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Monday 10am - 5pm Tuesday 10am - 5pm Wednesday 10am - 5pm Thursday 10am - 5pm Friday 10am - 5pm Saturday 10am - 5pm Sunday 12pm - 5pm

Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center

Name: Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center
Address: 123 Cromwell Drive, Townsend, TN, 37882, US
Telephone: +18654480044
Price range: $
Rating: 4.8

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Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center

Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center Explore the history and heritage of the Smoky Mountain Region of Tennessee and North Carolina!
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Join us at the Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center to celebrate the cultural heritage of East Tennessee and the Great Smoky Mountains region! Our gallery exhibits, educational programs, demonstrations, and festivals guide you on a historical journey through time to visit the diverse cultures of Townsend and Tuckaleechee Cove!

02/19/2025

In honor of Black History Month, the next notable figures from our region are the Mingus Family!

When one thinks of the name “Mingus” in the Great Smoky Mountains, many associate it with the Mingus Mill and the white settler family, but the story of the Black Mingus family has long been overlooked.

Through the African American Experiences in the Smokies (AAES) project, research has uncovered the legacy of Daniel Mingus, a formerly enslaved man, and his son Charles Mingus Sr., who went on to serve as a Buffalo Soldier in the U.S. Army for over 20 years. Charles’ military career took him across the country, from the Philippines to the U.S.-Mexico border, before settling in Los Angeles.

His son, Charles Mingus Jr., became one of the most influential jazz musicians of the 20th century. A legendary bassist, composer, and bandleader, Mingus Jr. played alongside Duke Ellington, Louis Armstrong, and Miles Davis, leaving behind a musical legacy that still resonates today.

Sources:
- https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/historyculture/the-daniel-mingus-family.htm
- https://smokieslife.org/2023/06/01/origins-of-mingus-family-saga/
Photo: Eric Mingus and GSMNP Superintendent Cassius Cash unveil a new sign outside Mingus Mill in Great Smoky Mountains National Park at a ceremony held Tuesday, May 23, 2023. The new sign describes how the Mingus family experience in America touches on “some of the country’s sharpest historical notes.” Provided by Great Smoky Mountains Association.

02/18/2025

There's nothing like a sunset in the Great Smoky Mountains!

02/17/2025

As we get closer to our 4th annual Fiber Fair on April 25th & 26th we wanted to spotlight some of the amazing vendors that will be there. Our next spotlight is Felt Like It! This amazing business focuses on fiber, roving, yarn, and traditional handcrafts! Make sure to come see them on April 25th & 26th!

02/15/2025

As we get closer to our 4th annual Fiber Fair on April 25th & 26th we wanted to spotlight some of the amazing vendors that will be there. Our first spotlight is Two Girls Textiles! This amazing group is made up of two friends, Carrie (Weave Vital) and Jodi (Farmhouse Fiberworks) who share a love of creative fiber arts. Weaving, spinning and felting hand crafted fiber art to wear and use every day! They focus on fiber, roving, and yarn, as well as knitting, weaving, and spinning! Make sure to come see them on April 25th & 26th!

02/14/2025

We had the honor of welcoming the Mayor of Townsend Don Prater to the Heritage Center! Thank you for your support as we work to preserve the cultural heritage of East Tennessee and the Great Smoky Mountains region!

Donald Prater City of Townsend

02/12/2025

In honor of Black History Month, the next notable figures from our region are the Maryville Six!

The Maryville Six were the first six African Americans to attend Maryville College in 1954, after Brown v. the Board of Education. Historically, Maryville College was a desegregated college until 1901 when a law was passed making every institution segregated.

The students included Nancy Smith Wright, Shirley Carr Clowney, Queen Crossing, Freeman Wyche, Louise Hill Gilmore, and Leo DeWitt “Jackie” Valentine!

To learn more about the Maryville Six, see the sources below!

Sources:
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GqwM3IsPVN4
- https://www.thedailytimes.com/news/queen-elizabeth-crossing-one-of-maryville-six-who-integrated-maryville-college-dies-at-76/article_46f5b11c-400c-5d15-a24a-80c8324e6a3e.html
- https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10159909270526952&id=52874231951&set=a.115205141951

Pictures:
- Picture of Nancy Smith Wright (https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10159909270526952&id=52874231951&set=a.115205141951)
- Overhead shot of Maryville College (https://www.maryvillecollege.edu/)

02/06/2025

Thank you to everyone who came out for our annual Winter Heritage Festival! We had an amazing time showing what life was like in pioneer times. We want to send a big THANK YOU to all of our amazing living history demonstrators who helped make this event possible!

02/05/2025

Happy Black History Month! Each week this month we are going to share a notable figure from our region! This week our notable figure is William Bennett Scott Sr.

"William B. Scott, Sr., a free Black, migrated to East Tennessee in 1847 after increased racial tension in North Carolina. He made harnesses and saddles in Blount County’s Quaker community of Friendsville until the Civil War. In Knoxville, during the War, Scott learned the trade of printing. Later moving to Nashville, in April 1865 he founded The Colored Tennessean, the first newspaper for African Americans in Tennessee. In 1867, he moved his press to Maryville.

For ten years, Scott published the Maryville Republican, Blount County's only newspaper, which was later re-named the Maryville Democrat. Scott co-founded Maryville's Freedman's Normal Institute, one of the first schools for African Americans in East Tennessee. In 1879 he was elected mayor of Maryville. In 1997, William Bennett Scott, Sr. was inducted into the Tennessee Newspaper Hall of Fame."

Did you know about William Bennett Scott Sr. before reading this?

- History of William Bennett Scott Sr. from https://www.hmdb.org/m.asp?m=107600
- Pictures of William Bennett Scott Sr. and Marker from https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/54634210/william-bennett-scott

02/03/2025

Join us for our 4th annual Great Smoky Mountains Fiber Fair April 25th & 26th in Townsend, TN!

Discover a new craft, skill, or hobby! Join us for the 4th annual GSM Fiber Fair, where skills are learned, wool is spun, and a fiber enthusiast can shop to their heart’s content! Over 20 vendors are set up throughout the Heritage Center’s 10 acre campus from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm each day and a variety of classes are offered. Check out our Social Time and bring your knitting, crochet, or other project, a mug of tea or coffee and get to know one another! Share stories and learn from one another.

Experienced fiber artists will share their knowledge and demonstrate techniques. You’ll meet the sheep whose fleece becomes the fibers that are spun into yarn and used to create wearables and art. There are two days of classes, demonstrations, and sales and you’ll enjoy spinning and weaving demonstrations from local spinning and weaving guilds.

01/27/2025

Check out this awesome video from when Friday's Forever came to visit us at the Heritage Center! Keep an eye out for a special appearance by Cat Stevens!
To watch the full video use the link below!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j0fyxqfNfZw

01/24/2025

Join us TOMORROW, January 25th, from 10am-4pm for our annual Winter Heritage Festival!
You’ll experience hands-on demonstrations, practice pioneer survival skills, and get a sense of how hard life was during pioneer times. Learn a new craft, see historic artifacts, and learn about the weapons the pioneers used to survive in the Southern Appalachian region. Experience the history of East Tennessee Mountain culture by practicing some of the pioneers' daily tasks.

Expereince history through some of our amazing living history interpreters including Preston Farabow, Gordon Sisk, Jodi Pannone Savage, Donna Stinnett, Patty Newman Benton, Jordan Lowdermilk, and Shannon Lydic who will be on site hosting activities and games!

Grab your tickets using the link below!
https://fareharbor.com/embeds/book/gsmheritagecenter/items/424047/availability/1640071899/book/?flow=803045&full-items=yes&back=https://gsmheritagecenter.org/events-tickets/&g4=yes

01/23/2025

Congratulations to our amazing JAM (Junior Appalachian Musicians- Smoky Mtn.) program director and fiddle instructor Sarah Pirkle on becoming the producer and host of "Kidstuff" for WDVX!

East Tennessee native Sarah Pirkle is a multi-instrumentalist, music instructor, and songwriter. She has been teaching private lessons to kids of all ages for nearly 30 years. She is a 2021 recipient of the South Arts Folk & Traditional Arts Master Artist Fellowship, and also was inducted into the East Tennessee Writers Hall of Fame. She was a songwriting instructor at acclaimed Steve Kaufman’s Acoustic Camp in 2022. Sarah is the program director and fiddle instructor for the Smoky Mtn. Affiliate of Junior Appalachian Musicians at the Great Smoky Mtn. Heritage Center in Townsend, TN. She has recorded multiple albums with her husband Jeff Barbra, and on her own. Their duo album, "The Barb Hollow Sessions" was released on January 1, 2004 and received rave reviews around the country.The album debuted at # 6 on the Roots Music Report National Bluegrass Airplay Charts. The single, "Bury Me In The Red Clay" peaked at # 12 on the Bluegrass Unlimited National Bluegrass Chart for November 2004. It was on the charts for 8 months. Jeff and Sarah released a gospel album, "Family Singing" in 2012. They have produced and hosted radio programs for WDVX and WFIV Knoxvilles Independent Radio. In 2025 Sarah returns to WDVX as the producer and host of “Kidstuff”, a Saturday morning show for young listeners.

https://www.southarts.org/grant-fellowship-recipients/sarah-pirkle-2021
https://www.etwriters.org/inducteeshonorees.html
https://wdvx.com/host/sarah-pirkle/
https://jeffandsarahmusic.com/

01/21/2025

Don't forget our annual Winter Heritage Festival, is this Saturday from 10am to 4 pm! We have some amazing living history demonstrators, including metalwork artist, Preston Farabow, owner of Aespyre who will be demonstrating blacksmithing! We will also have Gordon Sisk showing 18th-century frontier hunting/life, Jodi Pannone Savage demonstrating spinning, Donna Stinnett showing open-hearth cooking, Patty Newman Benton demonstrating weaving, Jordan Lowdermilk showing 18th-century frontier life, Shannon Lydic demonstrating weaving, and the Tuckaleechee Garden Club showing rag dolls!

You can get your tickets now using the link below!
https://fareharbor.com/embeds/book/gsmheritagecenter/items/424047/calendar/2025/1/?full-items=yes&flow=803045&g4=yes

01/20/2025

Here is the inside of the beautiful Wilder's Chapel in our historic village! In the video, you can hear an African American spiritual which constitutes one of the largest and most significant forms of American folksong. It is known that Harriet Tubman would sing Go Down Moses to help enslaved African Americans escape.

Now let's share some history of Martin Luther King Jr. in Knoxville!

Did you know Martin Luther King Jr. gave a commencement speech in 1960 at Knoxville College? In his address, he gave a powerful statement on the future of segregation, “We’re on the threshold of the most constructive period in history with regard to race relations. I’m convinced that segregation is on its death bed and the only thing uncertain is the day it will be buried.” He added a warning. “The temptation, for those of us who have been trampled on, is to enter the new age with hate and revenge in mind. If we do that, the new order will be nothing more than a duplication of the old.” The following year, in 1961, the school King trained at as a civil rights demonstrator moved to Knoxville, TN!
- Source: Knoxville History Project (https://knoxvillehistoryproject.org/2016/01/16/dr-martin-luther-king-jr-in-knoxville/)

What have you taken away from the history shared today?

01/20/2025

Happy Martin Luther King Jr. Day! Come explore an important part of local African American history through Wilder's Chapel!

This Chapel is a charming A.M.E Zion Church dedicated in 1900. This historic gem, measuring just over 20 feet wide and nearly 36 feet long, holds a special place in our community.

Did you know? The Tennessee Conference of the A.M.E Zion Church was formed just 32 years prior, in 1868! Previously known as Vestal Chapel, it shared a ministry with Wallace Chapel. Reverend Andy Weir, the first pastor, and his wife were present at the dedication.

A unique feature of Wilder's Chapel is that it still boasts its original bell and tower! Many old church bells were lost, making this a truly special find.

** Come back this afternoon to see inside Wilder's Chapel and read a short history of Martin Luther King Jr. in Knoxville, TN! **

To learn more about Wilder’s Chapel and our Historic Village follow the link below for a virtual tour option!
https://www.thinglink.com/scene/1705640488360477667

Pictures:
1) Outside of Wilder's Chapel
2) Reverend Andy Weir and his Wife Mrs. Weir
3) The cornerstone of the Chapel
4) Inside of Wilder's Chapel

01/19/2025

Join us this Saturday, January 25th, from 10am-4pm for our annual Winter Heritage Festival!

You’ll experience hands on demonstrations, practice pioneer survival skills and get a sense of how hard life was during pioneer times. Learn a new craft, see historic artifacts, and learn about the weapons the pioneers used to survive in the Southern Appalachian region. Experience the history of East Tennessee Mountain culture by practicing some of the daily tasks of the pioneers. Living History interpreters and volunteers will be on site hosting activities and games!

Grab your tickets using the link below!
https://fareharbor.com/embeds/book/gsmheritagecenter/items/424047/availability/1640071899/book/?flow=803045&full-items=yes&back=https://gsmheritagecenter.org/events-tickets/&g4=yes

01/17/2025

We have 2 classes being offered this Saturday by the amazing herbalist Debbie Dickie! This is a unique opportunity to take 2 classes back-to-back!

The first class is A Return to our Roots - Herbal Syrups Class. Join us at 9:30am as we take herbal tea making a step further and learn about Herbal Syrups! Learn the steps in making syrup and how to use them for health and enjoyment and some of the history behind them. We will taste-test a few and learn the history behind them. Take home your own herbal syrup, instructions, and recipes!

To get your tickets use the link below!
https://fareharbor.com/embeds/book/gsmheritagecenter/items/596196/availability/1655310484/book/?flow=803045&full-items=yes

The second class is A Return to our Roots - Herbal Tinctures/Glycerites Class. Join us at 12:30pm as we learn how to make an ancient health remedy using herbs and alcohol. (We will also demonstrate how to make a glycerite for those who don't want alcohol in their remedies). A long-lasting remedy that has been used for thousands of years for health reasons. Tinctures were used regularly by our Appalachian ancestors and are still used by millions of folks today! Take home your own tincture, instructions, and recipes!

To get your tickets use the link below!
https://fareharbor.com/embeds/book/gsmheritagecenter/items/596197/availability/1633750869/book/?flow=803045&full-items=yes&g4=yes

Address

123 Cromwell Drive
Townsend, TN
37882

Opening Hours

Monday	10am - 5pm
Tuesday	10am - 5pm
Wednesday	10am - 5pm
Thursday	10am - 5pm
Friday	10am - 5pm
Saturday	10am - 5pm
Sunday	12pm - 5pm

Telephone

+18654480044

Website

http://www.gsmheritagecenter.org/

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Videos

Cat Steven’s is waiting for you! Come visit him Mon-Sat 10am-5pm and Sun 12pm-5pm! #tntourism #townsendtn #greatsmokies #history #familyfun #gsmhc #smokymountains #historycomesalive #appalachian #appalachia #greatsmokymountainsheritagecenter #visit #hello #kitty #hellokitty #come #say #hi #comesayhi #cat #Stevens #catstevens

Here is the inside of the beautiful Wilder's Chapel in our historic village! In the video, you can hear an African American spiritual which constitutes one of the largest and most significant forms of American folksong. It is known that Harriet Tubman would sing Go Down Moses to help enslaved African Americans escape. Now let's share some history of Martin Luther King Jr. in Knoxville! Did you know Martin Luther King Jr. gave a commencement speech in 1960 at Knoxville College? In his address, he gave a powerful statement on the future of segregation, “We’re on the threshold of the most constructive period in history with regard to race relations. I’m convinced that segregation is on its death bed and the only thing uncertain is the day it will be buried.” He added a warning. “The temptation, for those of us who have been trampled on, is to enter the new age with hate and revenge in mind. If we do that, the new order will be nothing more than a duplication of the old.” The following year, in 1961, the school King trained at as a civil rights demonstrator moved to Knoxville, TN! - Source: Knoxville History Project (https://knoxvillehistoryproject.org/2016/01/16/dr-martin-luther-king-jr-in-knoxville/) What have you taken away from the history shared today? #MLK #MLKDay #mlkday2025 #easttn #heritage #museum #tennessee #SmokyMountains #easttennessee #museumeducation #appalachia #appalachian #history #townsendtn

Get a sneak peek at our collections room, from our curator, Trevor Lanier, as he shares about our upcoming events for 2025! #townsendtn #museum #2025 #2025Events #Tennessee

Happy New Years everyone! We will be closed tomorrow in celebration of New Years! We hope you and yours have a fun and safe holiday ringing in the New Year! #newyear #happynewyear #2025 #easttn #townsendtn #museum #greatsmokymountainsheritagecenter #appalachia

🎄Merry Christmas!🎄 From our families to yours we hope you have a very Merry Christmas! #merrychristmas #merrychristmas2024 #MerryChristmasEveryone #townsendtn #Tennessee #TennesseeChristmas #fromourfamilytoyours

Thank you to everyone who supported us during our Giving Tuesday campaign! On behalf of everyone here at the Heritage Center please take a moment to hear from our Board President, Melody Silverberg! #history #townsendtn #museum #givingtuesday #grateful

Today is the day! It’s Giving Tuesday! Take a moment to hear from our Curator, Trevor Lanier, on why it’s important to support local history. Would you please consider giving to the Heritage Center? To donate please follow the link below! https://gsmheritagecenter.org/event/giving-tuesday-2024/ #appalachia #history #townsendtn #museum #smokymountains #giving #givingtuesday #givingtuesdaynow #donate #dosomethinggood

Giving Tuesday starts tomorrow! Take a moment to hear from one of our Board Members, Jenny Boyd, on why it’s important to support local history. Would you please consider giving to the Heritage Center? To donate please follow the link below!https://gsmheritagecenter.org/event/giving-tuesday-2024/ #appalachia #history #townsendtn #museum #smokymountains #giving #givingtuesday #givingtuesdaynow #donate #dosomethinggood

We’re obsessed with all of these amazing Christmas gifts! Make sure to stop by today for Shop Small Saturday or anytime before Christmas to pick up your Christmas gifts! #shopsmallsaturday #Christmas #townsendtn #holidayshopping #HolidayShoppingMadeEasy

That’s a wrap! Let’s recap our Holiday Handcrafters Festival!#townsendtn #holiday #holidayshopping #appalachia

Thank you to the brave men and women who have served our country! Your sacrifice does not go unnoticed. Today and everyday we celebrate you. #greatsmokymountainsheritagecenter #appalachia #gsmhc #history #historycomesalive #familyfun #smokymountains #tntourism #townsendtn #greatsmokies #appalachian #museum #museumlife #livinghistory #VeteransDay #thankaveteran

Would you consider sponsoring The Heritage Center? Like all non-profits, fulfilling our mission depends on generous supporters like you! As a sponsor, you join other local and national businesses who are partners in preserving our museum, cultural programming, historic buildings, and artifacts. You help us interpret and communicate their importance to the development of the mountain culture unique to East Tennessee while working to educate regional, national, and international visitors about the lives, stories, and legacy of those who lived it! Help us do the work we do daily to preserve the history and heritage of East Tennessee. Your donations provide educational opportunities for visitors, families and students of all ages and support the presentation of events and concerts that celebrate both the current and historical culture of the region. Please follow the link below to become a sponsor! https://fareharbor.com/embeds/book/gsmheritagecenter/items/419852/calendar/?flow=803045&full-items=yes&back=https://gsmheritagecenter.org/2024/09/21/please-sponsor-the-gsmhc/&g4=yes #easttn #heritage #museum #smokymountainnationalpark #tennessee #SmokyMountains #easttennessee #museumlife #museumeducation #greatsmokymountainsheritagecenter #appalachia #appalachian #history #greatsmokies #townsendtn #tntourism #maryvilletn #knoxville #donate #donation #donatenow #sponsor #sponsored #BigSlateMedia

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Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center

The Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center is first and foremost a museum; a museum whose mission is to preserve, interpret and share the history an culture of the diverse peoples and Native American who have inhabited the Southern Appalachians including the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and offers exhibitions and programs for educational and cultural enrichment