February 2025 Journal Newsletter
Highlights from Homeschool Day: Daily Medieval Life
Special thanks to our living history interpreters Georgia Mountains Falconry, Glen Kyle, Andrew Linker, with North Georgia Locally Grown, Hopewell Farms, and for assistance from the Brenau University Costume Design Department.
We’d also like to thank event volunteers: Sarah Wages, Dallas Morse, Sarah Cook, Rainny Ramey, Olivia Warlick from Brenau Phi Mu; Audrey Griffin, Kathy Oates, Cathy Smith, and Bitzy Lacher, Stephanie Gordon, and Justin Osborne.
Interested in volunteering for our events and programs? Email us at info@negahc.org for details!
Forum: Race, Rock, and Redemption: The Life of Phil Walden
Join us on Tuesday, February 11th for Race, Rock, and Redemption: The Life of Phil Walden, an exploration of the life and career of the founder of Macon-based Capricorn Records.
The presentation will begin at 7:00 PM, but please join us for live music with Blues Guitarist Jim Cook at 6:00 PM!
Author and historian Dr. Ben Wynne, a native of Florence, Mississippi, earned his doctorate in history at the University of Mississippi and currently serves as a professor of history at the University of North Georgia. Dr. Wynne is the author of numerous works on Southern history, culture, and American history in general.
Phil Walden left an indelible cultural footprint on American music with international repercussions. Walden was one of the most prominent white promoters of African American rhythm and blues music in the United States, most notably representing R&B icon Otis Redding. He also founded Capricorn Records in Macon, which became known as the "birthplace of Southern rock." Discover the story of Phil Walden’s successful, and at times controversial, career in the entertainment industry.
Free for Members, $5 for non-Members at the door.
322 Academy St NE Gainesville, GA
Survival Stories: The first year of school integration in Gainesville-Hall County
In honor of Black History Month, the Newtown Florist Club presents Survival Stories: the first year of school integration in Gainesville-Hall County. on Thursday, February 13th. The event will begin with a Meet & Greet at 5:30 PM followed by a panel discussion at 6:00 PM about the challenges and experiences of integrating Gainesville-Hall County schools in 1969. Hear firsthand accounts from community members who lived through this historic transition.
This event is free to the public and hosted at the Northeast Georgia history Center located at 322 Academy St. NE Gainesville, GA 30501.
Panelists: Andrea Crozier, Belinda Dickey, Myrtle Figueras, Jackie Mize, Peggy Vardeman, Lee Lovett, and Rickey Young.
322 Academy St NE Gainesville, GA
Homeschool Day: Historic African-American Culture & Traditions
Join us at the Northeast Georgia History Center on Thursday, February 20th from 10:00 AM-1:00 PM for the next installment of our Homeschool Day series: Historic African-American Culture & Traditions. This event is free to Members, $8 for adults, $6 for children, and free to children 5 and under.
Activity Stations Include:
Tasting some familiar and traditional foods that originated in Africa
Learning about the origins of the banjo and how early banjos were constructed plus a live demonstration of various playing methods.
Listening to a short concert of African-American spirituals and understanding the origins and importance of these songs to African-American life.
Constructing a historic quilt panel to learn about traditional skills and the coded symbols and patterns that enslaved African-Americans may have crafted into quilts to communicate in secret. ($5 craft fee for a fabric square, no charge for a paper square.)
Explore the night sky in a portable planetarium with an Elachee Nature Center astronomer and learn to identify some of the stars and constellations used by enslaved African-Americans to navigate the Underground Railroad.
Register Online
New Tornado of 1936 Exhibits Updates
Among our most popular exhibits is the Tornado of 1936 Exhibit which includes a tornado simulator and panoramic view of the tornado’s devastation. Lesley Jones, Director of Archives & Curation, has implemented new updates to the exhibit for a more engaging experience. On display you’ll find historic photographs, quotes from eyewitnesses, local artifacts that survived the destruction, and artifacts from Franklin D. Roosevelt’s visits to Gainesville immediately after the tornado hit and to honor Gainesville’s rebuilding and resilience.
Tour the exhibit during your next visit! Visitor information at this link.
Special Exhibits: The Undefeatable Deal & Rotary Club of Gainesville’s One-Hundredth Anniversary
We have two new special exhibits on display! Visit the museum to view The Undefeatable Nathan Deal and learn about former Governor Nathan Deal’s career and service with items and panels on display.
We also have an exhibit celebrating Rotary Club of Gainesville’s one-hundredth anniversary! Visitors can explore displays showcasing the club’s past presidents, significant milestones, and historical photos spanning from its founding in 1923 to 1948. The exhibit includes fascinating facts about the club's early activities, its involvement in community service, and its role in shaping Gainesville’s civic life.
Memberships & Renewals Reminder
Not sure when your Membership expires? Please reach out to us at info@negahc.org to ensure your Membership is current. Memberships also make excellent gifts! Contact us to give the gift of history!
Special Thanks
Our programs would not be possible without the support of the Ada Mae Ivester Education Center. More information on the Ada Mae Ivester Education Center: AMIEC
We would like to thank and welcome Rosalind & Frank Black for their support as Members at the Friend Level! Friend Level Memberships come with great benefits and support our programs, preservation efforts, and operations.
Become a Member at www.negahc.org/member.
We would like to thank our new and renewing Partners whose contributions help sustain the Northeast Georgia History Center’s operations:
Drs. Patricia and John “Jack” Burd
Cathy and Tony Herdener
Kathy & Richard Oates
Cheryl & Jerry Vandiver
Beckie & David Smith
Dr. Jim Southerland
Philip & Mary Hart Wilheit