The Smoky Mountain Antique Engine and Tractor Association (SMAETA) was founded in 1982 by a group of individuals who desire to promote the following objectives:

• Provide historical education for members, public, and schools.
• Assist each other in solving problems, and obtaining parts for old engines, tractors, and equipment.
• Work toward the preservation of old engines, tractors, and equipment.
• Hold shows and demonstrations of old engines, tractors, and equipment.

The SMAETA was then chartered and registered with the state of Tennessee in 1984 as a non-profit corporation. The Charter best describes the SMAETA with the following words: "The purpose or purposes for which the corporation is organized are: to promote learning, collecting and trading of antique engines, tractors, and machinery through monthly meetings, radio, television, the printed page and shows displaying members engines, tractors, and machinery to the public.”

Requirements for membership in the SMAETA include an interest in old engines, tractors, or equipment and payment of yearly dues. Membership is granted regardless of age, creed, or sex. Membership does not require attendance of monthly meetings or events. Members receive a monthly newsletter which details SMAETA activities, upcoming events, want ads, and general information.

Membership of the SMAETA is approximately 100 members. The equipment owned and displayed by the membership is varied and includes many rare and unusual items. Curiosity, wonder, and remembrance of old times are always present when the equipment is displayed.

The SMAETA is a totally democratic group and is structured with the following officers: President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, Historian, and Nine Member Board.
Decisions that affect the SMAETA are approved by the membership at monthly meetings through voting procedures as prescribed by Robert's Rules of Order.

The SMAETA holds its monthly meeting on the first Tuesday of each month and has two (2) annual events:

• June - Annual Show. This two-day event, held in Clinton, Tennessee, is a gathering of folks from all over the country for the purpose of displaying old engines, tractors, and equipment. This event is large and very interesting, with a variety of working displays.
• September - Tennessee Valley Fair. This eleven-day event, held in Knoxville, Tennessee, is a display of old engines, tractors, and equipment. Thousands of fairgoers are thrilled by displays.

SMAETA success in putting on shows has made possible charitable donations over the past several years. Recent recipients have been the Children's Home in Sevierville, Tennessee, Meals on Wheels, and the University of Tennessee Agriculture Dept.

It is truly the desire of the SMAETA to preserve a very important part of our great country's history that God has so richly given us.