Volunteer: a person who voluntarily undertakes or expresses a willingness to undertake a service

Jan. 14, 2021 – Discovery Park is pleased to name Sue Ellen Morris as the 2020 Volunteer of the Year. Volunteers are important to Discovery Park. They enhance our ability to implement our mission by offering their knowledge and expertise in a variety of ways.

When Sue Ellen started volunteering in early 2020 at Discovery Park, she soon realized one of her favorite things was sharing information about the park with first-time guests. “I really enjoy meeting the people that visit from around the world,” said Sue Ellen. “I like hearing their stories and watching the children’s reactions when they walk through the doors and see the giant cave bear or the dinosaur skeletons. Some are frightened by the bear and others want to hurry to see if it’s real.”

“Of course, 2020 was a tough year for all of us,” said Scott Williams, Discovery Park president and CEO. “Rounding the corner and seeing Sue Ellen sitting there with her mask on, ready to welcome guests, always made me feel a little happier.”

Sue Ellen received an etched serving board handmade by Discovery Park volunteer John. R. Hall for her dedication to Discovery Park of America.

Get to Know the 2020 Volunteer of the Year

Born in Hickman County, Ky., to Raymond and Estelle Morris, Sue Ellen grew up on the family farm with her two sisters, Gina Lou and Ruth Ann. She was always helping out on the farm, driving tractors and planting soybean, corn and wheat. Growing up, she was also an avid reader and volunteered at the library in Clinton, Ky. She loved reading books about places around the world that she never dreamed a little girl from a small town in Kentucky would visit. Little did she know what was to come.

She attended Murray State University and received her undergraduate degree in English with a minor in history. Sue Ellen then decided to pursue law school and attended the University of Tulsa. After she graduated with her law degree, she realized that the big city life and the cold were not for her. She missed her family, the warmer weather and the greenery of her hometown. So, she packed everything up and headed back home to begin her career as a lawyer at Roberts, Bugg and Morris in Clinton, Ky.

Once her career took off as a partner in the law firm, she remembered the books she read as a little girl about all the exotic places around the world she wished she could visit. Sue Ellen convinced her sister, Ruth Ann, to be her travel partner and they started exploring the amazing places she had only read and dreamed about visiting. She and her sister visited places all around Europe, including Ireland, Great Britain and Italy. Their furthest adventure to date has been to New Zealand. They have also met friends that they now travel with on their adventures.

“She loved reading books on places around the world that she never dreamed a little girl from a small town in Kentucky would visit. Little did she know what was to come.”

“My favorite place that I have visited is Rome,” said Sue Ellen. “The city, the history, the food and the people make it one of the most interesting and culturally rich places to visit. We have found the best gelato place in Rome and have to visit it every time we are there.”

Sue Ellen and her sister had to put their next adventures on hold when COVID-19 hit. “We are big cruisers and had two cancelled, one in 2020 and one in 2021, but we have a Celebrity Cruise planned later this year that starts in Venice and ends in Rome. We are really hoping we get to experience this trip.”

Since international travel is paused for now, we asked Sue Ellen where her favorite place to visit is in the United States. “I really like to travel to the Smoky Mountains. We rent a cabin, take hikes and just relax.” She already has a condo booked in April to hunt for spring wildflowers in Sevierville with her travelling buddies.

“I like hearing their stories and seeing the children’s reactions when they walk through the doors and see the giant cave bear or the dinosaur skeletons. Some are frightened by the bear and others want to hurry and touch it to see if it’s real.”

She still practices law part-time, but within the next couple of years, she wants to have something more she can do to give back to the community once she completely retires. This volunteer program fits in well with her plans. Plus, Sue Ellen enjoys taking photos of the guests and giving them the information they need to enhance their experience at Discovery Park.

When asked if she recommends others to volunteer at the park, she said, “Yes! This is a great opportunity for retired educators or for anyone who is passionate about sharing knowledge with others.” She also shared her favorite part of the park. “I really enjoy the grounds, and I like to see the transformation of the outdoor foliage that occurs as the seasons change. The grounds staff does an awesome job. I also love the old cars and there are a couple I would love to take home.”

If you or someone you know is interested in joining the volunteer program at Discovery Park, please email Polly Brasher at pbrasher@discoveryparkofamerica.flywheelstaging.com for more information.

Nov. 20, 2020 – In May of 1886, the United States was in the midst of what is now known as the Gilded Age. This period was marked by a rapidly developing economy and the cultural reunification of the North and South. Over the course of 20 years, the average wage for an industrial worker in the U.S. nearly doubled, and the standard of living for American families skyrocketed above that of most European countries. The economic development that epitomized this era rode in on trains – innovative, perpetually evolving trains. A uniform and efficient railroad system became a pivotal asset to the nation, and the time had come to work out its antiquated quirks.

Over 60 years earlier, in 1827, Baltimore & Ohio Railroad had been commissioned with the purpose of transporting goods being shipped along the Ohio River in the West to the port at Baltimore in the East. As America’s first railroad, the company set the standard for railways in the North by copying British railways in formatting track. The rails were placed 56.5 inches apart – a measurement that had been decided on by George Stephenson, a British engineer known as “the Father of Railways.” A separate railroad, the South Carolina Canal and Railroad Company, got its start only 9 months later in Charleston, South Carolina. To accommodate the movement of larger cotton bales, the founders of South Carolina C&R decided on a rail spacing, or “gauge,” of 60 inches – exactly 5 feet.

As the years went on, the 56.5 inch gauge became the standard for railroads hailing from the North, while Southern railways followed South Carolina’s suit in standardizing the 60-inch gauge. These were not the only gauges present in the U.S. railroad system. In fact, by 1871, there were at least 23 different gauges in use by American railroads. Since trains would have to be specially formatted and equipped to run on a certain width of track, this was a major issue by the Gilded Age reform. Trains would have to be unloaded and the freight moved to another train at the interchange in order to make its full transit. In fact, North Carolina adopted the Stephenson gauge (Northern system) in order to make trade with the North easier and drew massive amounts of commerce away from surrounding Southern states as a result.

On February 2, 1886, the operating officers of the South’s major railroads met at Kimball House in Atlanta to discuss a shift to the Stephenson gauge. While some advocated passionately for the full transition, the final decision was to adopt a 4-foot-9 inch gauge – 3 inches narrower than the Southern gauge, but still a half inch wider than the Stephenson gauge. This miniscule difference allowed for most engines formatted for the Stephenson to still traverse the tracks, while also being wide enough for use by the Pennsylvania Railroad, a unique Northern Railroad with a 4ft9in gauge which had many interchanges with Southern rails. It was decided that on May 31^st and June 1^st of that year, in just two days, tens of thousands of railroad laborers across the South would pull up some 11,500 miles of rail and move them inward. Only one side would need to be moved, so it was decided that the western or northern side of each track would be shifted 3 inches.

The four-month preparation period allowed for special wheels to be made for engines and cars that could simply be turned around on their axles on the transformation day to fit the new track. When May 31^st came, hundreds of workers hit the ground reversing the wheels on thousands of cars and engines, while thousands more workers quickly plucked railroad spikes on the 11,500 miles of track and shifted them inward by 3 inches. This daunting task was made considerably more efficient with the use of a special caliper known as a railroad gauge. Instead of measuring the distance between the rails every few feet, the workers could simply slide the caliper (like the one found in Discovery Park’s Depot), which had a set length of 4ft9in, down the track and confirm its uniformity.

On June 1^st, after the noisiest 36 hours the South ever experienced, the last spike was hammered in. Over the next several decades, regular maintenance of tracks eventually shifted all railroad tracks in the South to the Stephenson gauge of 4ft 8.5in. Nevertheless, the Great Gauge Change of May 31^st and June 1^st, 1886 remains one of the greatest feats of engineering in world history, let alone the most magnificent coordinated effort in the Southern United States prior to telecommunications.

Side note: The day after the transition, June 2, 1886, President Grover Cleveland, who was 49, married college student Frances Folsom in the Blue Room of the White House. Cleveland had been the executor of her father’s estate and oversaw her upbringing. Nevertheless, at just 21 years old, she became one of the most beloved first ladies in American History. This was a busy week in American history, indeed!

#OnThisDay: Oct. 8 – Oct. 15, 2020

Oct. 8, 2020 – Discovery Park of America is filled with artifacts, replicas, history, science, art and more. Our mission is to inspire children and adults to see beyond, and we do so by sharing educational content online and throughout our museum.

We share weekly updates on anniversaries and significant moments in history, and where you can find items related to these dates through our museum and heritage park.

Liberty Hall

• Oct. 10, 1997 (23 years ago) – John Tanner received an award from Naval Support Activity Memphis.
• Oct. 15, 1781 (239th anniversary) – Hopelessly trapped at Yorktown, Virginia, British General Lord Cornwallis surrendered 8,000 British soldiers to a larger Franco-America force, effectively bringing an end to the American Revolution.

STEM Landing

• Oct. 10, 1968 (52nd anniversary) – A crawler-transporter moved a Saturn V rocket to the launch pad for Apollo 8, the first manned Saturn V mission. Crawler-transporters are the biggest self-propelled land vehicles.
• Oct. 11, 1968 (52nd anniversary) – Apollo 7, the first manned Apollo mission, was launched with astronauts Walter M. Schirra, Jr.; Donn F. Eisele; and Walter Cunningham aboard. The crew of Apollo 7 conducted an 11-day orbit of Earth, during which the crew transmitted the first live television broadcasts from orbit.

Natural History Gallery

• Oct. 14, 2020 – National Fossil Day: This day was established to promote the scientific and educational values of fossils.

Freedom Square: Walk of Heroes

• Oct. 10, 1957 (63rd anniversary) – Ayn Rand’s fourth and final novel was published. Atlas Shrugged included elements of science fiction, mystery and romance, and it contained Rand’s most extensive statement of objectivism in any of her works of fiction.

Transportation Gallery

• Oct. 12, 1915 (105th anniversary) – Ford Motor Company manufactured it’s one millionth automobile.

Reelfoot Room

• Oct. 14, 1890 (130th birthday) – Sabin Photos – Verne Sabin was born is Champaign, Illinois.

International/National Holidays

• Oct. 12, 2020 – National Farmer’s Day
• Oct. 14, 2020 – National Fossil Day

Did you know?

Oct. 9, 2020 – Discovery Park of America’s statue of Ayn Rand, standing tall next to historic icons from history like Abraham Lincoln, Ronald Reagan and Thomas Jefferson, generates a variety of reactions from guests. Responses range from pleasantly surprised to outright appalled among those who know of her work, to a moment of discovery for those who don’t.

So why is this statue, which seems unassociated with the other figures it stands with, here in the park? Robert Kirkland, who first came up with the idea for a center of education in Northwest Tennessee, had great respect for Rand and wished to see her honored for the influence she’d had on his life. Kirkland, who died in 2015 at age 77, was an outspoken supporter of Rand and was particularly interested in her bestselling book, “Atlas Shrugged.” Kirkland is even listed as a producer for the second and third part of the film trilogy based on her novel.

“…Objectivism as, ‘the concept of man as a heroic being, with his own happiness as the moral purpose of his life, with productive achievement as his noblest activity, and reason as his own absolute.'”

Ayn Rand promoted the idea of “rational selfishness” in her controversial philosophy, named Objectivism, and she spent years refining and publicly debating its core concepts until her death in 1982. The Ayn Rand Institute describes her philosophy as a way of life that involves seeking reason before whim, working hard to achieve a life of purpose and self-esteem and pursuing your own happiness as the highest moral aim. Objectivism champions the concept that if we treat others fairly and trade “value for value,” individuals will prosper. Rand’s statue at Discovery Park features her in a powerful pose, holding her hip with one arm and a book with the other, and includes a plaque that presents the definition of Objectivism as, “the concept of man as a heroic being, with his own happiness as the moral purpose of his life, with productive achievement as his noblest activity, and reason as his own absolute.”

Rand’s detractors argued her philosophy was selfish and included hypocrisies that paint the image of an unrealistic world. She also received massive negative feedback when she bluntly dismissed religion, arguing that it took away from mankind’s image as independent and powerful beings. Rand never fit neatly into a political party and often made statements that caused members of all factions to turn against her. In today’s explosive political climate, Rand’s philosophy is sometimes cited, resulting in her legacy being both supported and slandered in media to this day.

Controversial figures such as Rand can be used as an opportunity for guests to “see beyond” and evaluate their own beliefs, whether they align with other’s views or not. You never know what you may discover at Discovery Park of America.

Sept. 2, 2020 – If you are an educator or home school parent looking for a unique, standards-based learning experience that can take place from a classroom, students’ homes or both, Discovery Park of America has the solution—free virtual field trips. With lessons targeting students in grades one to twelve, virtual field trips are scheduled in advance and led by one of Discovery Park’s talented educators in one or more of the museum’s galleries using video conferencing platforms.

“We are continuing Discovery Park’s mission of inspiring children and adults to see beyond,” said Nathaniel Newlin, assistant education director for the museum. “The lessons and programs are built and designed in-house by our education specialists, and we are very excited to share these with students virtually.”

Discovery Park is also welcoming students for in-person field trips and is following all recommended health and safety guidelines including requiring masks for all visitors and staff.

The monthly Homeschool Day at Discovery Park is also continuing on the third Thursday of each month September 2020 – April 2021, with classes available from 2 – 4 p.m. With exhibits and interactive, experiences focused on science, transportation, technology, history, art and more, students literally never know what inspiration they’ll discover around each corner.

Discovery Park recently announced a new partnership with the University of Tennessee at Martin to provide pre-recorded resources that include professors teaching a variety of topics, including Japanese, computer science, astronomy, public speaking, history, music, geology and more. Hosted by Katie Jarvis from Discovery Park, professors from UT Martin are participating in a 20-minute Zoom recording utilizing their area of expertise.

“Technology has given us the opportunity to provide this educational content with teachers and students all over the world,” said Polly Brasher, education director for the park. “We are here to be a resource, whether they choose to have an in-person experience here at the park, incorporate the recorded sessions with professors at UT Martin or participate in a free virtual field trip online. We are ready to serve our teachers and students with the tools they need to enhance classroom or home learning.”

To find out more about all these tools for educators, visit discoveryparkofamerica.flywheelstaging.com/education.

Aug. 5, 2020 – The Historical Theater Academy is about to gear up again on Tuesday nights, and we wanted to sit down with a current student of the program to get the inside scoop on what goes on behind the scenes during the program.

Linus Pulley, a junior at Fulton Independent High School and current participant in the Historical Theater Academy, was recently cast as a main character in a music video by an up-and-coming country band, Bexar. We sat down with Pulley and asked him some questions about how Historical Theater Academy impacted his life and how it prepared him for this role in the video.

How did you hear about Historical Theater Academy, and what made you sign up for it?  

I participated in Jenny Virgin’s summer workshops at the Masquerade Theatre for many years. After she retired from the program, she announced the Historical Theater Academy (HTA) at Discovery Park. My mom told me about it and I entered the class to participate in theater again.

What has been the best thing about being involved in Historical Theater Academy?

The best part of HTA is the whole experience. Being able to create an entire show from the ground up, being able to act in that show, and making great friends along the way are some of the highlights. 

Why should students in grade 6 – 12 sign up for Historical Theater Academy? 

Students should sign up for HTA for a one-of-a-kind experience. Being involved in every single aspect of a new show is amazing. 

You recently were the main character in the music video, “Again,” by the band Bexar. How did HTA prepare you for this role? 

Historical Theater Academy taught me many acting skills that I still use today. The way I am able to convey emotion without speaking is a skill I picked up through HTA and other acting. HTA has also taught me to listen to my director. 

What piece of advice would you give your peers who are thinking about participating in Historical Theater Academy?  

I would tell them that it doesn’t matter if they have acting experience or not. HTA is a place for beginners and experts alike. 

Anything else you would like to share about your experience in HTA? 

I would like to say that HTA is the best program I have ever participated in. Building a show, acting in it, and making friends are some of the best experiences I’ve ever had.

Watch the music video for “Again” by Bexar and see Linus’s role in the video.

Jun. 24, 2020 – As we prepare to kick off the 2020 outdoor summer concert series, “Rhythm on the Rails,” on Fri., June 26, we are faced with a very different world than last year’s successful concert series. From employees wearing face masks to adult beverages being served to guests at their seats, Lauren Jones, Discovery Park’s director of special events, and others at the museum and heritage park have been hard at work for weeks to create a safe place so guests can sit outside and listen to live music.

Lauren took a few minutes to answer some questions about putting together such a big event in the unprecedented times we live as everyone adapts their behavior due to the pandemic.

Question: Why did Discovery Park decide to proceed with a live music series?

Having an outdoor summer music series near the Depot is perfect because families can enjoy the wide-open space of the park, catch some fish, eat good food and listen to great talent while maintaining a safe, six-foot distance from other guests. We’ve had many of our members and people who live in the communities around Union City let us know they are eager for us to continue with the series, and after such a successful reopening of Discovery Park earlier this month, we decided we could apply those same health and safety policies and continue with the popular event.

Question: What sort of things are being done differently this year?

All Discovery Park teammates will be wearing masks, and we’re not having bars like we have had in the past. We’ll have enough of our folks working that can take drink orders from guests who will be able to spread out if they choose. We’ll also have a lot of hand sanitizer available for everyone. Our teammates also have their temperature taken before the shift begins and, of course, no one who has been exposed to anyone with Covid-19 is allowed to work.

Question: How have you known what policies make sense for Discovery Park?

We’ve been closely following recommendations from Gov. Bill Lee’s Economic Recovery Group, led by the Tennessee Department of Tourism Development Commissioner Mark Ezell. By taking the Tennessee Pledge, as they call it, we’re part of a bigger group of companies and organizations who are working with the medical community and state government to safely reboot Tennessee’s economy.

All of us here have found the Tennessee Pledge to be a careful, measured approach to get Discovery Park open once again while creating a safe environment for our teammates and guests.

Question: Who are some of the bands and performers booked for the series?

We’re kicking things off big with a performance by the Grammy award-winning blues band, Chubby Carrier and the Bayou Swamp Band. Other bands will be performing throughout the music series, including Tyler Goodson; Coby Watts and the AC43 Band; Kimberlie Helton Band; Johnny Mac and the Heart Attacks; Seeing Red; Clark Beckham; Brent Hinson and Matt Crosson; Steve Short and Keith Brown; Olivia Faye; Katie Thorpe Tohn and Kicking Keys with Roger and Barry; and Blair and Madison.

Question: What kind of food will be available?

The first night of “Rhythm on the Rails” is blues and brats night. Sabin’s Café will be grilling delicious brats, burgers and hot dogs for guests to purchase. The rest of the summer concert series will have a variety of food by Sabin’s Café and food trucks.

Full Schedule of “Rhythm on the Rails”

June 8, 2020 – If you are a follower of Discovery Park of America on any social media, or if you are subscribed to our newsletter, you may have seen an increase of posts and articles on the new agriculture exhibition, “AgriCulture: Innovating for Our Survival.” This exciting new exhibit is scheduled to open Dec. 5, 2020.

It takes a lot of hard work, research, time and organization to build an exhibit. Jennifer Wildes, who is the park’s exhibits and collections director, is the liaison between the partners, exhibit designers and internal staff to make sure this exhibit is exactly up to Discovery Park standards and that the facts are shared. We asked her how organizations and individuals who are passionate about agriculture can get involved.

What is “AgriCulture: Innovating for Our Survival?

“Agriculture: Innovating for Our Survival” is a new, permanent exhibit that will open in the Simmons Bank Ag Center in December of this year. It will focus on telling the story of innovation in agriculture and explain why innovating was and is so vital to the agriculture world — especially as today’s farmers are navigating the challenge to provide more food, fuel and fiber to a growing population while using less of our shared resources. We have a robust section on our website dedicated to the exhibit, and if anyone is interested in finding out more about it, they can visit www.discoveryparkofamerica.flywheelstaging.com/agriculture.

How can organizations and individuals participate in this new exhibit?

We are still raising funds through our development department and are happy to meet with interested people one-on-one to discuss a gift to the new exhibit. We still need around $90,000 to be able to complete the exhibit in its entirety and would be grateful for support of any amount. An option for individuals rather than organizations would be to become a Champion of Agriculture.

If someone chooses to become a Champion of Agriculture, what do they need to do to become involved?

A Champion of Agriculture refers to an individual or family that wishes to make a contribution of any amount towards the exhibit. Those greatly appreciated donations can be easily made by clicking the Champion of Agriculture link available on the exhibit’s section of our website or by visiting discoveryparkofamerica.flywheelstaging.com/agchampion.

Will there be any sort of recognition if someone chooses to become a Champion of Agriculture?

Absolutely. As soon as visitors walk through the doors into the new exhibit, they will be greeted with a visual display of givers from all levels, including Champions of Agriculture. In fact, when making a Champion of Agriculture contribution on our website, there is a section where donors can tell us exactly how they would like their recognition to be worded for that display.

What are you looking forward to the most about this exciting new exhibit on agriculture?

Honestly, it is so hard to choose. Overall, I think I am most excited to see our visitor’s response. It is a path that I traveled myself during the development of the exhibit. I do not come from an agriculture background, so I was ignorant on a lot of topics that we present within the exhibit. Agriculture’s diversity — in the way of workers, jobs, ideas, and practices — is much more than I ever imagined. I have been able to learn so much and developed a great appreciation for those who work in the agriculture field, and I can’t wait for our visitors to experience the same.