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McKinney Center



Our Classes

Story Collecting

$58

with Anne G'Fellers-Mason

Calendar Sep 11, 2025 at 6:30 pm, runs for 2 weeks

Ages 15 - Adult

This two-part class is designed for those interested in collecting oral stories from family members, neighbors, veterans, and community members. Participants learn how to conduct one-on-one interviews as well as how to hold story circles through a combination of class instruction and hands-on training, covering such skills as generating effective questions, finding potential storytellers, creating the best environment, as well as proper use of recording equipment. Participants each receive a PDF guidebook which follows the training course and Power Points. All who complete the course will be certified story collectors for Jonesborough’s StoryTown Programs. All Participants are encouraged to continue using the skills learned in this class by becoming a StoryTown Brigade member, and to collect stories from Washington County community members for use in Jonesborough’s StoryTown programs, which include a monthly radio show, podcast, annual play, and other projects.

6:30 pm - 8:30 pm, Thursdays, September 11, 18.

Canning Basics

$76

with Robin Castania

Calendar Sep 16, 2025 at 9 am, runs for 4 weeks

Adult

This class will take place at the Gillespie Building, 1523 Persimmon Ridge Rd. Jonesborough, TN 37659.

This course will cover the basics of the two most popular ways of preserving food, water bath canning and pressure canning.  We will go over publications from the National Center for Home Food Preservation as well as from the University of Tennessee Extension Office that will address food safety concerns for home food preservation and processing.  Students will work directly in the preparation and processing of a few different foods; however, some preliminary preparation may need to be done by the instructor prior to class time.  Students will come away with a basic knowledge of canning, where to go for additional information, and a jar of what they have helped can.

*  This class is sponsored by the Berea College Appalachian Fund, Folk Arts & Cultures Initiative Grant.

9:00 am - Noon, Tuesdays, September, 16, 23, 30, October 7.

Candle Making with Natural Herbs and Flowers Workshop II

$74

with Lauren Little

Calendar Sep 19, 2025 at 2 pm, runs for 1 week

9th Grade - Adult

Students will learn how to use natural herbs and flowers found throughout our region to create naturally scented candles.  Candles will be made with beeswax and mason jars.  This class is sponsored by the Town of Jonesborough's Parks and Recreation Department.

2:00 pm - 4:00 pm, Friday, September 19.

Canning Basics - Saturday Class

$76

with Robin Castania

Calendar Sep 20, 2025 at 9 am, runs for 4 weeks

Adult

This class will take place at the Gillespie Building, 1523 Persimmon Ridge Rd. Jonesborough, TN 37659.

This course will cover the basics of the two most popular ways of preserving food, water bath canning and pressure canning.  We will go over publications from the National Center for Home Food Preservation as well as from the University of Tennessee Extension Office that will address food safety concerns for home food preservation and processing.  Students will work directly in the preparation and processing of a few different foods; however, some preliminary preparation may need to be done by the instructor prior to class time.  Students will come away with a basic knowledge of canning, where to go for additional information, and a jar of what they have helped can.

*  This class is sponsored by the Berea College Appalachian Fund, Folk Arts & Cultures Initiative Grant.

9:00 am - 12:00 pm, Saturdays, September 20, 27, October 4, 11.

Straight Back Woven Chair

$152

with Carolyn Lowe

Calendar Sep 20, 2025 at 1 pm, runs for 2 weeks

Adult

We will be discussing the life and history of the straight back chair. Once you choose your chair we will talk about the material and tools that will be used. We will learn how to read and follow the pattern. Students will be given lots of hands-on help from the instructor. 

This will be a four-hour class. The chair, materials, as well as the tools will be provided. 

 * This class is sponsored by the Berea College Appalachian Fund, Folk Arts & Cultures Initiative Grant.

1:00 pm - 3:00 pm, Saturdays, September 20, 27.

Glass Fusion - Bowls Workshop

$104

with Karen Hitchcock

Calendar Sep 25, 2025 at 6 pm

Ages 14 - Adult

In this glass fusion class, each student can make up to two, 8 inch bowls. All tools and materials are included and fired projects will be available two weeks after the class.

6:00 pm - 8:00 pm, Thursday, September 25.

Acoustic Guitar - Private Lessons - OCTOBER - All Ages - 60 Min.

$242

with Jonathan Edens

Calendar Sep 29, 2025 , runs for 4 weeks

All Ages

These 60-minute private lessons are for individuals of all skill levels who are looking for an easy-going, fun environment. Students will learn basic terminology and foundational aspects of playing chords and melodies on guitar. Class is less theory and more practical application but can also be adapted to the needs and wants of each student. Students will need to supply their own guitar, strings, and picks.

Four classes, one per week. Sessions will re-start every 4 weeks. You may register for additional sessions at your leisure.

Once you register for the class, you will receive an email or phone call to schedule your day and time for lessons. Four lessons/dates will be scheduled in this series. Lessons will restart each month.  Go ahead and register for future months if you wish. There are no refunds or make-up for missed lessons.  

Weeks of September 29, October 6, 13, 20.

Schedule your class between 8am - 5pm M-F and receive a discount.  Call the McKinney Center for the discount promo code before registering.

Acoustic Guitar - Private Lessons - OCTOBER - Kids & Teens - 30 minutes

$129

with Jonathan Edens

Calendar Sep 29, 2025 , runs for 4 weeks

Ages 7 - 17

These 30-minute private lessons are for all levels of skill.  Students will learn basic terminology and foundational aspects of playing chords and melodies on the guitar. Class is less theory and more practical application but can also be adapted to the needs and wants of each student. Students will need to supply their own guitar, strings, and picks.

Four classes, one per week. Sessions will re-start every 4 weeks. You may register for additional sessions at your leisure.

Once you register for the class, you will receive an email or phone call to schedule your day and time for lessons. Four lessons/dates will be scheduled in this series. Lessons will restart each month. Go ahead and register for future months if you wish. There are no refunds or make-up for missed lessons.  

If you prefer a one-hour lesson, please sign up for that option instead.

Weeks of September 29, October 6, 13, 20.

Schedule your class between 8am - 5pm M-F and receive a discount.  Call the McKinney Center for the discount promo code before registering.





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