Wednesday, January 27, 2016

History Committee Holds First Public Meeting

The SACC history committee held its first public meeting last night.  11 volunteers attended and mapped out a detailed series of projects for the next year.  The projects are:

SACC is partnering with Friends of Smyrna Library for First Sunday Lecture Series.  The lectures are focused on local history topics and are held in the downstairs meeting room at the Smyrna Public Library on the first Sunday of the month at 3 pm.   We are also partnering on local and regional history acquisitions.  SACC volunteers conduct research on books and other assets pertaining to local history that are recommended to be added to the library’s collection. The Friends of Smyrna Library provide the funding for the library to purchase the recommended selections.

The first phase of developing a comprehensive historical city map has been completed in the form of the Jonquil City Historical Trail.  Extensive research was conducted to identify 60+ historical sites along the Atlanta Road corridor from Belmont Hills to Brawner Hall. Narratives were written and historical photos were sourced.  This information is being programmed into a Google Maps app that can be used on Apple and Android phones and tablets.  It will also be available on a computer through an Internet browser.

Online systems with capabilities to present historical photos and articles are being assessed with the intent of a new website being launched this summer. 

Our Oral History project will involve conducting one or more interviews with local senior citizens to capture their vivid memories of Smyrna’s past.  Volunteer training is being offered to support this project.  When the training is completed more information will be published on next steps.

The Smyrna Public Library has an outstanding genealogical collection.  We plan on sponsoring workshops to encourage its use. 

Three very interesting research projects can use additional volunteers: Photograph historic 19th century maps in the Cobb County Registry of Deeds plat books, research 19th century Marietta Daily Journal back issues beginning in 1866 for Smyrna-related articles and inventory Smyrna’s old city records and make them available online



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