advocate
Since 1969, the Griffin-Spalding Historical Society has been a driving force in preserving and promoting the architectural, cultural, and historical heritage of our community. Through active advocacy, meaningful partnerships, and hands-on preservation projects, we work to protect the places that shape our shared identity, while inspiring economic vitality and community pride.
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Our initiatives go beyond awareness. We collaborate with civic leaders, support local planning efforts, organize community events, and lead efforts to save endangered sites. Whether through educational programs, research, or restoration, we empower residents to take part in honoring and preserving Griffin-Spalding’s unique story, for generations to come.
Preservation in Action
What we have done, and plan to do:
The Griffin-Spalding Historical Society serves as a leading advocate for preservation, education, and community engagement through a variety of ongoing efforts:
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Historic Preservation & Advocacy
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Curates and promotes local historic events and initiatives
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Advises the Spalding County Land Bank Authority on preserving historically significant properties
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Collaborates with the Downtown Griffin Historic Preservation Commission to maintain the integrity of the Historic District
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Recommends endangered local sites to Georgia Trust’s Places in Peril program
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Supports the preservation and fundraising efforts for the Rosenwald School and the Griffin-Spalding African-American History Museum (Our Legacy Museum)
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Architectural & Archival Consultation
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Provides archival and historical guidance to Spalding County, the City of Griffin, and the City Historian
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Offers architectural insight for the Griffin+Spalding Business & Tourism Association’s architectural tourism initiative on InGriffin.com
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Educational & Genealogical Programs
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Founded and manages the Southside Genealogical Society to assist individuals in researching family histories
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Hosts quarterly luncheons focused on local history and preservation efforts
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Community Engagement & Partnerships
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Coordinates with civic organizations such as the Junior Guild and the Daughters of the American Revolution
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Organizes “Spirited Connections” — informal networking events for members and prospective members
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Operates seven volunteer-led action committees to harness member talents
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Secures sponsorships in support of programs, events, and preservation initiatives
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Current and Recent Initiatives include:
Historic Plaque Program
A Griffin-Spalding Historical Society Inaugural Plaque symbolizes architectural and/or historical significance to our community. Our plaque recognizes not only the importance of a property, it honors the people associated with that property. The award and ultimate purchase of a plaque constitutes an honor worth evaluating. APPLY NOW
Historical Library & Archives
Our goal is to maintain a central Historical Archive/Library for public use. We are digitizing our current historical library content and creating a dedicated library room to house our collection upstairs at the Bailey-Tebault House.
Local Slave Quarters Preservation
We have recruited a diverse committee of local leaders to help plan the restoration and eventual promotion of the only former Slave Cabins in Central Georgia. (These cabins happen to be on the grounds of our Bailey-Tebault House.)
The restoration of the cabins and any historical exhibits we develop will be an effective teaching tool for our local students. We will consider engaging local teachers in the cabin restoration project, in the development of the exhibits, and in understanding how they could best use this site in their curriculum.
Rare Materials Preservation
We plan to document and catalog known local historic artifacts and advise local renovators re: available salvage resources for restoration and re-use in historic preservation. The goal is two-fold: to create a Resource Package for preservation-minded Griffin-Spalding developers and newcomers, and to inspire re-implementation of magnificent architectural details that otherwise might become lost forever.
Local Slave Dwellings Preservation
We have recruited a diverse committee of local leaders to help plan the restoration of one of the few remaining former Slave Dwellings in Central Georgia-- located at our own Bailey-Tebault House. These restored structures and associated historical exhibits would serve as an effective teaching tool for students and visitors alike. We plan to engage local teachers in the dwelling restoration project and the development of the exhibits to better understand how this site could compliment their curriculum.
Click here to learn more and support Our 2024 Slave Dwelling Initiative
Re-engage to find new owner for The Griffin’s second hospital located on Meriwether Street, commonly referred to as the “Haisten’s Building”
Establish a New Historic District Having sought and received a Grant from GSBTA, we are working with consultants to determine the ideal local areas to establish a new residential Historic District.
Create a Historic Griffin-Spalding Foundation Revolving Fund We plan to expand our ability to restore and rehab historically important properties.
Encourage New Local Entertainment Production We are leading and coordinating efforts with County and City personnel plus local business leaders to encourage more film/TV/commercial production into the area.
Organize architectural heritage/preservation related travel opportunities
Expand the Southside Genealogical Society
Strengthen our preservation relationships with local leaders and organizations
Past Special Initiatives
The Griffin-Spalding Historical Society has led or supported numerous projects dedicated to preserving the architectural and cultural heritage of the community. Highlights include:
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Preservation & Protection of Historic Properties
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Saved the Dean House (E. College & Hill Street) from demolition by purchasing and relocating it to a new site.
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Saved the Lewis Mills House on North Hill Street, restoring it as the Society’s original headquarters.
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Assumed the deed for the Chapman-Kincaid-Hunt House, slated for demolition, and secured a private owner to relocate and preserve the structure.
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Purchased the Middle Georgia Medical College building and later resold it with deed restrictions to preserve its historic exterior.
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Purchased the Ison House, believed to be the oldest brick house in Griffin and former home of Frances Marion Ison.
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Purchased and preserved land adjacent to Camp Stephens, including original Civil War breastworks.
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Renovated Camp Stephens (prior to tornado damage).
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Acted as catalyst for the rehabilitation and resale of several historic residences on Poplar Street.
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Helped locate preservation-minded buyers for two Gilman Drake houses (South Hill Street and Poplar Street).
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Historic Recognition, Designation & Funding
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Advocated for and assisted with placing Griffin’s City Hall and the Haistens Building on the Georgia Trust's Places in Peril list, leading to increased awareness and eventual sale/preservation.
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Successfully lobbied for SPLOST funding to support historic preservation projects including the restoration of City Hall and the Griffin Rosenwald School (Fairmont School).
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Assisted with funding for the application that resulted in Downtown Griffin’s historic district designation in 1988.
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Advocated for inclusion of local properties on the National Trust for Historic Preservation list.
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Facilitated the implementation of Spalding County Historical Markers.
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Education, Events & Outreach
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Hosted a Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation Ramble, drawing over 300 preservationists from across the state to tour Griffin’s historic homes and buildings.
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Researched and published a list of notable architects who influenced Griffin-Spalding’s architectural heritage.
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Collaborations with Local Government
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Supported the City of Griffin in the restoration of Historic City Hall.
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Continues to collaborate with city and county officials on long-term preservation planning.