking Horses.  This Saturday is all about horse power!  It’s wagon wheels, side saddles and a great chance to see the Mounted Police Patrol train their equine partners at 10:00 & 11:30.   Wondering about the horse power under your hood?   See our museum exhibit, from 0 to 60, and talk with a Tennessee bio-fuel expert about harnessing fuels for the future.

July 19 - Old MacDonald’s Farm - Bring your camera!  This farm has a spotted mule and pint-sized donkeys!  Visitors can groom and feed animals from 9 AM to 2 PM.   Small $3 fee for miniature donkey rides.  Walk over to the log cabins if you want to see wooly sheep and watch fleece being spun into thread.   Or stop under the shade tree to help the blacksmith.  Just another day on the farm! 

July 26 - All About Goats - Those hungry goats are just waiting.  Bring all your friends to help feed and milk them.  This is also a good chance to purchase some of the wonderful soap and lotion made from goat milk.  Young folks will enjoy story-telling from 10 AM to 12 noon at the Billy Goat Gruff Bridge.  Small $3 fee for face painting.

August 2 - Wild Wings & Creeping Things - You’re invited to the fantastic world of wings and creeping things. Featuring birds, butterflies and bugs with the experts who study and protect them.  Butterfly nets, a station for identifying and releasing plus big bug games and an observation bee hive are on the agenda.  Get close to a red-tailed hawk and other large birds of prey as you talk with a lady dedicated to rescuing them.

August 9 – An Apple for the Teacher—Chicken for the Preacher!! - Sample apples and vote for teacher’s favorite.  Then register for a basket of apples straight from the orchard.   Learn to make an apple pomander and watch Miss Sallie carve an apple-head doll at 11 AM.    Take home recipes for apple stack cake, apple fritters and the preacher’s favorite—apple pie and fried chicken.  Folks can see honey bees in the observation bee hive, purchase local honey or walk through the garden to see our Johnny Appleseed Tree.  Free lady bug activity book and apple art fun for children.

For more information about the Tennessee Agricultural Museum, contact:

Tennessee Agricultural Museum
Ellington Agricultural Center
P.O. Box 40627, Nashville, Tennessee 37204
(615) 837-5197