Great Smoky Mountains National Park’s collection of historic cabins, churches, mills and barns weave together the story of these mountains. Many of the structures are in critical need of repair, so Friends of the Smokies introduced a new, unique opportunity to support preservation efforts called “Forever Places.” This endowment was established in 2020, with a goal of raising $9 million, and we are over halfway there!
So far, the funds raised for Forever Places supports the hiring of two highly skilled historic preservation crew members. Together, we can ensure these places aren’t lost forever. Your support will guarantee that these pieces of mountain history will be recounted for all of time, and that visitors can still walk in the footsteps of those who once called the Smokies home.
For more information about Forever Places, contact Chief Development Officer, Kathryn Hemphill at kathryn@friendsofthesmokies.org.
Straker Renovation Fund
Ed and Diane Straker of Boston, VA established the Straker Renovation Fund in 2025. Born out of a passion for historic preservation, the Straker Renovation Fund supports historic preservation interns to assist the permanent Forever Places crew, and ensures the continued protection of these valuable cultural artifacts for generations to come.
Because of a generous annual gift from the Strakers to establish the Straker Renovation Fund, these interns gain valuable hands-on experience working alongside Great Smoky Mountains National Park professionals in the management of historic resources with meaningful, practical exposure to the field of historic preservation. The Forever Places Crew and interns utilize materials and methods relating to the era that the structures were originally constructed.
Forever Places Completed Projects
Walker Sisters Cabin Restoration
The Forever Places crew replaced the roof and portions of the wall timbers, stabilized the foundation, added new floorboards, and restored the fireplace.
