The display of Grayson’s history will be organized such that founding families are recognized while telling the story of the rich heritage of farming, railroads, and commerce that has made the city such a great place for families today.
For many people, their ancestry and family memorabilia are relegated to archives made up of shoeboxes and plastic tubs. A few, with significant historical artifacts, will put it away in safety deposit boxes that are often forgotten until a new generation finds these treasures. Often, the significance of the items is lost in the passing of an elder or loved one and we’re left with a “history” that is based on family stories and legends.
Throughout the month of May, Main Street Grayson and the Grayson Arts & History Center will be hosting an opportunity to “go digital” with all of your historic photos, clippings, documents, and awards. “We want to make sure that these important pieces of Grayson’s history are preserved in such a way as they can be shared beyond the assigned shoe box,” said Gail Lane, Grayson’s Community Development Director and Main Street Manager.
You’re invited to bring in your cherished memories to the Arts & History Center throughout the month of May. Volunteers will help catalog, identify, and then scan or photograph the items. Originals will be returned along with a digital copy of each item on a thumb drive. “Our hope is to also create an archive that we can organize for a website and to link in to other ancestry and historical projects nationally. Through this digital archive, we can provide greater access to our local and regional history and participants can share more widely with family members whether close-by or distant,” said Lane.
“We’re very excited about the grand re-opening of Arts & History Center,” said Grayson’s Mayor Allison Wilkerson. “Along with the history of Grayson, we’re bringing back the arts with a gallery that will showcase local and regional artisans and craftsmen that are an important part of Grayson’s present and future.”
Artists which will be showing in the gallery at this time include painters, photographers, jewelry makers, potters, and those who work in textiles. “We can’t wait to share it with the citizens and visitors to Grayson,” said Wilkerson.
The Grayson Arts & History Center is located at 2070 Rosebud Road, Grayson, GA 30017. A ribbon cutting ceremony officially opening the Center and the Gallery is scheduled for 2:00 p.m. on April 25th. For more information on hours, events, classes, and artists, please visit their website at www.cityofgrayson.org or on their Facebook page.
