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Towns County
Historical Society

Keeping our history alive!

Join us for our Next Meeting! 

Memories of Living & Working in Towns County

By: Shirley Miller

Monday, May 12, 2025

6:00 PM

Old Rec Center - 900 N. Main Street, Hiawassee

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HOW WE DO IT

PROTECTING, PROMOTING, & PRESERVING THE HISTORY, CULTURE, & HERITAGE OF TOWNS COUNTY

Educational Programs

  • Public Meetings & Presentations – Hosting monthly meetings with guest speakers covering local history topics.  

  • Historical Exhibits & Displays – Creating and maintaining exhibits featuring artifacts, photographs, and documents relevant to Towns County’s history.  

  • -Placemaking Projects – Collaborating with community groups to install educational art, interpretive signs, and historical markers.  

  • Archival Research & Preservation – Digitizing and preserving historical records, newspapers, and books for public access.  

  • Publications & Newsletters – Producing written materials, including books, pamphlets, and newsletters, to share historical insights.  

  • School & Youth Programs – Partnering with local schools to provide educational resources, field trips, and hands-on learning experiences.  

  • Social Media & Online Outreach – Sharing historical content, photos, and research through digital platforms.  

  • Oral History Projects – Recording and preserving the stories of long-time residents to document community heritage.  

  • Collaborations with Other Organizations – Working with libraries, museums, and historical societies to expand educational opportunities.  

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Preservation

The Towns County Historical Society promotes preservation through the following initiatives:  

 

  • Preservation of Historic Structures - Working to restore, maintain, and protect structures to retain their historical and architectural significance.

  • Historic Property Advocacy – Supporting efforts to recognize, protect, and restore historic buildings and landmarks.  

  • Archival Preservation – Digitizing and safeguarding historical documents, photographs, and records for future generations.  

  • Grants & Fundraising – Securing funds for restoration projects, historical markers, and preservation initiatives.  

  • Historical Markers & Signage – Installing plaques and interpretive signs to highlight significant locations and events.  

  • Cemetery Documentation & Restoration – Identifying, restoring, and maintaining historic cemeteries and gravestones.  

  • Oral History Collection – Recording and preserving firsthand accounts from community members to document Towns County’s past.  

  • Educational Programs on Preservation – Hosting workshops, lectures, and discussions on the importance of historic preservation.  

  • Collaboration with Preservation Organizations – Partnering with state and national preservation groups to advocate for local historic sites.  

  • Encouraging Adaptive Reuse – Promoting the repurposing of historic structures for modern use while maintaining their historical integrity.  

  • Public Awareness Campaigns – Using newsletters, social media, and events to educate the community on the value of preservation.  

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Volunteering

The Towns County Historical Society relies on volunteers to support its mission through various activities, including:  

 

Event Assistance – Helping organize, set up, and manage historical society meetings, presentations, and community events.  

Archival Work – Assisting with scanning, digitizing, and cataloging historical documents, photos, and records.  

Cemetery Preservation – Cleaning, documenting, and maintaining historic cemeteries and gravestones.  

Historical Research – Conducting research on local history topics, families, and landmarks for publications and exhibits.  

Educational Programs – Leading school group tours, history lessons, and hands-on learning activities for students.  

Fundraising & Grant Writing – Helping secure funding for preservation projects through grant applications and fundraising efforts.  

Museum & Exhibit Support – Assisting with the setup, maintenance, and interpretation of historical exhibits.  

Public Relations & Outreach – Promoting the society’s mission through social media, newsletters, and public speaking engagements.  

Historic Property Maintenance – Aiding in the upkeep and restoration of historic buildings and landmarks.  

Oral History Collection – Interviewing community members to record and preserve local stories.  

Sponsors

We couldn't achieve our impact in the community without the generous support of our sponsors!

Platinum Sponsors

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McKinney Heating & Air
2300 Jim Watson Rd., Hiawassee, GA 
(706) 896-1800
www.mckinneycomfort.com

Preservation Supporter

History Lover

Friend of the Society

United Community Bank
214 N. Main St., Hiawassee, GA 
(706) 896-4186
www.ucbi.com

Burch Insurance
232 Chatuge Way., Hiawassee, GA 
(706) 896-6442
www.farleyagency.com

Society Supporters

Remnant Church
569 N Main St., Hiawassee, GA 

 

Main Street Young Harris
50 Irene Berry Dr., Young Harris, GA
(706) 379 - 3171

Meeting Location

900 N. Main Street

Hiawassee, GA 

(Old Rec Building)

Get in Touch!

PO Box 1182

Hiawassee, GA 30546

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(706) 389-8376

townscountyhistory@gmail.com

Museums

Old Rock Jail 

99 Berrong St. 
Hiawassee, GA 30546

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Berrong-Oakley House

Under Restoration

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Presley Post Office

Inside the GA Mnt. Fairgrounds

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