Park Hosts African American History Open House Discussions – Great Smoky Mountains National Park officials invite the public to two open house events concerning the history of African Americans within and around the park. The discussion events will be held from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, August 1 at the Blount County Public Library in Maryville, TN and on Monday, August 5 at the Pigeon Community Multicultural Development Center in Waynesville, NC.