Tremont Environmental Education Center opened in the fall of 1969 under a cooperative arrangement with the National Park Service and Maryville College. During the 1973-74 school year 9,026 people participated in programs at Tremont. At that time facilities could accommodate 200 people.

In 1979 Maryville College withdrew from operating the Institute and in May of 1980 the Great Smoky Mountains Natural History Association (GSMNHA) took over the operation and along with the Park Service remodeled, and in some cases removed, aging facilities.

In 1985 the name Tremont Environmental Education Center was changed to Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont. This change was made to further emphasize Tremont's tie to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, associate its mission with similar "Institutes" around the country and emphasize that its audience is broader than just elementary school groups.

In 1999 Great Smoky Mountains Association (GSMA) voted to establish the Institute as a separate 501c3 organization so that a new independent board could focus on its specific needs, challenges, and opportunities. On January 1, 2001, GSMA gave birth to a new fledgling entity: the Great Smoky Mountains Institute. This congenial separation positioned the Institute to develop in new and exciting ways while retaining the strength of programming developed during the GSMA years. The Institute continues to work in partnership with the National Park to provide "in-depth experiences through educational programs designed to nurture appreciation of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, celebrate diversity, and foster stewardship" (our mission statement).

Since 1985, Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont has served over 100,000 children and adults.

For more information on Undeveloping Tremont and Environmental Assessment.

For more information on the history of Walker Valley, where GSMIT is located

For more information on the natural history of Great Smoky Mountains National Park.