January 2025 Journal Newsletter
Introducing Interim Executive Director
Peter Gordon
The Northeast Georgia History Center welcomes Peter Gordon as our Interim Executive Director. Peter brings decades of experience in education, leadership, and community engagement to this role.
Peter Gordon came to Gainesville in 1981 to work as a social studies instructor at Brenau Academy, the boarding school for young women that was part of the Brenau University community. He left the school in 1988 to participate in a cultural and educational exchange program in Japan. Upon returning to Gainesville, he worked for two years with Lanier Technical College’s Adult Literacy Program as an instructor and program manager. In 1992, he joined the staff at Elachee Nature Center as an exhibit manager before becoming the organization’s Education Director in 1994. For the next 25 years, he was part of a team that helped grow Elachee into one of the most successful and influential nature centers in the Southeast. In 2018, he received the Eugene Odom Professional Achievement Award from the Environmental Education Alliance of Georgia. He retired from the Nature Center in December 2020.
Peter is married to Stephanie Olson Gordon. He and Stephanie are the proud parents and grandparents of their daughter, Sonrisa Reed; son, Tao Ventre; daughter-in-law, Jessica Bell Ventre; and grandson, Emmett.
“I am very happy and excited to have become a part of the Northeast Georgia History Center family,” Peter said. “I look forward to working with our talented staff and committed board to promote, interpret, and share our rich and unique regional history with our community."
Our Board Chair Barclay Rushton added, “We are fortunate to have Peter’s expertise and leadership during an important chapter of the museum’s long history in the community. Despite the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic coupled with a transitional phase in leadership, the History Center has remained a resilient and vital part of our community thanks to our dedicated members, staff, volunteers, visitors, and school groups.”
We all look forward to you meeting Peter during your next visit! View upcoming events at www.negahc.org/events.
Farewell to Libba!
We would like to recognize our former Director of Operations and Interim Executive Director Libba Beaucham as she has embarked on a new career path in her home of Athens, Georgia. Libba remains a valuable consultant with the Northeast Georgia History Center, and we wish her all the best in her marketing role at Flagpole Magazine.
Libba started at the Northeast Georgia History Center as a part-time Media Producer in 2017 and quickly progressed to leadership roles in our Digital Studio, communications, and overall operations. She performed living history programs for thousands of students both virtually and on-site with roles including Girl Scouts Founder Juliette Gordon Low, abolitionist and suffragist Lucy Scott, and a World War II “Rosie” among others. Libba also spearheaded our children’s reading program, Gainesville Reads, which continues to provide free tutoring and mentorship to local elementary-grade students in Hall County. She has performed countless other roles for us in her 6 years with the museum, and we are grateful to have her as a remote consultant moving forward.
“My time at the Northeast Georgia History Center was so rewarding. I was challenged in ways that made me better both personally and professionally, inspired by the incredible community of interpreters, volunteers, Members, and Board of Directors that make educational programming possible, and discovered a lifelong passion for history. I look forward to remaining connected with this wonderful museum and can’t wait to see what the future holds.” - Libba Beaucham
If you would like to contact Libba directly, you may do so at libba@negahc.org.
Governor Nathan Deal’s Book Signing for Veto, the Governor’s Cat
We were honored to host a book signing event for Governor Nathan Deal’s children’s book, Veto, the Governor’s Cat, on Tuesday, December 10th.
This heartwarming book introduces readers to the real-life cat of Governor and the late First Lady Deal. Veto’s journey echoes the experiences of many children, exploring themes of moving, making friends, finding courage, and overcoming loss. From the Governor’s Mansion to the peaceful mountains of North Georgia, Veto’s adventures are brought to life through the beautiful pen and ink watercolor illustrations by Cheryl Riner Hodge, a professional artist based in Rome, Georgia.
Sandra Dunagan Deal, Georgia’s former First Lady and a former school teacher, dedicated her life to promoting literacy. She visited classrooms in every Georgia county and school district, reading to over 250,000 students. Before her passing in 2022, Sandra was delighted that Nathan would continue her mission through this book. A portion of the proceeds from Veto, the Governor’s Cat will be donated to the Deal Foundation Fund, supporting literacy projects, initiatives, and scholarships in her honor.
We were thrilled with the turnout for this event and appreciate all who joined us!
Learn more about this delightful book at: https://vetothecat.com/
Forum: A Soldier’s Journey with Tom Gordon
We have a great lineup of presentations this Spring for our popular Forum Lecture Series featuring fascinating historical topics.
Join us on Tuesday, January 14th at 7:00 PM for A Soldier’s Journey, an inspiring story of a Georgia soldier's heroic experiences in war-torn France during World War II. Presented by journalist and writer Tom Gordon, the event delves into the bravery, resilience, and connections formed amidst the chaos of war.
Tom Gordon, based in Birmingham, Alabama, has reported extensively on southern politics, culture, and international affairs for prominent publications including The Birmingham News, The Anniston Star, and The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Fluent in French, with a deep affinity for France and its culture, Gordon brings unique insights into this compelling narrative.
Gordon will tell the harrowing true story of a young man from Atlanta who, upon his graduation from Emory University and a brief stab at professional baseball, is drafted and finds himself on the battlefields of North Africa, Corsica and southern France. That soldier's name...Tom Gordon, the presenter's father.
Free for Members, $5 for non-Members. Online Registration is appreciated.
Highlights from Homeschool Day: Christmas Traditions
Our December Homeschool Day was all about Christmas traditions! Thank you to everyone who joined us and participated in our hands-on activities like the Georgia Mountain Fiber Arts Guild’s weaving station, our hand-dipped candle station, a display of traditional Christmastime plants, fruits, and vegetables, and readings of Christmas stories. Our volunteers and interpreters make all of our events a unique, fun, and educational experience for all ages.
Interested in volunteering? Email us at info@negahc.org.
Homeschool Day: Daily Medieval Life
Join us at the Northeast Georgia History Center during our January Homeschool Day, Medieval Daily Life, on Thursday, January 23rd from 10 AM to 1 PM.
At 11:30 AM, we’ll have a live presentation with your favorite “Yeoman” Glen! Learn what daily life was like in the 14th century for everyday people of the Medieval era with Glen as he presents in full historic costume and with reproduction tools and items. Note that this program will take place once at 11:30 AM and that it will be held outdoors, weather permitting. Dress accordingly and bring sunglasses/hats for shade from the sun.
Ongoing activities from 10 AM -1 PM include:
Learn to read and write calligraphy.
Create a family coat of arms.
Meet with livestock and learn about Medieval farming practices.
Have your souvenir photo taken as a maiden or knight! Digital copies will be emailed.
Learn how the feudal system shaped all aspects of society.
Discover just how quickly each of the plagues spread through the lands.
Make a medieval shield by purchasing a $5 craft ticket below or at the front desk.
New Exhibits on Display!
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.
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