Shake off those winter doldrums by joining the Fort Loudoun State Historic Area for the 2012 Winter Lecture Series.

This very popular series features presentations by fascinating speakers on Saturdays at 2pm.  These knowledgeable lecturers address a wide range of topics related to history.

All lectures are held in the climate controlled Fort Loudoun State Historic Area Auditorium inside the Visitor Center.  Admission is FREE. For more information call 423-884-6217.

75 Years of Tennessee State Parks

In honor and celebration of the 75^th Anniversary of Tennessee State Parks, State Naturalist Randy Hedgepath will present a program of pictures and stories about the parks at the Fort Loudoun Visitor Center on January 7^th at 2 PM.

Lands that were acquired prior to the establishment of the state park system as far back as 1894 but eventually became state parks start the history. The main story begins in the 1930’s with the formal legislation and the first set of designated places called Tennessee State Parks. Many significant places have been added thru the last 75 years and more, hopefully, are on the way. All the parks are special and many of their stories are highlighted in this program.

Randy Hedgepath is a native of West Tennessee and graduate of the University of Tennessee at Martin. He was Ranger and Interpretive Specialist at South Cumberland State Recreation Area and Radnor Lake State Natural Area. In 2007, he became the State Naturalist for Tennessee State Parks and now travels the state talking about the parks.

This is the first in the 2012 Winter Lecture Series. All lectures are held in the climate controlled Fort Loudoun State Historic Area Auditorium inside the Visitor Center.  Admission is FREE. For more information call 423-884-6217.