With excitement, the Ducktown Basin Museum announced their re-opening after nearly one full year.
Their current hours are Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 12:30 p.m. to 5 p.m.
The museum closed down March 17, last year, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, but now they’re back and excited to get things going.
“2020 was a very hard year for the museum like many other small businesses in our area and nation,” museum Curator Sarah Mickens said. “Ducktown Basin Museum Board of Directors and myself were elated to open our doors to the public on March 1, 2021. We all have such a passion to tell our story of growing up in the Basin.”
Located in Ducktown, the museum tells the story of what life was like in the area from 1899 to 1975 when copper mining allowed the Basin towns to thrive.
Now owned by the Tennessee Historical Commission, the museum is listed on the National Register of Historical Places.
While at the museum, folks have the opportunity to learn about the era and copper mining as well as see the 16 structures that remain on site.
Those structures include the original mine building and outbuildings, the mine office house, the Burra Burra mine elevator overlooking the mine and so much more.
“I am so excited for the future of this beautiful destination to tell the ‘rest of our story,’” Mickens said. “I am working diligently on several new displays and objects for the museum and our community. I am always looking for volunteerism.”
Additionally, phase III of the museum’s revitalization is set to commence late this fall.
“I am excited for everyone in our community to see this work come to fruition,” Mickens said. “We have had many volunteers and board members handle many items throughout the years, and this work will put the museum in a great position.”
Thus far, the restorations have included new windows and doors, a fresh coat of paint and a few structural adjustments to the mining office (the museum), time office (once the geology lab), Bit House, two electrical towers, Boiler House and Hoist House.
The clinic and plate house have also been stabilized and restored. Phase I of the project began in 2015.
When visiting the museum, don’t forget a mask. Since reopening, they’ve asked that everyone wear a mask while inside the building.
The museum is a registered non-profit organization, and the Tennessee Historical Commission provides half of its budgets.
They are located at 212 Burra Burra Street and are reachable at 423-496-5778.