“Experience Tennessee” Bus Day Trip to Dayton, Tennessee

Tennessee State Museum
Event Location: 
Dayton, Tennessee
When: 
Saturday, July 21, 2018 - 2:00am to 1:00pm

Join us on Saturday, July 21, for our next “Experience Tennessee” bus day trip as we travel to beautiful Dayton, Tennessee. The town drew national attention in 1925 during the controversial “monkey trial” at the historic Rhea County Courthouse. The court case centered on the prosecution by the State of Tennessee of a substitute high school teacher, John Scopes, who read Darwin’s The Origin of Species to his science class. National reporters flocked to Dayton to cover the big-name lawyers who had agreed to represent each side. William Jennings Bryan, three-time presidential candidate, argued for the prosecution, while Clarence Darrow, the famed defense attorney, defended Scopes. We will also enjoy the newly renovated Rhea Heritage Center and the annual Scopes Festival on the courthouse grounds.

You won’t want to miss this one! We will dine on local cuisine and soak in the local culture. The trip will leave from downtown Nashville at 7 a.m. and will return around 6 p.m. Participants will be able to park for free in the state employee parking lot where everyone will board the bus. Cost of the trip is $90, with an Early Bird Special of $80 if you purchase your ticket before June 30. Tickets for members of the Tennessee State Museum Foundation are $75 if you purchase your ticket before June 20. All tickets include the cost of transportation, tips, admission to sites, snacks and lunch at Monkey Town Brewery.

For more information, please visit us at tnmuseum.org or call our Community Engagement Manager, Rachel Helvering, at (615) 253-0149.