Great Smoky Mountains National Park is celebrating a major milestone in 2009 -- the 75th Anniversary of its establishment on June 15, 1934. Park staff continues to develop plans to commemorate and highlight the Park's biologically diverse natural resources, cultural history, and a whole host of recreational and educational opportunities. An interactive website that will give online viewers a virtual tour of the planned activities, an opportunity for visitors to share photos and stories of their experiences in the Park, and a variety of information related to the 75th is now operational. The majority of the site is complete, but will continually be updated throughout 2008 and 2009. View photos of the Rededication Ceremony

The evolving website, www.GreatSmokies75th.org, profiles a rich and diverse array of activities and events in the Park and throughout neighboring communities. The plans for observing this special occasion is the product of collaborative efforts with the Great Smoky Mountains Association, Friends of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and local and state municipalities and tourism organizations.

Several major events are being planned in the Park, but are still in the early stages of development which include a Governor's Proclamation ceremony the week of April 20, 2009, which will focus on the community and regional role that was vital to the Park's creation; three events on Anniversary Weekend, June 13-15, 2009, to showcase the resources of Cades Cove, Sugarlands, and Oconaluftee; and rededication of the Park on September 2, 2009, at Newfound Gap.

In addition to in-Park events, over 75 officially-recognized community events and venues, meeting the themes of the anniversary celebration, can be found on the interactive monthly calendar. Ann Froschauer, 75th Anniversary Coordinate, said that "It will be the place for one-stop shopping to get involved and chart vacation plans and site visits to the Park and surrounding areas. In the future, a separate activity schedule will be available for Park events. Visitors can plan early and mark the dates for those activities that are of interest."

The Smokies Family Album featured on the website invites people to upload photos and share stories of their adventures and memorable moments such as family vacations and honeymoons in the Park at recognizable features--at Park's entrance or trail signs, historic structures, or natural areas at waterfalls or balds. "There are already several photos and stories depicted which illustrate the notable experiences that people have had over the many years. These can serve as memoirs to share with family and friends,” Froschauer explained.

Another special feature of the website is a virtual time line which gives a history lesson on the significant contributions, people, places and events that influenced the creation and protection of this national treasure. With illustrations and text capturing the historic moments, visitors can navigate and learn about the hard work, personal sacrifice and successes in making the Smokies America's most visited national park. From pre-park logging era in the early 1900s to the experimental reintroduction of the elk in the 2000s, the guide provides an in-depth look, decade by decade, at the evolution of the Park.

"In addition to the visitor activities, this occasion is an opportunity to highlight the Park's achievements and examine current and future challenges for its protection so that we can establish a legacy of stewardship to ensure its continued health and vitality over the next 75 years,” commented Park Superintendent Dale Ditmanson. The Friends of the Smokies and the Great Smoky Mountains Association, the Park's two major partners, are creating new opportunities to generate support for the Park by providing ways to make a lasting gift to the Park and future generations. These sponsorship possibilities can be seen on line. In the near future, people will have an opportunity to purchase, online and at Park visitor centers, memorabilia from a unique selection of anniversary merchandise as well as commemorative publications that demonstrate the rich history of the Park and surrounding area.

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