great smoky mountains heritage center receives certificate of merit from tennessee historical commis

This May, the Tennessee Historical Commission selected the Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center of Townsend, Tenn., for its 2009 Certificate of Merit. Given in conjunction with National and State Preservation Month, this certificate honors organizations for protecting historic places and advancing the study of Tennessee history.
According to Bob Patterson, the museum’s director, “The Heritage Center’s goal is the preservation and protection of our regional history.”
The museum has grown since its inception in 2006 to preserve this history by collecting many historic buildings and archived materials.
Behind its main entrance, the museum’s outbuildings provide the experience of an early mountain farmstead. From cabins and barns, to a smokehouse, to an underground still, Wheelwright shop and more, these structures illustrate aspects of life in Tennessee’s past.
Most of the outbuildings on site are original, reassembled structures. The Cardwell Cabin was built between 1892 and 1895. Another cabin housed the Montvale Springs Post Office during the 1830s and served as a hiding place for Confederate soldiers during the Civil War.
Just as vital for the preservation of Tennessee’s history are the Heritage Center’s archives. Ranging from historic photographs to old animal tack to surgeon’s kits from World War I, the archives preserve and categorize important details of the past.
The museum also seeks to share this history with the public. Adults and children alike can explore the museum’s primary galleries dedicated to the region’s Native American history, European culture and transportation.
“To have the opportunity to work with students and adult special interest groups in conveying that information and watching their reactions as they play Native American games, learn about our  historic still or lay on a bed filled with corn shucks always amazes me,” Patterson said.