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We have read in The Times that the struggling economy might prompt school officials to cut back on costly field trips. Well, have we got an idea for you teachers and principals: Bring your students to the Northeast Georgia History Center. You’ll not only save money on fuel, your students will learn firsthand about this region.
Have they ever touched a tornado? They can at the history center. An exhibit featuring a miniature tornado offers not only a lesson on the weather and its effects, but also on how their community rose from a tragic storm in 1936 and built back even stronger.
Have they studied about the Cherokees and the early pioneers of this region? They can at the history center. They can even walk through Chief White Path’s cabin, learn how the American Indian lived and about the not-always-friendly relationships they shared with the pioneers.
Have they learned how much textiles, poultry and Lake Lanier have affected this area? They can at the history center.
We haven’t mentioned Mark Trail, the Sports Hall of Fame, the pottery exhibit and the American Freedom Garden, a beautifully landscaped garden with 24 Georgia granite pillars honoring military veterans for preserving freedoms this country enjoys.
In short, the history center is a veritable textbook of historical artifacts and exhibits just waiting to be explored. It’s located at 322 Academy St., NE, behind the main Gainesville post office on Green Street. You may call Julie Carson at 770-297-5952 to plan your visit. (While you’re calling, ask Julie about tickets to the Taste of History events Tuesday and Oct. 23 spotlighting history and advancements in health care in this region.)
If a field trip is still out of the question, talk to us about a free "Shoebox of History" presentation. A trained volunteer from the history center will come to your classroom with a shoebox containing actual artifacts and objects that tell a story about past life in Northeast Georgia. Or a teacher might check out one of the shoeboxes to use independently.
So don’t let the slumping economy and price of fuel dampen your teaching spirits. Call the Northeast Georgia History Center. We’d love to see you.
Pat Burd
President, Northeast Georgia History Center, Gainesville
Mysterious food drop shows kindness from a stranger
I was watching television last night when a lady delivered a package to our front porch. I opened the door only to catch a brief glimpse of her as she backed out of our driveway. She had dropped off a package of food, enough for dinner, to our home.
The problem is, we have plenty of food. Now my question is: Who did this generous act? And more importantly, where did she really intend this package to go? Which family in our neighborhood needs food?
People helping people is what this world is all about. I’d love to thank the mystery lady. More than anything, I’d like to know where she really intended to goodies to go.
Johnny Collins
Gainesville