Skip to content

Register for “First Families” exhibit by July 15

The Grady County Historical Society is encouraging local residents to take advantage of the Roddenbery Memorial Library’s ancestry.com subscription to conduct research on their family tree.
This fall, the society is planning to open a special exhibit at the Grady County Museum and History Center featuring the “First Families” of Grady County.
“Have you ever wondered if there is a photo of your ancestors or their home that you may have never seen before?” asked Donna Powell, president of the Historical Society.
According to Mrs. Powell, on ancestry.com you may find such photos that another researcher may have submitted. Volunteers are available at the library each Wednesday afternoon to assist local residents with their search for information on their heritage.
“Maybe you would like to see if your ancestors are included in the 1900 U.S. Census of Decatur or Thomas counties or in the 1910 Census of Grady County, which was formed from parts of Decatur and Thomas in 1906,” Powell says.
Historical Society officials are encouraging local residents to register for the First Families exhibit as soon as possible by submitting a name, phone, address and email address along with a short paragraph about their “First Family.”
Participants are also requested to share information through the registration process about photographs or memorabilia that each family will put on display for the special museum exhibit.
Families will be asked to coordinate with other relatives, who might also be planning to participate.
A deadline of July 15 has been set for registration to be completed and exhibit items are requested to be brought to the museum by Aug. 15. The exhibit will be opened for display by Sept. 1, according to Historical Society officials.
In addition to photographs, memorabilia that would be appropriate to place on display would be family letters, postcards, quilts, period clothing, family samplers, or anything reminiscent of the early 1900s housekeeping and family life.
Registration information may be emailed to dcpowell54@gmail.com or emailed to the museum at gradyhistory@syrupcity.net. Questions or requests for more information should also be submitted to the same addresses.
Historical Society members who are available by telephone to discuss the project include Carolyn Chason – 229-377-3261; Donna Powell – 229-294-9631; Sara Jane Cannon – 229-872-3533; or call the museum at 229-377-5142, which is open Wednesdays 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. and Thursdays and Fridays 11 a.m. until 3 p.m.

Leave a Comment