Cades Cove Preservation Association & Cades Cove Museum, Maryville, TN

Cades Cove Preservation Association & Cades Cove Museum, Maryville, TN

The Cades Cove Preservation Association (CCPA) and the Cades Cove Museum in Maryville, Tennessee, play a vital role in preserving the rich history and heritage of Cades Cove, one of the most beloved areas in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. These institutions serve as a link between the past and the present, ensuring that the stories, culture, and traditions of the early settlers of Cades Cove are not forgotten.

The Mission of the Cades Cove Preservation Association

The Cades Cove Preservation Association (CCPA) was founded to protect and promote the history of Cades Cove and its early settlers. Before the area became part of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Cades Cove was home to generations of Appalachian families who built a self-sustaining community in the valley. When the National Park was established in the 1930s, residents were forced to leave, but their legacy remains.

CCPA works to document and preserve the stories of these families through historical research, educational programs, and community outreach. The organization is dedicated to maintaining records, photographs, and oral histories, ensuring that the history of Cades Cove is accessible to future generations.

The Cades Cove Museum

Located in the historic Thompson-Brown House in Maryville, the Cades Cove Museum is a treasure trove of artifacts, photographs, and exhibits dedicated to the early settlers of the cove. The museum provides visitors with an intimate look at what life was like for families who lived in Cades Cove before it became part of the national park.

Exhibits and Artifacts

The museum’s exhibits feature a variety of items that highlight the daily lives of Cades Cove’s residents, including:

• Historical photographs showcasing the people, homes, and churches of Cades Cove.
• Household items and tools used by settlers for farming, cooking, and daily chores.
• Handwritten documents and letters offering insights into the lives of families who lived in the cove.
• Replica cabins and structures that illustrate the simple but resourceful way of life in the early 19th and 20th centuries.

The museum also includes genealogy resources for descendants of Cades Cove residents who want to learn more about their family history. Many visitors come to the museum searching for connections to their ancestors who once called Cades Cove home.

Preserving Cades Cove’s Legacy

The Cades Cove Museum and CCPA work together to keep the history of the cove alive through events, educational programs, and special exhibits. They host lectures, historical reenactments, and community gatherings that celebrate the traditions of Appalachian culture.

By visiting the Cades Cove Museum in Maryville, TN, history lovers and nature enthusiasts can gain a deeper appreciation for the people who shaped the history of this remarkable area. Whether you have ancestral ties to Cades Cove or simply want to learn more about its past, the museum and the Cades Cove Preservation Association provide a fascinating glimpse into Tennessee’s rich history.