Mission Statement - Preserve, Protect, and Promote
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Georgia Kicks Off New WWII Heritage Trail
February 16, 2021
Discover Georgia’s legacy of inspiring wartime stories at the sites that make up the new World War II Heritage Trail, launched on February 16, 2021. Southern states were critical to the war effort during World War II (1941-1945), and none more so than Georgia. Over 300,000 Georgians served in the military, and thousands of civilians worked in rapidly expanding defense industries. Ten sites across the state have partnered to bring a new experience to visitors, families, and groups.
Trail visitors can take flight in a World War II airplane, build a Liberty ship, explore a pilot training base, march in the boots of the Band of Brothers, and learn the personal stories of courage, character and patriotism displayed by the men and women involved. Suggested routes for North Georgia, Middle Georgia and the Coast make it easy for visitors to experience two or three locations over a weekend. A Trail “passport” has been created so visitors can track their progress along the route, debrief their visit, and receive a confirmation stamp with a “V for Victory!”
In 2018, the newest of the ten partner sites opened on St. Simons Island, the World War II Home Front Museum, which tells the inspiring story of Coastal Georgia’s extraordinary contributions to winning World War II. At that time, the Society’s Executive Director Sherri Jones teamed up with Scott Loehr, President of the Mighty Eighth Museum in Savannah to reach out to WWII sites across the state. Jones said, “The response that we received was overwhelmingly positive, and within a year we had established a close working relationship. We were united by our passion for WWII history and our eagerness to make Georgia’s rich heritage more accessible to all.”
The Heritage Trail will be one of only four World War II Trails in the nation, and will be promoted domestically and internationally by Explore Georgia, the tourism division of the Georgia Department of Economic Development, through their website ExploreGeorgia.org, media outreach and sales efforts. In the interim, Georgia residents and leisure visitors can experience the collection as a way to learn more about the state’s involvement in the war, both at home and abroad. Scott McQuade, President of the Golden Isles Convention and Visitors Bureau is excited to support a new experience that will appeal to visitors seeking drive destinations and meaningful travel. McQuade said, “The challenges of 2020 caused many travelers to rethink how and where to travel. Road trips have emerged as a relatively safe way to explore, and many are seeking travel with a purpose.”
Learn more about the Georgia World War II Heritage Trail by reviewing the attached Trail Information Kit and rack card or by visiting www.georgiawwiitrail.org. Note that operating hours have been affected by Covid-19; please refer to the website when planning your trip.
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2021 Currahee
Military Weekend
"Your Time to Shine"
Currently, the decision to have planned events this year still remains unconfirmed with one exception, outside events. The Historical Society Board of Directors and Staff are comfortable with plans to have our annual Veterans Parade and WWII military encampments in the downtown area on Saturday, October 2nd.
This event has traditionally been the Historical Society's major annual fundraiser for twenty years. In other words funds raised during CMW are needed to get the HS and museum through the lean winter months when travel and tourism tend to decline. In an effort to help with 2021-2022 overhead expenses we are asking our members, supporters, and general public to support CMW this year with a donation in memory or honor of their favorite Veteran or family member or friend currently serving in the military. The cost of the poster & donation is $100 for the first year, if used for any of the following Veteran's Parades in Toccoa it will be $25.
"Your donation of $100 will be more than just a monetary gift to a non-profit, it will be an offer to give your favorite Veteran or active military their time to shine." states Carlan.
If you are interested in attending 2021 Currahee Military Weekend please answer the questions concerning a banquet in the survey in this newsletter.
From the Desk of Brenda J Carlan,
Executive Directory
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Loans and Grants Help
Museum During Pandemic
The Covid pandemic has made the past year very difficult for all organizations that serve the public directly. The Stephens County Historical Society museums have seen a reduction in visitors reflected in a reduction in revenues and safety precautions resulted in some increased costs. Last spring the Historical Society was struggling to meet financial obligations of utility bills, staff payroll and other ongoing expenses. Rescue came from three sources. The immediate pressure was relieved by a forgivable loan through the Small Business Administration Payroll Protection Program under the CARES Act. The Society received $8800 that allowed the staff to return to work after a two-week furlough and allowed the museum doors to remain open on a limited schedule resulting in a reduced but steady stream of visitors and associated revenue. Our thanks go to 1st Citizens Bank, specifically Greg Savage, and to Lyn Hack for assistance in working through the paperwork required for the loan application. The loan was received in early May and provided financial support until the end of June. The application for forgiveness of that loan has been submitted.
Just about the time the proceeds from the PPP loan were consumed, the Georgia Humanities Board of Directors approved funding under the CARES Act Grant program in the amount of $5,000 which was received in early July. This grant award gave the extra boost needed to continue reduced operations the rest of the summer. Our thanks go to Christian Hamilton, Toccoa Main Street, and to Julie Paysen, Toccoa-Stephens County Chamber of Commerce, for their support in the form of counsel during the preparation of the grant application and letters of support for the museums. The final report for this grant was submitted and accepted in December 2020.
Currently the Historical Society has an application pending for a second Payroll Protection Program loan from the Small Business Administration for an amount similar to the first loan amount. We should be receiving the proceeds from this second loan in the next few weeks. This second loan is also eligible for forgiveness.
These loans and grants have provided the extra boost of financial support that, when added to support from our generous donors, renewals of memberships and revenues from admissions and gift shop sales, have allow the museums to continue to serve the public and honor our local history and the veterans who trained at Camp Toccoa. Many thanks to all who made this possible particularly our staff, Lynn Rachwal and Brenda Carlan whose tireless devotion to maintaining museum availability with a reduced core of volunteers kept the doors open
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From the desk of SCHS Treasurer Bob Magee
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From President Steve Tilley
Since Covid restrictions and limitations began in March last year our Board of Directors have met on a "only as needed" basis. Last October we were to elect new officers for 2021/2022. since it has been impossible for us to meet we will keep the current board members in place until can we have an actual meeting with all board members available in attendance. The current plan is for this to happen in June.
The Historical Society has always depended heavily on membership dues and donations to help cover the cost of operations throughout the year. The dues are collected on the the calendar year payment accounting system. So for everyone paying in January you would have benefits for twelve months, expiring in December. If you paid in June, membership was good for six months.
Our Board is currently considering switching to the fiscal year payments. This would give the members and potential members 12 consecutive months of benefits regardless of when they paid. Read more about this in the "What's Next" section of the newsletter and then please vote online from the newsletter or send you choice by email to contact@toccoahistory.com. We want to hear your choice.
Thanks to all that have continued to support the museum through donations. Since travel has drastically decreased due to travel bans and restrictions our revenue from admissions has also decreased. So we encourage you join or renew, consider donations, check out the giftshop online, encourage your friends and family to join the historical society or visit the museum at their convenience. Remember with your memberships you can visit when you feel safe to travel and you will receive some free passes to the museum to give out.
We encourage others to assist our museum during this uncertain time. We thank our volunteers, Board members, Lynn Rachwal, and Brenda for helping us get through this difficult time. Please stay in touch and support the museum when you can. Respectfully, Steve
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Memorials
Mrs. Mary Sue Thompson, Milton Spratlin. Mrs. Sara Smith, Jim Bracewell, Mrs. Irene Chitwood, and Robert M. Basham
The Historical Society would like to recognize the loss of several dedicated members recently. Our condolences to these families. Each of them have left a positive impact and lots of great memories for several of our Board Members, staff, members, and volunteers.
Mr. Milton Spratlin was a Lifetime Member and served on our Board of Directors for several years. He was driving force behind the success of The Traveling Vietnam Wall Exhibit, Veterans Coffee, and contributed well to our building fund for the building that houses our offices, gift shop, library, and meeting room.
After retiring from a long career in banking Mr. Milton Spratlin gave freely of his time by volunteering where needed for several years.
Mrs. Mary Sue Thompson and husband Dr. Robert Thompson have both supported the historical society and were great at promoting the museum over the years. They did a tremendous job in recruiting new members to the Historical Society.
Mrs. Sara Powers Smith, began volunteering when we opened the museum in our current location, back in 2005. She continued to do so up into her nineties and only stopped due to health concerns. Sara was known for her sweet smile and laugh, while making each of our visitors feel welcomed She was great at telling stories about about growing up in Toccoa. She was known for making some of the best fried apple pies.
We will miss a couple of our Veterans Coffee attendees, Mr. Jim Braswell, Mr. Robert Basham. As well as long time member Mrs. Irene Chitwood. Irene and her late husband, Steve along with Dr. and Mrs. Thompson are known for attending and supporting several organizations, events, and businesses in our Community.
We hope the families of these members know their loved one will be sincerely missed here at the museum and Historical Society.
If you know or have a loved one that has recently passed that was a member of the Historical Society and we are not aware of please call 706-282-5055 or email the information. contact@toccoahistory.com
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- Currently dues are paid or renewed in January and valid for 12 months. If you join in July it is the same amount and still expires December 31st. Would you prefer to have memberships that are paid in July or any other month be valid and for a full 12 months. Example join March 15, 2021 and not due again until March 15, 2022. Please vote online your choice about these two options. Survey located to the left of this article.
- We get several calls from people that are researching their family history in our area. While we are not a Genealogy Society we do try to help if possible. Time and staff have been limited in this area, but we now have members/volunteers that have agreed to help with these request.
- Also, if you already have a record of your family linage we would like to have a copy in our archives to help other researchers with their request. You can email it or bring it by the office and we will be glad to make copies.
- Another project in the works is a display and history of the Brown Family from Stephens County, some will be from an area that was once Habersham County as well. If you information or photos of this family please call 706-282-5055 or come by the office.
Please complete the survey if you are a member, have ever been a member, or you are thinking about joining the historical society.
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Please take this quick survey so the Historical Society may plan ahead.
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Yes, I would prefer membership payments for a calendar year January - December
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Yes, I would prefer membership payments for a fiscal year. Example May - May
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Yes, I will plan to attend the 2021 CMW Banquet
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I will consider attending the 2021 CMW Banquet
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No, I will not attend the CMW Banquet
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New Year! Time to join or renew!
We are currently accepting new members
and renewals. If you are interested in volunteering please call 706-282-5055 for more information.
We are now accepting memberships payment online. Click here Easy & Fast.
Please call the office if you prefer to mail in your payment. 706-282-5055
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Who & Why Should I Support the Historical Society? And how?
Who? Everyone. Why? This history is important because it connects us to specific times, places and events that were significant milestones in our collective past. At the most basic level, it serves to maintain and celebrate civic beauty and pride, and foster an appreciation of local and national history and heritage. Ways you can help.
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We Conquered Currahee T-Shirts are available in the gift shop or the website gift shop.
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706-282-5055
contact@toccoahistory.com
or Mail
Currahee Military Museum
160 North Alexander Street
Toccoa Georgia 30577
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