Spring 2024 Journal Newsletter

Mar 29

Moving Forward Through Changes and Challenges

As the Northeast Georgia History Center celebrates its 20th year at Brenau University, we reflect on our journey amid ongoing changes. Today, we provide an update on our leadership. Greg Payne, our Executive Director, has stepped down, and we express appreciation for his contributions both in his role and as a dedicated volunteer. Libba Beaucham now serves as our Interim Executive Director, and we are grateful to her team, Marie, Lesley, Sophie, Andrews, Jessy, and Jennifer, for their dedication to seamlessly continuing the mission and programming of the Northeast Georgia History Center.

In celebrating two decades at Brenau University, we also reflect on our evolution since our inception in 1981 as the Georgia Mountains Museum. The vision of John Jacobs, Sr. and James Mathis, Sr., who led the formation of the Georgia Mountains Museum, has materialized through our profound impact on the Gainesville community and Northeast Georgia.

Over the years, we've witnessed substantial growth in visitation, membership, outreach, and connection through our diverse programs, including field trips, homeschool days, lectures, and digital programs supported by the Ada Mae Ivester Education Center.

In 2023, we had over 7,000 visitors to the museum from walk-in visits, educational programs, and special events.

Our Digital Studio outreach has grown significantly since its inception in 2017. As of 2023, we have conducted 365 Time Travel Adventures for schools across Georgia reaching over 20,000 students! Our podcast Then Again continues to rise in popularity with 13,000 listens in 2023 bringing fascinating local, national, and world history topics to listeners across Georgia and beyond.

Gainesville Reads has provided free one-on-one tutoring in literacy for over 70 local elementary-grade students. We’ve seen significant progress with our students and are so proud of the confidence they have gained in reading. Gainesville Reads recently received an anonymous contribution of $25,000 to continue this phenomenal work in the community.

Testimonials from our community highlight the impact of our programs in bringing history to life and fostering deeper understanding:

“It’s a joy to visit a place where history is so approachable, touchable, and alive.”

“Students from every class that I’ve participated in the Time Travel Adventures thoroughly enjoyed them and talked about what they learned long after the program! They are always impressed seeing the musket shooting and learning all the cool medical details from the Civil War nurse. It’s an experience that no textbook or even a video can evenly match!”

“Without Gainesville Reads, I don't know how we would have done it. Our kid going from below grade level reading to now on level is huge.”

Our efforts to preserve and share our region’s history have seen great progress in our archives and exhibits. Lesley Jones, our Director of Archives & Curation, has overseen significant efforts to properly store and catalog our vast collection of artifacts, while recent updates to our exhibits enhance the visitor experience for children and adults alike.

The American Freedom Garden remains a beautiful tribute to US veterans and has been utilized in our educational events to connect young folks to the stories and experiences of our veterans.

In the coming months, we will be sharing reflections on the last 20 years at Brenau University as well as memories of our time as the Georgia Mountains Museum. We invite you to share in our celebration by attending our events and supporting the Northeast Georgia History Center however you can.

How You Can Support the Northeast Georgia History Center

Become a Partner. We have several levels within our Partner program and they have excellent benefits in addition to supporting the museum. Details at www.negahc.org/member.
Become a Member. Join our community of Members to receive free or discounted admission to events while supporting history education in your community. We also offer Small Business Memberships to offer Membership benefits to your staff. Details at www.negahc.org/member.
Become a Sponsor. We have many opportunities for sponsorships for your business or organization. From new special exhibits to our weekly livestream programs, sponsorships are a great way to inform the public about your business and show your support for your local history museum. Email Libba Beaucham at libba@negahc.org to discuss sponsorship opportunities.
Become a Volunteer. Our community of volunteers allow us to produce unique and engaging living history programs. Volunteering offers a flexible schedule, a diverse array of activities to match your skills and interests, and it’s just plain fun! Apply online at www.negahc.org/volunteer or email Marie Bartlett at marie@negahc.org.
Donate. Donations at every level make a difference. If you are able to contribute toward our mission, you may do so at www.negahc.org/donate.
Connect with Us. Have an idea on how to support the Northeast Georgia History Center? Reach out to us at info@negahc.org.

We are so grateful for the community we have fostered and those who share a love of history with us. Here’s to another 20 years of growth, impact, and truly making history!

Upcoming Events & Programs

Check out our upcoming events and programs in April! Members receive free admission or discounts to events throughout the year. Become a Member today.

Online registration is appreciated.
On Tuesday, April 9th at 7 PM, Dr. Ben Wynne will present his latest work, A Hound Dog Tale: Big Mama, Elvis, and the Song That Changed Everything, during the Northeast Georgia History Center's next Forum Lecture.
Published by LSU Press, Dr. Wynne’s book dives into the fascinating history of the popular song “Hound Dog. Featuring stories of legendary figures like Willie Mae “Big Mama” Thornton and Elvis Presley, along with an array of other influential characters, A Hound Dog Tale reveals the song’s profound impact on 1950s American society and its lasting legacy.
Dr. Ben Wynne is a native of Florence, Mississippi, and a professor of history at the University of North Georgia. Specializing in antebellum American History, American popular music history, and the history of the American South, Dr. Wynne has authored numerous books on the South and Southern culture.
This event is free for Members of the Northeast Georgia History Center and $5 for non-Members. It provides a unique opportunity for attendees to explore the historical contexts and lesser-known stories behind one of rock ‘n’ roll's most iconic songs.
Purchase your copy of A Hound Dog Tale online at https://lsupress.org/9780807181140/a-hound-dog-tale/ in hard copy or ebook format.
Free Documentary Film Screening
A President in Our Midst: Franklin Delano Roosevelt in Georgia
Saturday, April 20th at 2 PM
John S. Burd Center for Performing Arts
Online Registration Required
The Northeast Georgia History Center proudly presents a free screening of the award-winning documentary A President in our Midst: Franklin Delano Roosevelt in Georgia at the John S. Burd Center for Performing Arts on Saturday, April 20th, from 2-4 PM. This event is free to the public thanks to the support and sponsorship of Jackson EMC.
Filmed in 2020 and premiered at the Little White House on April 12, 2021, A President in our Midst has won several awards for excellence. Created in collaboration with Georgia Humanities and Georgia Public Broadcasting, this one-hour documentary received the Bronze Telly in 2022 as well as the Southern Film Festival's People's Choice Best Film in 2021. Filmed by Georgia State University TV, the documentary, based on the book by Kaye Minchew, was filmed throughout Georgia and tells the story of FDR's relationship to the state.
Executive Producer Dan White, who will be a special guest panelist at the event, adds, “Serving as Executive Producer of this film and engaging the talents of over 100 Georgians in its creation was a wonderful experience. I hope people seeing this film will appreciate the story of FDR in Georgia and its national implications.”
Dr. Hal Raper of the Little White House Advisory Committee will open the program by portraying FDR as he delivers a speech the president gave in Gainesville in 1938. A discussion panel will be held after the screening with Dan White and Abit Massey, Member of the Little White House Advisory Committee.
Following the screening, a reception will be held at the Northeast Georgia History Center, directly across the street, where guests may view special artifacts from FDR's time in Gainesville. The reception offers light refreshments, admission to the museum’s exhibits and galleries, and the chance to speak with our special guests. Tickets for the reception are $10 and support the Northeast Georgia History Center.
Join us for our April Homeschool Day all about World War II where you’ll meet costumed interpreters, view fascinating artifacts, learn about the diverse experiences of the era, and more!
Details are available on the online registration page.
Shadows of the South: Crimes Too Horrendous to Forget
Hosted by Phil Hudgins
Saturday, April 27th at 1 PM
Pearce Auditorium at Brenau University
Online Registration Required

Join us at Brenau University’s Pearce Auditorium on Saturday, April 27th, at 1 PM for a riveting afternoon with journalist and author Phil Hudgins as we delve into the dark corners of Georgia's criminal past. "Shadows of the South: Crimes Too Horrendous to Forget" promises an in-depth exploration of some of the most notorious crimes in Georgia's history, featuring a panel of individuals directly impacted by or involved in these cases. Details are available on the online registration page.

History Center Highlights

School Programs

Marie provided a program about Colonial Life to elementary students in Gainesville! They got to play with historic toys and games to learn about childhood during the Colonial era.

Paleontology Association of Georgia

The Paleontology Association of Georgia led a wonderful pop-up exhibit with fossils for guests to view.

Georgia Mountain Fiber Arts Guild

The Georgia Mountain Fiber Arts Guild held a Members meeting and demonstration open to the public at the museum.

Field Trips

We have had a busy season of school field trips with students participating in fun historic activities like candlemaking shown here!

Georgia Thespian Conference

Marie presented two workshops at the Georgia Thespian Conference! She introduced students to living history interpretation and historic costume creation.

Susan B. Anthony Visits NEGAHC

Visitors met Susan B. Anthony (portrayed by Cathy Kaemmerlen of Tattling Tales Inc.) during our Homeschool Day: The Gilded Age.

World War I Homeschool Day

Homeschool families learned about World War I with costumed interpreters, artifacts, and activities.

Gainesville Lace Makers Meetings

The Gainesville Lace Makers meet at the museum on the second Saturday of each month from 10 AM - 1 PM.