Witness a remarkable iridescent product of nature as it emerges from the indigenous Washboard mussel. Tennessee’s Official State Gem – the freshwater pearl – is rarely found naturally from these living animals, but grown at the only freshwater pearl-culturing farm operation in the North American continent. The organic gem stone-culturing operation is nestled in the pristine embayment of Birdsong Creek – just off the scenic Tennessee River’s beautiful Kentucky Lake – in Camden, West Tennessee, 9 miles north of Interstate 40 at Exit 133/Birdsong Exit. The Tennessee River Freshwater Pearl Museum, Farm, Tour and Jewelry Showroom is located at Birdsong Resort and Marina in the NEW Pearl Museum/Community Center. Call (731)584-7880 to make appointment to visit our Pearl Museum or Click here to learn about our available Tour Packages.
Fresh Water Pearl Farm
Birdsong Resort is the home of The Tennessee River Freshwater Pearl Farm – the only freshwater pearl culturing farm in America. Originally founded by John R. Latendresse (1925-2000) as one of eight pilot farm locations in 1979, all productivity measures eventually narrowed to the one location in Birdsong Creek. John and his wife Chessie, had attempted for many years to adapt the Japanese technique to our native waters, and species of mussels. 1984 was the first year a productive harvest was turned. The farm is now in the possession of Robert G. Keast, owner of Birdsong Resort, Marina and Campground in Camden, TN. The farm still is working, growing and producing the pearls Latendresse founded in North America.
The pearl farm is unique and a popular stop along the Tennessee River halfway between Pickwick and Kentucky Dams and halfway between Memphis and Nashville on I-40. There are many reasons to visit the farm and museum, besides the fact that it is one of a kind. It has many other facets than a pearl farm and museum. A boater can dock at the marina, stay in one of the cabins overnight, visit the museum and take the farm tour, then he can use the courtesy car, and visit one of the eleven restaurants in small west Tennessee town of Camden within nine miles of marina. A true southern hospitality destination operated in the same family tradition since 1961 where their business is your pleasure.
America’s Heartland reports on Fresh Water Pearl Farming at Birdsong. CLICK HERE to see their report.
Museum
In our NEW Pearl Museum/Community Center you will see items on display depicting the freshwater pearls and musseling industry in general educational/ informational terms, follow the story board on techniques of pearl culturing, exhibits from local contribution, and other items of interest related to our Tennessee heritage. Brief video presentation. Call (731)584-7880 to make an appointment to visit our Pearl Museum.
Favorable Comments
Hi — We recently purchased a special pearl bracelet for our Granddaughter’s 16th birthday.
We wanted send a big THANK YOU to the folks involved especially when the shipping got messed up.
We appreciated the efforts involved in reshipping in time for our party event.
Have good days —
Judy Amsler & family
Birdsong Resort Marina & RV, Campground home of the TN River Freshwater Pearl Museum, Tour & Pearl Jewelry Showroom located in Camden, Benton County, WEST Tennessee at EXIT 133 off I-40 then 9 miles north along TN Highway 191N. Bob Keast and Family, owners Since 1961, featuring family housekeeping furnished cabins, swimming pool, full-service marina, pontoon, canoe, kayak, and fishing boat rentals, ethanol free fuel, 3 group cabins equipped for 45 people perfect for family reunions or groups, museum, tours, 65 wide boat launching concrete ramp, free parking, free fishing pier, free laundry mat. Birdsong is on the scenic Tennessee River’s beautiful Kentucky Lake’s and is The Premier Tournament Headquarters that features a blast-off gazebo, American and Tennessee Flags, a sound system, 200 feet of boat tie up walkways, ice, gas, bait, oil, factory trained certified outboard mechanic, high-speed internet for “going live”, weigh-in stage, sinks and catch/release water tube, spectator benches, lighted pre-blast off area, all blacktop, waterfront porti potties. Birdsong offers a “special rate for tournament accommodations”. Als, we offer an indoor meeting and dining area for awards, registration, and catered meals. CALL: 731.584.7880 or CLICK: www.Birdsong.com and VISIT us on Facebook
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