Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center

    The Great Smoky Mountain Heritage Center is dedicated to preserving the history and culture of peoples who resided in Eastern Tennessee in mountain communities. In an effort to educate visitors on the history of the region, the heritage center offers a museum of permanent and temporary exhibits. The center also has a historical village, made up of thirteen historic buildings including a log cabin, the Wilder Chapel, and a print shop. All of the buildings in the village were renovated and furnished to illustrate what life was like during the times periods they represent. Several of these buildings are 
    The permanent exhibits in the museum offer displays on a variety of subjects and time periods. The National Parks Gallery explores the history of the region's natural landmarks. In the Main Gallery of the center, there are exhibits on the region's Native American history, focusing on pre-historic life and showcasing artifacts from the area. Another exhibit in the Main Gallery focuses on mountain culture in East Tennessee. This exhibit also focuses on the lifestyle of former residents of the region by presenting a log cabin, one-room schoolhouse, and mills. 
    Another exhibit demonstrates the progression of transportation practices in the region from the nineteenth to twentieth centuries. The gallery will feature both permanent examples of transportation and a rotating display of automobiles from collectors.