Regrettably, the Board of Trustees announces that Dr. Megan Cullen Tewell will be leaving her role as Executive Director of the Heritage Alliance effective March 29, 2024. Dr. Tewell has received an exciting new opportunity at another institution, allowing her to spend more time with her family. Although we are saddened by this loss, we wish her the best with this new chapter, and part on good terms.
Dr. Tewell previously worked as Programming Coordinator at the Heritage Alliance from October 2019 to March 2023, and has served as Executive Director since January 2024, following Mrs. Anne G’Fellers-Mason. She will continue with the Heritage Alliance in a limited capacity through April 2024, as the organization searches for a new Executive Director. That search will begin in April 2024; we are confident that we will recruit the right candidate to lead our organization into the future.
The Heritage Alliance would also like to announce that Mr. Gordon Edwards has been appointed President of the Board of Trustees, effective March 2024, replacing Mr. Fred Counts, who remains a board member in good standing. Mr. Edwards has served on the Board, and as President, prior. He has been recognized for his continued commitment to the organization since 2011, and the Heritage Alliance welcomes his experience and leadership. Mr. Edwards will serveas the new point of contact for Heritage Alliance partners and stakeholders, as well as the public, until a new Executive Director has been selected.
Although this is a time of change, the Heritage Alliance remains strong and viable, offering important services and resources to the community. Our organization will continue operations as usual; as ever, we are committed to our mission and to our partnerships. We welcome questions and are glad to provide additional information upon request. Exciting things are truly ahead!
Sincerely,
Gordon M. Edwards, President
The Heritage Alliance Board of Trustee
True and Chilling Tales!
Come and learn some truly chilling history in Jonesborough this October. From horse theft to murder and mass graves, hear the very true tales and more during this unique tour that’s perfect for a spooky October evening.
Heritage Fair
Heritage Fair!
Saturday September 6, 2025
10:00 am to 4:00 pm
Downtown Historic Jonesborough, TN
The Jonesborough Genealogical Society, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, in partnership with other regional heritage organizations, will host the 6th Annual Heritage Fair. Admission to the fair is free. For more information: https://www.jgsoftn.org/annual-heritage-fair
The Heritage Alliance offers a $6 town tour, a $5 cemetery tour, or both tours for $10.
The town tour meets at the Chester Inn Museum at 1:00 pm.
The cemetery tour meets at the Old Jonesborough Cemetery at 2:30 pm.
History Happy Hour – 2025 Series
Occurring on the third Thursday of every month from 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. through November, our History Happy Hour series is an exciting opportunity to bring in talented speakers for free to the public. This event is hosted at the Chester Inn State Historic Site and Museum at 116 West Main Street, Jonesborough, TN behind the main building in the Board Room Annex, unless otherwise indicated. Check out our Facebook for more news and information: Heritage Alliance Facebook
April 17: Dr. Warren Dockter – President and CEO of the East Tennessee Historical Society – “Intelligence and the Battle of Kings Mountain”
May 15: David Oaks of Kingsport – Force in the Mountains
June 19: Juneteenth Speaker – To be determined
July 17: Dr. Graham Perry – Middle Tennessee State University – Cemetery Preservation
August 21: Marshall Adesman – The Exchange Place, A Living History Farm
September 18: Dr. Katie Hoffman – Create Appalachia – “Birds and Ballads”
October 16: Dr. Rene Rodgers – Birthplace of Country Music – “Country Music and Comedy”
November 20: Dr. Brian Maxson – East Tennessee State University – “European History through Appalachian Eyes”
Important Info:
When: Third Thursdays, 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Where: Chester Inn State Historic Site and Museum, Board Room Annex (behind main building) – 116 West Main Street, Jonesborough, TN
History Happy Hour
History Happy Hour is back with a summer season for 2024. A full lineup will be posted in the near future.
History Trivia Night is Back!
The Heritage Alliance’s riotously fun trivia night returns this summer with two in-person dates!
Join us at the Jonesborough Visitors Center on Friday, May 31st and Friday, June 28th at 7:00 pm for general history-based trivia questions, friendly competition, and a ton of fun!
Not a “history buff?” Don’t worry! Trivia questions cover a wide range of topics and categories and include something for everyone. Previous topics have included Odd Jobs, Pop Culture, Food & Drink, Sports, and more!
Teams (of up to six people) can register up until the evening of the event, which will start at 7:00 PM and last until around 9:00 pm. We request that teams check in with the hosts prior to the event. Joe Spiker of the Heritage Alliance will host the event, tallying points and administering prizes to the winners. The event is family-friendly and open to all ages. Cost is $7 per person, although additional donations are appreciated.
You can purchase your tickets online through the town of Jonesborough’s website: https://townofjonesborough.thundertix.com/events/229857 or through the Heritage Alliance Facebook page.
Heritage Alliance Celebrates Preservation of Duncan House
The Heritage Alliance is excited to announce the completion of work on its offices, located in Jonesborough’s historic Duncan House. A generous grant from the Tennessee Historical Commission allowed the Heritage Alliance to install a new, standing seam metal roof on the left side of the building.
The original portion of the house still has a Victorian tin-punched roof from the late 19th century. However, these grant funds replaced a metal roof dating from the 1970s. This project was supported in part by the Historic Preservation Fund, administered by the National Park Service, Department of the Interior, and the Tennessee Historical Commission.
“We’re grateful for the continued opportunity to take care of this town’s historic treasures,” says Board President Mr. Gordon Edwards. “It’s a privilege to get to care for the buildings that came before us and represent so much important local history.”
The Duncan House represents a Jonesborough landmark, built in the 1840s by John Naff, a tailor who also kept a workshop onsite. Two additions expanded the home, and ownership transferred to the Duncan Family in the early 20th century, who named the surrounding land “Duncan’s Meadow.” The Town of Jonesborough acquired the land in the 1970s. Today, the Heritage Alliance, based in the Duncan House, engages in historic education and preservation work throughout the region.
Change in Leadership at the Heritage Alliance
Regrettably, the Board of Trustees announces that Dr. Megan Cullen Tewell will be leaving her role as Executive Director of the Heritage Alliance effective March 29, 2024. Dr. Tewell has received an exciting new opportunity at another institution, allowing her to spend more time with her family. Although we are saddened by this loss, we wish her the best with this new chapter, and part on good terms.
Dr. Tewell previously worked as Programming Coordinator at the Heritage Alliance from October 2019 to March 2023, and has served as Executive Director since January 2024, following Mrs. Anne G’Fellers-Mason. She will continue with the Heritage Alliance in a limited capacity through April 2024, as the organization searches for a new Executive Director. That search will begin in April 2024; we are confident that we will recruit the right candidate to lead our organization into the future.
The Heritage Alliance would also like to announce that Mr. Gordon Edwards has been appointed President of the Board of Trustees, effective March 2024, replacing Mr. Fred Counts, who remains a board member in good standing. Mr. Edwards has served on the Board, and as President, prior. He has been recognized for his continued commitment to the organization since 2011, and the Heritage Alliance welcomes his experience and leadership. Mr. Edwards will serveas the new point of contact for Heritage Alliance partners and stakeholders, as well as the public, until a new Executive Director has been selected.
Although this is a time of change, the Heritage Alliance remains strong and viable, offering important services and resources to the community. Our organization will continue operations as usual; as ever, we are committed to our mission and to our partnerships. We welcome questions and are glad to provide additional information upon request. Exciting things are truly ahead!
Sincerely,
Gordon M. Edwards, President
The Heritage Alliance Board of Trustee
Now Hiring: Three Positions Available at the Heritage Alliance
We are now hiring for the full-time positions of Executive Director, Museum Manager, and the part time position of Museum Specialist. Job descriptions and application information available at the links below.
Executive Director
Museum Manager
Museum Specialist
Chester Inn Museum opens for 2024 Season
Chester Inn Museum opens for 2024 Season with new exhibit and town tour times
The Chester Inn State Historic Site & Museum is now open for its 2024 season. The museum is currently on its spring hours and is open Monday and Friday-Saturday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and on Sunday from 1 to 5 p.m. Hours will increase for the summer in May.
The museum offers permanent and rotating exhibits about the history of Jonesborough and the surrounding area. Visitors can participate in a site tour, which includes two restored floors depicting what the inn might have looked like as a functioning hotel in the late 19th century.
“The Chester Inn is truly one of Jonesborough’s historic gems,” says Dr. Megan Cullen Tewell, executive director at the Heritage Alliance. “The site is a favorite for all kinds of visitors, including local residents, K-12 school groups and out-of-town guests. We love that the museum enables a wide range of people to connect with and learn more about the town’s past.”
There is no admission price for the Chester Inn Museum, but there is a suggested $2 donation per visitor. The museum is also seeking new volunteers to serve as hosts, docents, and tour guides.
Historic Jonesborough Town Tours returns on Saturdays starting on Saturday, March 16. Town Tours are available every Saturday at 1 p.m. Tickets are $6. The tour leaves from the Chester Inn and costumed guides share the history of Tennessee’s Oldest Town and the people who called it home.
The Chester Inn State Historic Site and Museum is funded under an agreement with the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation, Tennessee Historical Commission. For more information on the Chester Inn Museum or the Heritage Alliance, call the office at 423.753.9580 or the Chester Inn Museum at 423.753.4580. Follow the Chester Inn and Heritage Alliance Facebook pages for updates about events at the Chester Inn and other Heritage Alliance programs.
Chester Inn Museum Open for Chocolate Fest
The Chester Inn State Historic Site and Museum will be open from 11:00-5:00 on Friday, February 9th and Saturday, February 10th as a part of Chocolate Fest in Jonesborough. We will have a Town Tour at 1:00 pm on Saturday. The museum is free of charge, but the tickets for the Town Tour are $5.00 and can be purchased at the museum. Come and tour the museum, see vintage Valentine’s, and check out the restored rooms.