Rhea Heritage Preservation Foundation

09/04/2026

🎶 Rhea County, we want to hear from you! 🎶

As we start thinking about Nokian Tyres Summer Nights 2027, we want to know who you would love to see perform next summer.

What bands or artists would you like to see on the Summer Nights stage?

Local favorites, regional bands, country, rock, bluegrass, classic hits, or something completely different. Tell us who you would love to see!

👇 Share your suggestions in the comments.

We are listening and taking notes as we begin planning for another great summer of music in Rhea County.

07/28/2026

Dinner and a show!

The final day of the Scopes Trial Play & Festival was a success. About 140 people showed up for Dinner with the Cast held at Dayton City School following the

07/23/2026

With Kayla Dee Daniel – I just got recognized as one of their top fans! 🎉

07/22/2026

The trial that put Rhea County in the history books!

Just two performances left this year of the Scopes Trial Play, "Destiny in Dayton." Last weekend's performances were well attended, and ticket sales are brisk fo

07/22/2026

Scopes Trial Festival offered entertainment for all

The Rhea Heritage Preservation Foundation offered a variety of activities, demonstrations and entertainments in connection with the Scopes Trial Play & Festi

07/21/2026

What could be better than dinner and a movie?

How about a play and Dinner with the Cast?

The 37th annual Scopes Trial Play & Festivities wraps up Saturday, July 25, with events to feed your musical, theatrical (and historical) and physical appetites.

The day kicks off with a talk on music written about the Scopes Trial, presented by Dr. Mel Wilhoit, retired professor of music at Bryan College. Serious, humorous, frivolous, musicians expressed their thoughts on “The World’s Most Famous Court Trial” in notes that best sellers in the day. This free program begins at 11 a.m. in the circuit courtroom of Dayton’s Rhea County Courthouse.

At 2 p.m., “Destiny in Dayton” will take the courtroom stage, dramatically retelling the story of the trial that caught the attention of the world. This play is an adaptation of the Scopes Trial transcript, and includes insights from journalist Nellie Kenyon, who covered the trial for the Chattanooga News.

Following the trial, playgoers will travel down Market Street to Dayton City School for Dinner with the Cast. This meal features courses popular – some brand new – in 1925, and is catered by Oren’s Orchard Catering, operated by descendants of one of the vendors who sold produce at the courthouse during the trial.

Tickets for the play and dinner are available at www.rheaheritage.com/scopes-trial-play/. Tickets also are available for the play production on Friday, July 14.

Let’s all go to the Scopes Trial Play!

The Scopes Trial Play & Festivities is supported in part by a grant from the Tennessee Arts Commission.

07/21/2026

Thanks for being a top engager and making it on to my weekly engagement list! 🎉 Anthony Smith, Holly Shimmel, Kayla Dee Daniel

07/20/2026

We had a group from the Boys and Girls Club tour the Courthouse and the Museum today.