Today we’d like to introduce you to Isaac White.
Hi Isaac, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
It all began with my father, a History buff, who imparted the love of History and the outdoors to me at a young age; however, I believe I took the whole thing way further than he ever thought I would. As the years progressed and he and I continued to do Civil War reenactments, my love for the time period surrounding the life of David Crockett never wained and I was looking for a way to enter into reenacting that time period. That chance came in 2021 at the David Crockett Birthplace State Park annual Crockett Days birthday celebration. It was there that in the spur of the moment people noticed I bore a resemblance to Crockett and had a educational yet entertaining air about me which made it fun for the public to learn History.
Since then I began portraying Crockett for numerous events and was blessed with many opportunities along the way, but none that would equal the opportunity which came in April of 2024, when the director of the Crockett Tavern Museum, Sally Baker, offered me the position of Historic Interpreter and Tour Guide. Through a miracle of Biblical proportions, my wife and I not once but twice found a place to stay in Tennessee while I worked for the Tavern, which gradually led to us living here in Morristown.
To date I have faithfully and enthusiastically worked two seasons at the Crockett Tavern Museum and have taken it upon myself to do whatever is within my power to not only promote the Crockett Tavern Museum in various ways (radio, newspaper, and social media) and breathe new life into the site for future generations of History lovers, but to continue to preserve the legacy and present the History of David Crockett.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I would say on a whole, everything regarding working at the Crockett Tavern Museum has been as smooth as silk, yet I would be lying if I said it was perfect. There have been some hurdles I’ve had to jump over and even now there are a few obstacles that lie in the path of achieving the greatness that I know the Crockett Tavern Museum is capable of.
One of the first difficulties we faced upon moving here was that we had no place to stay until a friend of ours made that possible by opening his home to us. Unfortunately a few short months later, without even the chance to have established ourselves in Tennessee, that same individual politely asked us to remove ourselves from his home, yet again leaving us with nowhere to go until a good friend of ours, Kay Senter, in the nick of time, located an apartment for us in which we still live today.
Yet that has come with its own drawbacks as the Crockett Tavern Museum is only seasonal in operation, leaving me to scramble to find work in the off season. Fortunately the Lord has made a way for both my wife and I countless times over and here we are today. That is why, although I detest living in city limits, I am also grateful, for I know that the Lord has a plan that He wishes to see fulfilled for us and as long as we place our faith and trust in Him, He will make it happen even when we feel as though there is no hope.
As for Tavern operations, it can be a bit difficult at times due to my director and I having a difference of opinion on how the Tavern should be operated and what the tourist season should be like; as well as, what improvements should be made to the site, yet for the most part she and I, after discussion, will generally reach a mutually beneficial agreement. This is what lead to her allowing me to plan and present, for the first time in years, numerous, special Historical based events on the site in order to entertain and educate the public.
Judging by the turn outs and reception, they have been resounding successes. The only hiccup being encountered in regards to this situation being after the first few events we held. At first I had the help of one of the rangers from the David Crockett Birthplace State Park to aid in planning, preparation, and advertising, yet after the first two events, his schedule forced him to cease, leaving me, an inexperienced individual, to pick up the slack and make good on all the aforementioned things regarding the events. Yet although it it proved stressful for this year, it has given me a clear insight and understanding as to what all it takes to prepare for these events and we are already in the process of planning for next year!
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Aside from being known for portraying David Crockett and working at the Crockett Tavern Museum, I do have quite the background theatre which I believe has aided me considerably when presenting for the public. Aside from that I am known for practicing what I preach. I don’t just talk Crockett, I live Crockett. This is evidenced by the way I pursue my passions of hunting, fishing, and trapping, eating everything I bring home and using as much of the animal as I can.
I have also taken my passions for recreating the Historical and primitive to another level by starting my own business in 2019 called “Mountain Man Made” the title of which came before I made a name for myself as David Crockett. Regardless I enjoy, and my customers, and the museums who deal with me, enjoy the Historical replicas of weapons, clothing, and accoutrements that I produce for them.
Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
Of course none of this happens without a hard work ethic which my father instilled in me. He has taught me a lot throughout my life but I would say most importantly he has taught me how to be an honorable man and a good husband. He also taught me to never take for granted the help I’ve received along the way and to always remain humble in my successes. That is why I always thank those who take time out of their lives to help me with events at the Crockett Tavern Museum and never let my ego get the best of me, even in private, and that is crucial, for it is when one is alone that their true nature becomes revealed, and I have always wished for my nature in public and private to be consistent and as pleasant as a crisp, fall morning, not as unpleasant as a hot and humid summer’s day.
Pricing:
- $5 per adult (Cash or Check Only
- $4.50 for seniors and veterans (Cash or Check Only)
- $1 for children ages 5-18 (Cash or Check Only)
- 10% discount on groups of 15 or more
Contact Info:
- Website: https://crocketttavernmuseum.org/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/17PotVzXrk/
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@crocketttavernmuseum1958?si=yU92X9KCAd_LvxIQ
