County weighs history museum plans

Columbia County officials are exploring the idea of creating a Columbia County history museum.

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Beda Johnson, the executive director of the Columbia County Convention and Visitors Bureau, has organized two recent meetings of interested people to brainstorm about the interest and possibilities of creating a museum, interpretive center or other venue to showcase Columbia County's history.

Johnson said the group, which began meeting less than two months ago, is exploring the idea to see if there is the needed interest and potential fundraising power.

"It would not just be for people who are here now, but something interesting and of value for people in every generation," Johnson said. She said she would like to see such a venue be interactive and technologically savvy to pique the interest of younger museum-goers, but still have traditional displays.

The closest thing the county offers to a history museum is the heritage room in the Columbia County Library in Evans. Sherryl James, the head of reference services at the library, said the room contains letters, books, annuals, maps, pictures, legal papers, newspaper archives and other print items.

"Almost everything we have is actually in print," James said, adding that the library will occasionally display a historic item. "A lot of it we have purchased. A good portion, about 25 percent, was donated by people in the community."

James said the 672-square-foot room contains nearly 15,000 items focusing mainly on the county.

"We still have lots of room to grow," James said.

She said the library would accept donations of written family histories and other historic paperwork.

Johnson said those passionate about the county's history are welcome to contribute to the idea of a county museum.

"Other people who want to be included, want to be involved and have a passion for it, we are open to all comers," she said.

For more information, call Johnson at (706) 447-7677.