Genealogy One-on-Ones - Do you have a genealogical "brick wall" you'd like to smash? Are you conducting local history research for a class and need help figuring out where to begin? Did you buy a new house recently and want to research its history? Get help solving these and other research quandaries by registering for a Genealogy One-on-One! Registration required. Where: Heritage Room Conference Room, Athens-Clarke County Library, 2025 Baxter Street, Athens, Georgia When: Thursdays, December 6 and 2 at 10 a.m. and Thursday, December 13 at 2 p.m. Contact: Sign up by calling the Heritage Room at 706-613-3650, extension 350.
Saturday, December 1
Clarke-Oconee Genealogical Society will hold their Holiday Celebration. This event is free and open to the public and provides an excellent opportunity to discuss genealogy in a relaxed and festive atmosphere. Bring a treat to share. Where: Multipurpose Room A, Athens-Clarke County Library, 2025 Baxter Street, Athens, Georgia When: 2 p.m.
Christmas at the Cabin - Join us for yuletide celebrations in pioneer style! Santa and Mrs. Claus will be there, so be sure to bring your camera and cheer. We will have holiday crafts, pioneer toys and games, live music, and more! If there is rain, event will be at Group Shelter 2. All vehicles must display park pass. Event will be cancelled in case of extreme weather. There is a parking fee of $5. Where: Red Top Mountain State Park , 50 Lodge Road SE, Acworth, Georgia When: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Historic New Manchester Mill History Hike - This hike follows Sweetwater Creek down to and inside the historic five-story Civil War era New Manchester mill with a Park Ranger. The mill, seen in the "Hunger Games: Mockingjay" film and others, is situated alongside the lovely rapids (up to class IV) of Sweetwater Creek. This walking tour requires a moderate mile-long hike (total) down to the mill and back. Sturdy, closed-toe shoes are required. The cost of admission is $5 and the fee for parking is $5. Where: Sweetwater Creek State Park , 1750 Mount Vernon Road, Lithia Springs, Georgia When: 1 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Guided House Tours - Learn about the Jarrell family, the agricultural operation, and how the switch to industry kept the farm afloat until its donation in 1974. Enjoy a guided house tour of the original plantation house. The cost of admission is $4 to $6.50. Where: Jarrell Plantation Historic Site, 711 Jarrell Plantation Road, Juliette, Georgia When: 2 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Victorian Christmas at Hardman Farm - Come see the Mansion at West End in period holiday decor and learn about Victorian Christmas traditions from docents dressed in their finest 1870's garb. This open house is highlighted by twinkling candle lights, visits with Santa, and a trip down the Unicoi Turnpike by horse drawn wagon. Admission is $12 for adults, $10 for seniors (62+), $7 for youth (6 -17) and children under six are free. A family of two adults and children can pay the rate of $35. Where: Hardman Farm Historic Site, 143 Highway 17, Sautee Nacoochee, Georgia When: 4 p.m. - 7 p.m.
Sunday, December 2
UGA Miracle Tour of Homes - The 24th Annual Classic City Tour of Homes features historic antebellum Athens homes currently owned by sororities and fraternities decorated for the season. Proceeds from this event benefit Children's Healthcare of Atlanta. The cost is $10 for students and $15 for the general public. When: 1 p.m. - 5 p.m. Contact: For more information or to purchase tickets, click here.
Wednesday, December 5
History and Mystery Hike and Tour - Join a Ranger on the West Overlook Trail to hike to the historic CCC fire tower and mysterious stone wall. Learn about the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), the story of the heart in the tower, and the theories of who built the stone wall. The tower will also be opened to tour. The cost of admission is $3 and the parking fee is $5. Where: Fort Mountain State Park, 181 Fort Mountain Park Road, Chatsworth, Georgia When: 2 p.m. - 3 p.m.
Legacy Family Tree presents a free webinar Ins and Outs of Indexes: Keys to Unlocking County and State Records with presenter Mary Kircher Roddy. Indexes for county records are the key to finding deeds, probates and more. As FamilySearch digitizes more and more records, it's crucial to be familiar with different indexing systems and how to use them. The same skills are necessary for onsite courthouse and archive research. Learn about 15+ indexing systems discover strategies to use when you can't find the index or instructions to it. When: 2 p.m. Contact: To register, click here.
Thursday, December 6
“Paducah and the Civil War” - John Philip Cashon will speak during the monthly meeting of the Civil War Round Table of Cobb County. The cost of admission is $5; first time guests are free. Where: Hilton Atlanta Marietta Hotel & Conference Center, 500 Powder Springs Street, Marietta, Georgia When: 7 p.m.
Friday, December 7
Victorian Christmas at Hardman Farm - Come see the Mansion at West End in period holiday decor and learn about Victorian Christmas traditions from docents dressed in their finest 1870's garb. This open house is highlighted by twinkling candle lights, visits with Santa, and a trip down the Unicoi Turnpike by horse drawn wagon. Admission is $12 for adults, $10 for seniors (62+), $7 for youth (6 -17) and children under six are free. A family of two adults and children can pay the rate of $35. Where: Hardman Farm Historic Site, 143 Highway 17, Sautee Nacoochee, Georgia When: 4 p.m. - 7 p.m.
Candlelight Tours -Tour the mansion by candlelight for a beautiful glimpse of a historic Moravian Christmas as celebrated by the first Spring Place missionaries in the early 1800s. Enjoy live music, natural scenery, and finish up with cookies and cider in a cabin exhibit. No reservation necessary, arrive by 8 p.m. for a full experience. The price of admission is $5.50 - $6.50. Where: Chief Vann House Historic Site, 82 Highway 225 N., Chatsworth, Georgia When: 5 p.m. - 9 p.m.
Legacy Family Tree presents a free webinar Legacy 9 Unlocked (part 9): Adding an Entry from an Online Database with presenter Geoff Rasmussen. In this series, Legacy’s Geoff Rasmussen will guide you through the step-by-steps of properly adding genealogy documents, citations, and digital media to your Legacy Family Tree 9 software. Each class is based on a different chapter in his popular book, Legacy 9 Unlocked: Techniques, Tips and Step-By-Steps for Using Legacy Family Tree to Record Your Genealogy. Watch them in order if you want to follow the mystery or jump around to capture the instructions. In this class, “Adding an Entry from an Online Database,” you’ll learn the six steps of adding information from any online database to Legacy. You’ll also learn about the Find A Grave tool. When: 2 p.m. Contact: To register, click here.
Saturday, December 8
Georgia Genealogical Society presents the 2018 4th Quarterly Education Series featuring author Jan Croon. Croon is the editor and transcriber of The War Outside My Window: The Civil War Diary of LeRoy Wiley Gresham, 1860 - 1865. The cost of this seminar is $25 for GGS members and $35 for nonmembers. Lunch is included. Where: Georgia Archives, 5800 Jonesboro Road, Morrow, Georgia When: 10:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Christmas at the Cabin - Join us for yuletide celebrations in pioneer style! Santa and Mrs. Claus will be there, so be sure to bring your camera and cheer. We will have holiday crafts, pioneer toys and games, live music, and more! If there is rain, event will be at Group Shelter 2. All vehicles must display park pass. Event will be cancelled in case of extreme weather. There is a parking fee of $5. Where: Red Top Mountain State Park , 50 Lodge Road SE, Acworth, Georgia When: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Historic New Manchester Mill History Hike - This hike follows Sweetwater Creek down to and inside the historic five-story Civil War era New Manchester mill with a Park Ranger. The mill, seen in the "Hunger Games: Mockingjay" film and others, is situated alongside the lovely rapids (up to class IV) of Sweetwater Creek. This walking tour requires a moderate mile-long hike (total) down to the mill and back. Sturdy, closed-toe shoes are required. The cost of admission is $5 and the fee for parking is $5. Where: Sweetwater Creek State Park , 1750 Mount Vernon Road, Lithia Springs, Georgia When: 11 p.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Victorian Christmas at Hardman Farm - Come see the Mansion at West End in period holiday decor and learn about Victorian Christmas traditions from docents dressed in their finest 1870's garb. This open house is highlighted by twinkling candle lights, visits with Santa, and a trip down the Unicoi Turnpike by horse drawn wagon. Admission is $12 for adults, $10 for seniors (62+), $7 for youth (6 -17) and children under six are free. A family of two adults and children can pay the rate of $35. Where: Hardman Farm Historic Site, 143 Highway 17, Sautee Nacoochee, Georgia When: 4 p.m. - 7 p.m.
Guided House Tours and Steam Engine Demonstration - Learn about the Jarrell family, the agricultural operation, and how the switch to industry kept the farm afloat until its donation in 1974. Enjoy a guided house tour of the original plantation house, see the antique steam engine running and blow the whistle atop the Mill Complex. Program fee of $4 to $6.50 includes tour, demonstration and site admission for the day. Where: Jarrell Plantation Historic Site, 711 Jarrell Plantation Road, Juliette, Georgia When: 2 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Colonial Christmas - The stockings are hung and Saint Nick soon will be here handing out stockings for crafty boys & girls at Elijah Clark's festively decorated colonial homestead. Make holiday decorations and toys with Hannah & her helpers. There is a $5 parking fee. Where: Elijah Clark State Park, 2959 McCormick Highway, Lincolnton, Georgia When: 5 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Candlelight Tours -Tour the mansion by candlelight for a beautiful glimpse of a historic Moravian Christmas as celebrated by the first Spring Place missionaries in the early 1800s. Enjoy live music, natural scenery, and finish up with cookies and cider in a cabin exhibit. No reservation necessary, arrive by 8 p.m. for a full experience. The price of admission is $5.50 - $6.50. Where: Chief Vann House Historic Site, 82 Highway 225 N., Chatsworth, Georgia When: 5 p.m. - 9 p.m.
Camp Lawton Lantern Tour- Come experience the historic Camp Lawton at night via lantern-light in this guided historical tour. Be transported back in time as you hike the trail and learn about the world's largest prison stockade and its inhabitants. Admission is $5 and the parking fee is $5. Where: Magnolia Springs State Park, 1053 Magnolia Springs Drive, Millen, Georgia When: 6 p.m. - 7 p.m.
A Dinner In Time - Guests will have a special opportunity to dine inside the old fort. Price per participant is $50, and will feature a three course meal prepared and served in methods consistent with the late 1700's when the fort was occupied. A parking fee of $5 is also charged. Where: Fort Yargo State Park, 210 South Broad Street, Winder, Georgia When: 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Contact: Reserve your spot by calling the park office at 770-867-3489.
Sunday, December 9
Historic New Manchester Mill History Hike - This hike follows Sweetwater Creek down to and inside the historic five-story Civil War era New Manchester mill with a Park Ranger. The mill, seen in the "Hunger Games: Mockingjay" film and others, is situated alongside the lovely rapids (up to class IV) of Sweetwater Creek. This walking tour requires a moderate mile-long hike (total) down to the mill and back. Sturdy, closed-toe shoes are required. The cost of admission is $5 and the fee for parking is $5. Where: Sweetwater Creek State Park , 1750 Mount Vernon Road, Lithia Springs, Georgia When: 12 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Christmas Comes to Liberty Hall - Confederate Vice President Alexander Stephens' home, Liberty Hall, will be decorated with styles of the Victorian Christmas past. Enjoy a tour of the house, create a craft, and listen to the sounds of the Victorian Era. Refreshments will be served by the Friends of A.H. Stephens State Park. Each guest will also receive a free gift. The price of admission is $4 - $8. Where: A.H. Stephens State Park, 456 Alexander Street N.W., Crawfordville, Georgia When: 1 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Wednesday, December 12
Legacy Family Tree presents a free webinar 101 Ways to Design a Genealogy Chart with presenter Janet Hovorka. Tired of the regular fan, left to right or top to bottom chart? Want to show off your family relationships, places and time periods in an engaging way? If your clients and family members aren't clamoring for more, maybe you're just not showing it off effectively. The visual presentation of a family's history is one of the most powerful communication tools for genealogists. What is the difference between a butterfly, hourglass, waterfall, DNA and bow-tie chart and which format will show ALL of your family members? How do you squish a whole bunch of people onto a teeny tiny paper? Get lots of creative, artistic hints and come learn about the best tools for displaying your family's history. When: 8 p.m. Contact: To register, click here.
Thursday, December 13
Ansley Quiros will discuss her new book, God with Us: Lived Theology and the Freedom Struggle in Americus, Georgia, 1942–1976. For many, the struggle over civil rights was not just about lunch counters, waiting rooms, or even access to the vote; it was also about Christian theology. Since both activists and segregationists ardently claimed that God was on their side, racial issues were imbued with religious meanings from all sides. Whether in the traditional sanctuaries of the major white Protestant denominations, in the mass meetings in black churches, or in Christian expressions of interracialism, southerners resisted, pursued, and questioned racial change within various theological traditions. God with Us examines the theological struggle over racial justice through the story of one southern town--Americus, Georgia--where ordinary Americans sought and confronted racial change in the twentieth century. Admission is $10 for the general public and $5 for Atlanta History Center members. Where: Margaret Mitchell House, 979 Crescent Avenue NE, Atlanta, Georgia When: 7 p.m. Contact: Click here for tickets.
Friday, December 14
The Friends of Georgia Archives & History present Lunch and Learn featuring Laurel Wilson, MHP, Georgia Historical Records Advisory Council 2017 award winner, speaking on 5 Generations: From Enslavement to Public Service in Atlanta. Bring a lunch to eat during the program. Where: Georgia Archives, 5800 Jonesboro Road, Morrow, Georgia When: 12 p.m. - 1 p.m.
Victorian Christmas at Hardman Farm - Come see the Mansion at West End in period holiday decor and learn about Victorian Christmas traditions from docents dressed in their finest 1870's garb. This open house is highlighted by twinkling candle lights, visits with Santa, and a trip down the Unicoi Turnpike by horse drawn wagon. Admission is $12 for adults, $10 for seniors (62+), $7 for youth (6 -17) and children under six are free. A family of two adults and children can pay the rate of $35. Where: Hardman Farm Historic Site, 143 Highway 17, Sautee Nacoochee, Georgia When: 4 p.m. - 7 p.m.
Escape the Gold Museum: Hung Jury - The year is 1855 and Lumpkin County court is in session. After a single case resulted in three hung juries, Judge Irwin has decided to lock you and your fellow jurors in the jury room until a unanimous verdict is decided. You'll look for clues, solve puzzles, and examine real historical documents as you work your way through the escape room. The cost of admission is $15. Reservations are required. Where: Dahlonega Gold Museum Historic Site, 1 Public Square, Dahlonega, Georgia When: 5:30 p.m. - 6:45 p.m. Contact: Call 706-864-2257 to reserve your spot.
Legacy Family Tree presents a free webinar Citation for Beginners with presenter Shellee Morehead. Learning to write genealogical citations is part art, part science and potentially terrifying. Learn what important components to note while researching, and how to put them together while writing to subdue the panic, and produce quality work. When: 2 p.m. Contact: To register, click here.
Saturday, December 15
Christmas at the Cabin - Join us for yuletide celebrations in pioneer style! Santa and Mrs. Claus will be there, so be sure to bring your camera and cheer. We will have holiday crafts, pioneer toys and games, live music, and more! If there is rain, event will be at Group Shelter 2. All vehicles must display park pass. Event will be cancelled in case of extreme weather. There is a parking fee of $5. Where: Red Top Mountain State Park , 50 Lodge Road SE, Acworth, Georgia When: 2 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Historic New Manchester Mill History Hike - This hike follows Sweetwater Creek down to and inside the historic five-story Civil War era New Manchester mill with a Park Ranger. The mill, seen in the "Hunger Games: Mockingjay" film and others, is situated alongside the lovely rapids (up to class IV) of Sweetwater Creek. This walking tour requires a moderate mile-long hike (total) down to the mill and back. Sturdy, closed-toe shoes are required. The cost of admission is $5 and the fee for parking is $5. Where: Sweetwater Creek State Park , 1750 Mount Vernon Road, Lithia Springs, Georgia When: 11 p.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Victorian Christmas at Hardman Farm - Come see the Mansion at West End in period holiday decor and learn about Victorian Christmas traditions from docents dressed in their finest 1870's garb. This open house is highlighted by twinkling candle lights, visits with Santa, and a trip down the Unicoi Turnpike by horse drawn wagon. Admission is $12 for adults, $10 for seniors (62+), $7 for youth (6 -17) and children under six are free. A family of two adults and children can pay the rate of $35. Where: Hardman Farm Historic Site, 143 Highway 17, Sautee Nacoochee, Georgia When: 4 p.m. - 7 p.m.
Escape the Gold Museum: Hung Jury - The year is 1855 and Lumpkin County court is in session. After a single case resulted in three hung juries, Judge Irwin has decided to lock you and your fellow jurors in the jury room until a unanimous verdict is decided. You'll look for clues, solve puzzles, and examine real historical documents as you work your way through the escape room. The cost of admission is $15. Reservations are required. Where: Dahlonega Gold Museum Historic Site, 1 Public Square, Dahlonega, Georgia When: 5:30 p.m. - 6:45 p.m. and 7 p.m. - 8:15 p.m. Contact: Call 706-864-2257 to reserve your spot.
Come see Red Top's signature event, the Iron Pour, to celebrate our rich iron mining history! Meet us at the Casting Shed, behind the old Park Office.Come at 10 a.m. if you would like to see them set-up the furnace. Rangers are doing their best to restore the furnace to working condition for this months Iron Pour. The parking fee is $5. Where: Red Top Mountain State Park, 50 Lodge Road S.E., Acworth, Georgia When: 12 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Sunday, December 16
Historic New Manchester Mill History Hike - This hike follows Sweetwater Creek down to and inside the historic five-story Civil War era New Manchester mill with a Park Ranger. The mill, seen in the "Hunger Games: Mockingjay" film and others, is situated alongside the lovely rapids (up to class IV) of Sweetwater Creek. This walking tour requires a moderate mile-long hike (total) down to the mill and back. Sturdy, closed-toe shoes are required. The cost of admission is $5 and the fee for parking is $5. Where: Sweetwater Creek State Park , 1750 Mount Vernon Road, Lithia Springs, Georgia When: 11 p.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Dahlonega Gold Museum Christmas Open House - Tour our newly renovated exhibits to learn about America's first gold rush while enjoying refreshments and Christmas songs. Afterward, check out our gift shop and enjoy the sites and sounds of Christmas on Dahlonega's historic town square. This event is free. Where: Dahlonega Gold Museum, 1 Public Square N, Dahlonega, Georgia When: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Living History at Panola - Learn about Panola's rich history through hands-on living history demonstrations that depict everyday family life during the 1820s and 1830s at the Parker House. Visitors will get to participate in activities such as: candle making, butter churning, cooking, making rag dolls, and other period games all from guides in historic period clothing. This event fee is $5 and there is a $5 parking fee. Where: Panola Mountain State Park, 2620 Highway 155 S.W., Stockbridge, Georgia When: 2 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Tuesday, December 18
Legacy Family Tree presents a free webinar Proving Identity and Kinship Using the GPS: Finding a Freedman's Family with presenter Nancy A. Peters. Facing identity and kinship problems? Confused by multiple, same-named men? Learn how applying the Genealogical Proof Standard resolved similar challenges in the search for a freedman's family. A case example traces a South Carolina family of color, differentiates multiple men of similar profiles who lived in the same time and place, resolves conflicting evidence, identifies a freedman's last slave owner, and ultimately finds his enslaved birth family. The methodology and record types apply to reconstructing all families. When: 8 p.m. Contact: To register, click here.
Wednesday, December 19
Legacy Family Tree presents a free webinar That Splendid Little War: Researching Your Spanish American War Ancestors with presenter Michael L. Strauss. The end of the nineteenth century witnessed the transformation of the United States from a developing nation into a global power. Discover your ancestors that served in the war with Spain along with records of the Boxer Rebellion (1900) and the Philippine Insurrection (1899-1902) in which United States troops participation on land and sea. This lecture focuses on the many records at the National Archives and other research facilities covering all three military conflicts. When: 2 p.m. Contact: To register, click here.
Wednesday, December 26
The Georgia Genealogical Society features a free webinar, Why Video for Genealogy? presented by Margaret Eves. Participants will learn how video engages viewers and brings family history to life. A short video about an ancestor’s story can help share genealogy research with family members who may not be “genealogically inclined.” Topics covered include: how to quickly brainstorm ancestor story ideas, storyboarding a video using available images, sources of public domain images to augment your story, putting together a finished video using free or low-cost editing tools, ways to share videos with family members and encourage dialog When: 8 p.m. Contact: Click here to register.