7:00 PM - Julia Meek Guest House

Tradition in a Teacup: The Fascinating History of Tasseography

Vallie Prince & THe kraken’s Cup

Step into the rich world of tasseography—the art and history of reading tea leaves. In this presentation, we will explore the cultural origins, symbolism, and historical journey of reading tea leaves, tracing how an everyday ritual evolved into a compelling tradition of storytelling and fortune-telling across the globe.

Vallie Prince is the owner and CEO of The Kraken’s Cup Tearoom in Knoxville, Tennessee, where she curates a selection of over 100 loose-leaf teas and traditional afternoon tea experiences. Holding degrees in Anthropology and Religious Studies, Vallie combines a deep academic appreciation for world cultures and traditions with years of expertise in tea education and hospitality.

8:00 PM - Julia Meek Guest House

Howling Hills Storytellers

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8:30 PM - Outdoor Film Screen

Frankenstein Reel-to-Reel

jANINE wINFREE of TAMIS

fRANKenstein reel to reel

7:00 PM - Julia Meek Guest House

Spirits, Mischief, and Knaves: the ups and downs of Spiritualism from the Gilded Age to the Roaring Twenties.

Dr. Nancy Locklin, historian

Curious about everything, Nancy Locklin-Sofer is a published historian of 18th-century France turned local historian and historical true-crime writer. She has served as a professor of history at Maryville College in East Tennessee since 2000, teaching classes that include “History of Murder,” “History of Witch Hunts,” and “American Social History through Cookbooks.” Her upcoming book, The Night Marauder: East Tennessee’s Serial Killer, 1919-1926 is due to come out in 2026 from the University of Tennessee Press.

7:00 PM - Julia Meek Guest House

Appalachian Broomcrafting

Amelia Galvas & Aviary Brooms

8:00 PM - Julia Meek Guest House

Howling Hills Storytellers

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6:30 PM & 8:00 PM - Gazebo Stage

Ambient Music Performances

Allison Swafford (in the Gazebo)

Ambient music

7:00 PM - Julia Meek Guest House

Harry Houdini, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, and the Great Atlantic Seance Debate of 1922

Dr. Amy Fletcher, scholar

In addition to their lively debate over mediumship and spiritualism, this topic touches on the emotional and historical reasons that spiritualism appealed to so many (WWI, grief, optimism), as well the new power of science.

8:00 PM - Julia Meek Guest House

Howling Hills Storytellers

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7:00 PM - Julia Meek Guest House

The Good Death: Mourning in the Age of Victoria

Karen Peterman, head docent

Karen Peterman is a retired history teacher. A 2022 recipient of the East Tennessee Historical Society's Teaching Excellence Award, she is committed to offering ongoing educational experiences through local history interpretation, teacher workshops, and public and museum programming. Karen has been volunteering as a docent at Mabry-Hazen House since 1998 and is a longtime member of the Hazen Historical Museum Foundation's Board of Directors.

8:00 PM - Julia Meek Guest House

Howling Hills Storytellers

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7:00 PM - Julia Meek Guest House

Día de los Muertos

Laura E. Contreras-Alanís

A native of Mexico, Laura E. Contreras-Alanís immigrated to the United States in 1974 with her parents and siblings, and moved to Knoxville with her husband and 5 children in 2003. With over a decade of dedicated community service through various non-profits in Knoxville, she currently sits on the board of Bridge Refugee Services, Inc, is a member of PARC Knoxville (Policy Advisory & Review Committee), as well as several other professional boards. She serves as a Certified Language Interpreter at Dolly Children's Hospital and a HUD Certified Housing Counselor at HomeSource East Tennessee. Driven by a deep passion for education, family, and helping others, Laura specializes in breaking down barriers to health, stable housing, and essential community resources.

8:00 PM - Julia Meek Guest House

Howling Hills Storytellers

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