You may not know how it started, but most people are happy to have a reliable doctor to call when they are sick.

During the annual A Taste of History luncheon Friday, Northeast Georgia History Center officials will enlighten attendees about the history of health care in Northeast Georgia.

“This year we decided to focus on health care because it’s one of those things that people don’t think about until they need it,” said Glen Kyle, managing director of the history center. “When they do need it, we do have one of the best (health care industries) in the Northeast Georgia area, so we wanted to highlight that.”

During the luncheon, which will take place down the street at First Baptist Church in Gainesville, a tribute video will be shown that highlights the evolution of health care in Northeast Georgia. Friday will be the first time the video will be seen.

The Northeast Georgia History Center is located off Academy Street on Brenau University’s campus. In addition to the health care portion, the history center also features several permanent exhibits that show the

history of Northeast Georgia. For example, the photography exhibit “The Way It Was” documents how the region has changed over the past 100 years.

The history center also hosts various temporary exhibits throughout the year. Two such exhibits focus on folk art and the creation of the 1940s “Adventures of Mark Trail” comic strip.

Syndicated columnist Dick Yarbrough will be the keynote speaker at the luncheon.

Proceeds from the event will help the center continue offering educational programs and upgrading exhibits.

“Health care has been an integral part of the history of the northeast Georgia region, and we wanted to have an event to celebrate its vibrant history,” said Kyle.

“The video (unveiled at the luncheon) will become part of the history center’s upgraded health care exhibit, and we are excited to be able to offer the community such an excellent oral history.”