NORRIS, TN - For the first time in the event's history, the Museum of Appalachia's annual Independence Day Anvil Shoot Celebration will span two full days on July 3 and 4, 2026, giving visitors twice as many opportunities to experience the Museum's iconic anvil shoots and the largest slate of living history programming ever offered as part of the celebration.

For nearly four decades, the Museum's Independence Day celebration has drawn visitors from across East Tennessee to witness one of Appalachia's most distinctive holiday traditions: the anvil shoot. Using gunpowder, an anvil is launched high into the sky in a dramatic display that traces its roots to early American celebrations of Independence Day, military victories, elections, and other major events.

Guests will have multiple opportunities to witness the anvil shoot each day, with launches scheduled for 10 a.m., 11 a.m., 12 p.m., 1 p.m., and 2 p.m. Visitors can enjoy demonstrations, activities, and exhibits from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

In addition to adding a second day of anvil shooting, the Museum has expanded the event's programming through a grant from the Tennessee State Museum. New additions include a Revolutionary War encampment, militia drills, historical interpreters, calligraphy demonstrations, open-fire cooking, wool carding and knitting, flintlock firearm demonstrations, flintknapping, and more.

Historical observances throughout the two-day event will include a liberty pole raising and a national bell ringing ceremony commemorating America's 250th anniversary.

Guests can also enjoy many of the traditional activities that have long been part of the Museum's Independence Day celebration, including crosscut sawing, shape-note singing, live music, traditional arts and crafts, and demonstrations by blacksmiths, coopers, wood carvers, and other skilled artisans.

Visitors can watch baskets, brooms, quilts, powder horns, leather goods, dolls, and lye soap being made, learn about pioneer cooking, canning, and rug hooking, enjoy Southern food and sassafras tea, and explore the Museum's historic village at their own pace.

Advance tickets are available at museumofappalachia.org, and tickets will also be available at the gate. Admission is free for Museum members.

This project is supported in part by the Tennessee Commission for the United States Semiquincentennial.