Calendar of Events

In furtherance of our mission to "preserve, interpret, and share" the traditions and culture of our area, we are providing these free admission opportunities to fill the gap for area schools who have missed out on field trip experiences they would have had in a normal, non-COVID year. It also coincides with our 15th Anniversary!

For all those who have missed out on their visits to the Heritage Center, we want to provide you with a chance to spend time with us. Safety concerns still exist, and for that reason, we will continue to abide by CDC and state safety guidance. And unfortunately, we won't have the hands-on activities we typically would have for a field trip. However, we want you to enjoy the galleries and historic village just the same and at no charge.

And for those of you who don't have school-age children, we want you to visit with us as well. Maybe you haven't been to the Center in years, or perhaps you're new to the area and have never seen the Center at all. This is your chance!

We encourage everyone to find their specific county and date on the calendar and make plans to be with us. Simply bring a valid photo ID with address on the day of your visit, and you and your household can enjoy free admission into the galleries and historic village. We look forward to seeing you all very soon!

Saturday, April 10: All Neighboring Counties in Western North Carolina

The Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center places the highest priority on the health and well-being of their guests, employees, and volunteers. For this reason, the Heritage Center will enforce the following guidelines:

Social distancing of at least six feet while on the property (indoors or outdoors) is necessary. The Heritage Center is following CDC guidelines and requiring masks for ages 2 and up. All guests and employees must wear masks while indoors. Masks will not be provided but will be available for purchase at the gift shop. Reduced capacities will be allowed in common areas such as the gift shop. Hand sanitizer stations will also be available.

The Heritage Center will continue to closely monitor CDC guidelines as well as any state-issued orders pertaining to COVID-19. If changes are deemed necessary, the Heritage Center will broadcast alerts via website, social media, and email/telephone when possible.

Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center, 3/4 mile east of traffic light at the Highway 321 and 73 intersection towards the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Townsend, TN. Hours: M-Sa 10-5. Information: 865-448-0044, www.gsmheritagecenter.org