The DeKalb History Center in the Old Courthouse on the Square in Decatur is well worth a visit for those interested in DeKalb County history.
Founded in 1947 as the DeKalb Historical Society, the society’s historical collections include biographical files that contain information on DeKalb County individuals and families. Each file holds information involving research notes, obituaries, newspaper clippings, manuscripts and photographs. Oral histories include the Wynne S. Christensen, I Remember Hour collection, covering several decades of videotaped programs of DeKalb leaders and institutions.
The map collection contains DeKalb maps for the past two centuries, including Sanborn maps, topographical maps of Atlanta and the Maynard-Carter-Simmons Atlas of DeKalb County. A large collection of photographs arranged by subject, including those in the Guy Hayes Collection, is culled from around the state. The Special Collections contain primary documents, subject files and numerous historical artifacts. Recent county histories are also available in the archives collection library, which is open Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 10 to 12 p.m. and 1 to 4 p.m. Appointments are encouraged; contact archivist Jill Sweetapple at 404-373-1088, ext. 23. The website is www.DeKalbhistory.org.
The nearby DeKalb County Public Library System’s Decatur branch at 215 Sycamore St. has a microfilm collection of Atlanta newspapers back to 1868, and those for Decatur/DeKalb County, as well as Macon for 1860-1866 and Charleston, S.C., from 1732-1873 with many gaps. They also have the U.S. Census for Georgia from 1820-1930. A small local history room is located on the third floor, as well as a good number of published genealogy works in the reference collection. For hours call 404-370-3070 or check www.dekalblibrary.org.
Presidential visits to Georgia
The DeKalb History Center hosts a Lunch and Learn program at noon in the old Superior Court room on the second floor on every other month. On March 15 at noon, I will be speaking on “Presidential Visits to Georgia,” from George Washington, who visited in 1791, to others in the 20th century. President Calvin Coolidge and his wife spent a week on Sapelo Island in 1928-1929. President-elect William Taft arrived at Decatur’s railroad station in 1909 for a pre-inaugural visit to Atlanta. The audience is invited to bring its own memories of presidential encounters. It’s free, and bring your own lunch. See the History Center website for more information: www.dekalbhistory.org, or call 404-373-1088 ext. 23.
NGA index online and free
The “National Genealogical Society Quarterly,” which began in 1912, has its index available online for free through the NGS website. The society’s quarterly contains material from all regions and all ethnic groups, including compiled genealogies, case studies on research methodology, and reviews of current books and other interesting topics. Many genealogical library collections include the NGS quarterly, but by having this index online users have greater access than ever to this valuable resource. Go to www.NGSgenealogy.org and select “publications and videos,” then “member periodicals” and choose “NGS Quarterly Archives.”
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