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Summer Camp
History Day Camps at Nashville's Oldest House open to the public.
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2026 Camp Information
Multi-session Discounts: Register for 3 or more sessions, receive 15% off 3rd session and any additional sessions.
Sibling Discounts: Register more then one sibling and receive 10% off.
Special Needs: Travellers Rest Historic House Museum will make every effort to serve and assist campers who require special needs. However, as we are not a special needs camp, there could be certain needs that we are unable to accommodate and are beyond the training of our staff. If your child has a special need in which they may receive accommodations or assistance with at school, we strongly recommend that you contact our Director of Education, Andy Blair, at andy@trhousemuseum.org or 615-832-8197 ext. 15 before you register your child. This way, we may discuss your child's needs and see if a certain camp is the best fit for him or her. This will allow us to prepare our staff well in advance, so that your child and all our campers will have a safe, fun, and rewarding camp experience at Travellers Rest.
Illness Policy: If your child gets sick before or during camp, they must remain free from a fever or vomiting for 24 hours without the aid of medication, before returning to camp. The 24 hours begins after your child's fever has broken or they are no longer vomiting. Refunds or partial refunds for illness will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.
2026 Camp Sessions
Tennessee Tales & Legends
Tennessee history is filled with frontier heroes, creepy critters, & spine-tingling stories! Challenge your imagination with curiosities of historical truths, the mysteries of legends, and the fantastical tall tales of Tennessee history. Join us as we go on our famous cryptid scavenger hunt and write your own legendary tale. Be here as we learn the many fascinating ways of storytelling over the centuries. The minds of the adventurous and imaginative are needed for this wonderous story telling session!
Ages: 7-12
Date: May 26 - 29, 2026
Time: 9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Cost: $275
Stitching History
Enjoy sewing? (Or think you might?) Campers will learn about fashions from the 1820s and 30s and the importance of hand sewing in the life of people, particularly women, of that time. A tour of the house will introduce the many examples of hand sewing in the Travellers Rest collection. Beginners will learn both basic sewing stitches and decorative embroidery stitches; they will have the opportunity to make a needle book, pin cushions, and reticules (drawstring bags).
Advanced stitchers will build on their skills and may do not only the above projects but also make rag dolls, design and make a sampler, or quilt a pot holder.
Ages: 7-14
Dates: May 26 - 29, 2026 BEGINNER; July 27 - 31, 2026 ADVANCED*
Time: 9:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Cost: Beginner: $275; Advanced: $295
*Pre-Requisite for Advanced: Attendance at one previous Stitching History camp
Jr. Docent Training
Go behind the scenes of Nashville’s oldest historic house museum and experience history from inside out! Whether teaching quill pens or learning the work done behind the scenes, junior docents learn about interpretation, museum work, preservation & leadership while fostering a commitment to history. Campers will craft their skills in historical activities and museum work gaining exceptional knowledge from hands-on work.
Ages: 10-16
Date: June 1 - 5, 2026
Time: 9:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Cost: $295
History's Mysteries
Every Museum harbors a mystery, an unexpected artifact, a haunting tale, or perhaps something far more strange. Travel with us on an adventurous journey to some of Middle Tennessee's most interesting historic sites and museums as we gather clues to solve the mysteries. History is full of mysteries waiting for you to solve, so join us on this adventure and become your own history detective. *Students will be traveling offsite with counselors during this camp.
Ages: 9-15
Date: June 8 - 12, 2026
Time: 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Cost: $395 (includes all admissions to sites visited)
Archaeology Camp- Beginner
The ground beneath our feet holds secrets about how life used to be. A thousand years ago, Native Americans lived on the land where Travellers Rest now stands. In this camp, you will follow in the footsteps of these earlier inhabitants and learn how archaeologists discover the past through artifacts and tools. You’ll examine real archaeological materials, learn how stone tools were used, and take part in a mock excavation to experience what it is like to uncover history firsthand.
Ages: 8-13
Dates: June 22 - 26, 2026
Time: 9:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Cost: $295
Archaeology Camp- Advanced
Ready to dig deeper? This advanced archaeology camp goes beyond excavation to explore how Native Americans made their tools and artifacts, what they believed about the world, and how archaeologists have studied these cultures for nearly 200 years. You’ll investigate ancient technologies, symbolic objects, and archaeological methods, culminating in a one-day field trip to a large Native American mound built over 1,000 years ago. Space is limited for this special, hands-on experience, so early registration is encouraged.
Ages: 10 - 16
Dates: July 6 - July 10, 2026
Time: 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Cost: $350 - Includes a field trip experience
Miss Mary’s Academy
Notice is hereby given that Miss Mary will be accepting pupils in her academy for instruction of young ladies at the residence of Judge Overton. This immersive camp will begin with a focus on the general art of becoming a lady in the 19thcentury and continue on throughout the centuries of women’s history at Travellers Rest. Campers will dress in period clothing while developing skills in sewing, arts, and penmanship to only name a few. A perfect fit for the history buff interested in this unique living history experience. Join us for tea!
Ages: 10-16
Dates: July 13 – 17, 2026
Time: 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Cost: $325
Apprentice Camp
Apprentices Take Notice! We are looking for a few good campers to learn the trades that built America, from weaving to blacksmithing, candle making to hearth cooking, and more! Campers will learn the history of 18th & 19thcentury trades, attend demonstrations from skilled artisans, and get their hands dirty as trades apprentices! Campers will gain skills through a truly unique & unforgettable hands-on history experience.
Ages: 10-16
Date: July 20 - July 24, 2026
Time: 9:00 - 4:00 p.m.
Cost: $325
Military Through the Ages
Uncle Sam wants you! Much has changed since 1776: military tactics, fashion, entertainment. Join us for Military Through the Ages Camp to learn about just how far America has come since the American Revolution. We’ll hit all the highlights – like the War of 1812, American Civil War, and World War I, and even some lesser known wars in-between. Come find out why real American heroes understand that knowledge is half the battle!
Ages: 9-15
Date: July 27 - 31, 2026
Time: 9:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Cost: $295
We are grateful to The Marlene and Spencer Hays Foundation, our 2026 Lead Sponsor of Youth Educational Programming.
BEFORE & AFTER CARE
Our counselor-supervised extended hours are for campers to watch movies, read, get crafty, & play!
Before Care: 7:30 A.M. – 9:00 A.M.
Cost: $65 per Week or $15 per Day
After Care: 3:30 P.M. – 5:30 P.M.
Cost: $80 per Week or $18 per Day
Before and After Combo: $130 per Week
If you have questions about our Summer Camps, please contact Andy Blair, Director of Education, Interpretation, and Outreach, at 615-832-8197 ext. 15 or andy@TRHousemuseum.org