The Coastal Georgia Historical Society was founded in 1965 by a small group of citizens who recognized the need to preserve historical documents, artifacts and structures in our area. Hurricane Dora, which struck the area in 1964, demonstrated the fragility of our historical treasures and compelled these lovers of history to act to preserve items that tell the story of our past. Society membership has grown from 56 original members to more than 750 today.
From its earliest days, the Society has sought, received and faithfully safeguarded donations of items related to coastal Georgia history. The very first cataloged collection was given to the Society in 1966 by the late Virginia Blanton, a St. Simons Island resident and artist whose works included colorful maps of the Golden Isles, highlighting coastal history. Her donation of 46 items included pamphlets, letters, legal documents, newspaper articles, photographs and a map dating from the mid-1800s to the mid-1900s. Fifty years later, her carefully preserved collection continues to provide valuable information about earlier times.
Two of the items from Ms. Blanton’s 1966 donation are shown here. They include a photo of students who attended a private school held at the Nightingale home in Brunswick, circa 1890; and a menu dated March 1916 from a dinner at the Oglethorpe Hotel, hosted by the Brunswick Automobile Association. Honoring the Dixie Highway Commissioners, the dinner successfully promoted the routing of a new highway from the Midwest to Miami through Brunswick.
From this founding gift of 46 items, the Coastal Georgia Historical Society’s archival collection has grown to more than 15,000 historically important artifacts. The Society invites you to turn to the SSI Archives page in Elegant Island Living each month in 2015 as their Anniversary year unfolds.
Coastal Georgia Historical Society
Coastal Georgia Historical Society
