1936 Gainesville Tornado 75th Anniversary

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At 8:27 a.m., on April 6, 1936, one of the largest tornadoes in Georgia's history came through downtown Gainesville.  In its path it left widespread destruction, killing over 203 people and injuring another 1600. 

Seventy-five years later, the History Center leads the community in remembering that terrible day and the fascinating resurrection of "A City Laid Waste."  In partnership with Main Street Gainesville, Jacobs Media, and the Gainesville Times a month-long series of events will take place:

• April 1 - 30:  An Under-The-Dome exhibit featuring the events of April 6 and the aftermath
• April 6, 8:15 a.m.: A brief ceremony on the square to commemorate the lives lost
• April 6, 5 -6:30 p.m. : A special reception at the History Center for the public and most especially survivorsand feature the History Center's new exhibits: The Tornado fo 1936 and  New Deal to New Direction: America and Northeast Georgia in the 1930s. 
• April 10, 1 - 4 p.m.: Our Family Day will focus on the history of the 1936 Tornado and the science of weather
• April 12, 7 p.m.: Our montly Forum will feature a new documentary video prepared and presented by Jacobs Media as well as discussions with survivors.

Also, in conjunction with Main Street Gainesville, the Gainesville City Council, and the Hall County Commission, the History Center is working towards placing a monument on the downtown square to commemorate the tornado.  We hope to have it ready to unveil and dedicate on the morning of April 6, 2011,  the exact day and time 75 years after the event. 

GIFT SHOP SPECIAL!!

The definitive story of the 1936 Torndado A City Laid Waste by William Malcolm Brice will be on sale for only $25 during the month of April only!