Great Smoky Mountain Heritage Center, Townsend, Tennessee  
 

How Can I Help?

Overhead viewThe Heritage Center is an ambitious project that utilizes the talents of hundreds of people. Like any nonprofit undertaking we need your help to ensure that the vision and mission of the Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center is successful. Please consider volunteering your time and expertise to help educate visitors about the unique culture that is East Tennessee.

If you would like to volunteer . . .

If you would like to lead school tours, spend a couple of hours in the Center store each week, or help out during special events, please call 865-448-0044 or email gsmhcevents@yahoo.com

Listed below are descriptions of the Center's volunteer opportunities:

  • Docents: Train in all areas of gallery and outbuildings to lead school and other group tours, as needed. Requires attendane at a one-day training session. Most docent-led tours are during the week.

 

  • Program Docents: Train for specific demonstrations, i.e., open-hearth cooking, atlatl, historic games, clay pots and more. Requires attendance at a one-day general docent training session AND additional training from experienced volunteers in specific craft or skill. Program Docents may work with school tours, weekend tours or during festivals and other special events.

 

  • Store/Front Desk/Admissions: Greet visitors, cashier (admissions, merchandise sales), retail display. 8-10 hours each month. Additional hours are optional.

 

  • Special Events: Varies with event. Available positions include admissions, membership sales, parking, volunteer check-in, concessions, market research, greeters, and many, many others.

 

  • Trade Show Team: The Heritage Center has the opportunity to get its message out to select audiences through having a table or booth at several events each year. Our goal is to put together a team of 8-10 people who will work with Center staff to set up the booth, staff the booth during the event, break down the booth and return materials to the Center. Materials will be provided. Events will include Wildlife Wilderness Week (Pigeon Forge, January), Wildflower Pilgrimage (Gatlinburg, late April), Blount County Employees Fair (July), and other opportunities.

 

  • Special Assignment: Office, gardening, construction, maintenance, computer work, retail research, inventory, housekeeping and more.

 

 Sponsorships

Sponsorships are available for most GSMHC events throughout the year and can be tailored to meet specific needs. Contact the administrative office for more information.

Please contact the Heritage Center at (865) 448-0044

Monetary donations are welcome.