March 2023 Journal Newsletter
After 15 Years, Glen Kyle Steps Down as Executive Director
Our Executive Director for the last 15 years, Glen Kyle, will be transitioning to a new career outside the History Center on March 15th. While this is a great loss to the History Center, Glen is leaving a strong foundation and team that will continue into a bright future.
Here are Glen’s reflections of his time at the History Center:
If history teaches us anything, it's that change is inevitable... maybe especially with the things you think will last forever. With that in mind, I must announce that effective Wednesday, March 15 I'll be stepping down as Executive Director of the History Center. Why, you’re probably asking? A fair question, and not an easy one to answer.
When I first came to the History Center, I had a LOT of ideas and enthusiasm, but also a LOT to learn... and learn I have, thanks to so many who have been so supportive of our mission and of me personally. In that time the History Center has made some amazing strides, evolving into a strong, positive force for education and preservation that this community is both supportive of and benefits from.
But in the last year I reached a lot of hallmarks: I turned fifty; I celebrated 25 years of marriage to my awesome wife Priscilla; one son went off to college and another became a teenager (!); and I hit the fifteen-year mark of leading the History Center. I’ve accomplished a lot in that time, and I am very proud of that, but I believe that I’ve taken the History Center as far as my skills and talents can take it. It’s time to pass the torch on to other folks with other skills and fresh ideas, who can keep pushing the institution forward... and I need to make room for that to happen. I have every belief that I'm leaving the Center and that mission in the experienced and capable hands of the staff; they are my friends and colleagues and it has been a privilege to work with them for so long.
I will, however, NOT be leaving town. I’m excited to be taking a position with Forum Communications, a wonderful strategic marketing company with offices literally down the street. I’ll be working with lots of folks that I already know and count as friends. So, with any luck, you'll see me around and, if the stars align, at the occasional History Center event or program... I love the place (and y'all) too much to say goodbye forever!
I could go on for pages about how this has been the hardest decision I’ve ever made (it is), and what It Has All Meant, and what I’ll remember the most. But I’ll close with this: It’s really the people that have made all the difference. Staff and volunteers, the board of directors, members, YOU folks, and of course those students of all ages who come through and are so excited to learn. Being a part of that, and of this place, has been one of the most meaningful and fulfilling experiences of my life. I will miss it so.
Until we see each other again, safe travels and blessings to you and yours.
Glen
Libba Beaucham Becomes Interim Executive Director
Our Assistant Director, Libba Beaucham, has accepted the position of Interim Executive Director of the Northeast Georgia History Center. Libba has been at the History Center for over five years now leading our digital programs, assisting in operational duties, portraying historic characters, and (like all of our staff) much more.
“Glen has provided a strong foundation for us to move forward into an exciting new chapter at the History Center, and I am honored to take on the duties of Interim Executive Director as we seek to fill this position.”
We congratulate Libba on this important role during this period of transition!
New Board Chair W. Barclay Rushton
In even more big news from the History Center, we’re pleased to announce that W. Barclay Rushton has been voted in as Chair of the Board. Barclay has been a board member since 2019 and is excited to take on the leadership of the Board. He has served as treasurer for several years, which makes perfect sense as he is not only a CPA but is the founding partner of Rushton & Company, a firm he started in 1981. He is an avid mountain biker and Civil War aficionado who dabbles in cattle farming.
Cheryl Vandiver has graciously agreed to finish the year as treasurer so that Barclay can focus on the role of leadership and moving the History Center forward. Thanks for taking on this important task, Barclay! We’re glad to have you at the helm.
Upcoming Events
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Free Virtual Program
Historians Glen Kyle and Marie Bartlett answer your history questions live with host Libba Beaucham. A fun and interactive virtual program that’s great for all ages!
Join on YouTube, Facebook, or Twitch at the links below on Tuesday, March 7th at 4:30 PM ET.
YouTube: bit.ly/negahcyoutube
Facebook: www.facebook.com/negahc
Twitch: www.twitch.tv/lofi_history
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The Scots-Irish were some of the first settlers to make the backcountry of the Appalachian region their home. Their beliefs of individuality, self-reliance, and strong kinship ties have shaped Georgia throughout its history and to this very day. Come learn about this group of people through living history presentations, demonstrations, and crafts during our free Family Day on March 12th from 1 PM to 4 PM at the Northeast Georgia History Center.
This program is free to the public thanks to the Ada Mae Ivester Education Center!
Pre-Register for a free Raffle Ticket!
Pre-register online and receive one free raffle ticket for your chance to win a copy of "Chasing the Frontier: Scots-Irish in Early American" by Larry J. Hoefling. This book comes highly recommended by the staff!
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While America stood aside during the first years of the Great War, Americans at home were fully aware of events in Europe and around the world... and there were many different beliefs and perspectives that of when, or even whether, the United States should become involved. Once war was declared, however, the home front became as important, and as contentious, as the trenches in France.
Join the History Center’s Executive Director Glen Kyle and he illuminates the media, the movements, and the machinations of the American Home Front.
Brought to you by the Ada Mae Ivester Education Center.
This program is free for Members or $5 for non-Members. Tickets may be purchased online using the link below or at the door with cash/card.
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Join us on Thursday, March 16th at 7 PM ET for Members Virtual Trivia night all about the Girl Scouts of the United States. While only Members can play, anyone can watch and learn. Libba Beaucham, who regularly portrays Juliette Gordon Low at the History Center, will host the fun and interactive game for all ages.
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The legacy of ancient Roman history influences our world to this day. Come learn about Roman culture and customs when it was at its height during our Homeschool Day at the Northeast Georgia History Center on March 23rd from 10 AM to 1 PM.
Meet a Roman Legionnaire soldier and try Posca, engage in Roman beauty rituals, come touch real ancient Roman coins and learn about whose faces are on them, and more!
This program is free for Members of the History Center or included with admission for non-Members.
Due to the popularity of our Homeschool Days, we now require registration beforehand. We CANNOT guarantee admission to those who have not registered online.
Registration is required for this event using the link below.
Last Month at the History Center
February was a great month at the History Center!
We hosted our very first Valentine’s Day Tea which sold out! Guests enjoyed a variety of hot teas and treats while learning about the history of Valentine’s Day with our Education Director Marie Bartlett. Stay tuned for more teas!
Our Homeschool Day: Daily Life in Medieval Europe was among our most well-attended events to date, and we look forward to providing these every month for our local homeschool families.
Our virtual Homeschool History Club learned about Ancient Rome with Marie and Glen! Details on how to join this free resource: www.negahc.org/homeschool.
Students across Georgia met historic figures like James Oglethorpe, Lewis & Clark, Laura Ingalls Wilder, a WW2 Rosie, and George Washington Carver during our live Webcasts! Webcasts are free to all Georgia teachers and homeschool groups. Details at www.negahc.org/digital.
Dr. Ann Tucker presented a fascinating Forum about her book Newest of Newborn Nations: European Nationalist Movements and the Making of the Confederacy.
Volunteer Spotlight: Mary Abbott
We would like to highlight one of our outstanding volunteers, Mary Abbott. Mary has previously worked with the History Center as an Intern archiving our N.C. White Photography collection. Mary is now working on a project for her undergraduate degree at the University of North Georgia. Her project entails conducting research for a proposed special exhibit about 1960s fashion in Gainesville, Georgia including archival photography and newspaper ads from popular retail stores in Gainesville that were once the talk of the town. The materials she is curating from our archives include display hats, hat boxes, clothing items, and newspaper ads that pertain to 1960’s fashion in Gainesville.
When asked about her favorite part of the research so far, Mary said, “Looking through local newspapers from the 1960’s has been one of my favorite activities. So much knowledge can be gained about local businesses and events taking place during that time. I am thrilled to display clothing and hat boxes from Milliner’s, a popular retail store for women and children’s fashion, which was once on the square. I think this is a great way to honor the fond memories of everyday life in Gainesville.”
Once Mary’s project is complete, she will propose her work for exhibition here at the History Center.
Oral History Project: The Mills of Gainesville
We are working on a great oral history project with our Digital Studio Interns and the help of researcher and former Gainesville Mill employee Ron Hooper. We are currently seeking folks who worked at or had family who worked at any of Gainesville’s mills (Gainesville Mill, Chicopee Mill, and New Holland Mill.) This project will document the experiences of mill workers and those who lived in the mill villages as well as explore the impact of the mills on Gainesville’s economy and growth since the early 1900s.
Our Digital Studio Interns are Henry Rosenberger and Tyler Kinsey, both film students at the University of North Georgia. Henry and Tyler have been working with Ron Hooper who has conducted great research on the mills of Gainesville.
We look forward to sharing updates with you! For now, if you have any recommendations about who we should interview, please email Libba at libba@negahc.org.
Accepting New Tutors for Gainesville Reads
We currently accepting new volunteer tutors for our free children’s program, Gainesville Reads, for students in 1st-5th grade who struggle with reading. Tutors meet with the same student each week to help them build confidence in their reading skills through fun activities, reading books together, and worksheets that address specific challenges of the student. Training and curriculum is provided.
Details at www.negahc.org/gainesvillereads.
Then Again Podcast
Check out the latest episodes of our podcast Then Again below!
Emily Dickinson went from being a “nobody" to taking her place on the world's stage as a great poet. She was rather reclusive as an adult and therefore there are many myths and legends that have surrounded her life's story. In this podcast episode, Marie interviews Dr. Cristanne Miller to discern fact from fiction about Emily Dickinson's life.
Listen now at www.thenagainpodcast.com.
Take our listener survey at this link: Then Again Listener Survey
Special Thanks
Our programs would not be possible without the support of the Ada Mae Ivester Education Center.
More information on the Ada Mae Ivester Education Center: AMIEC