"Georgia history ... worth saving" is the theme of the annual celebration of Georgia Archives Month during October, sponsored by the Society of Georgia Archivists.
The purpose of the observance is to celebrate the value of Georgia's historical records and how they enrich our lives.
These materials are being preserved by both public and private organizations, with the lead institution being the Georgia Archives in Morrow.
Local organizations, colleges with special collections and historical societies will be holding open houses, lectures and other events to make the public aware of the materials they have, and how people can donate manuscripts, diaries, family papers, photographs and so forth to be preserved.
For events in your area, check the website of the Society of Georgia Archivists at www.soga.org, go to "events" and then "Georgia Archives Month."
Your home's family tree
The Oct. 14 Georgia Archives Lunch and Learn Seminar will feature archivists Amanda Mros and Anne Smith speaking on "Your Home's Family Tree" and resources available at the Georgia Archives and elsewhere to research your house or other historic properties.
The Georgia Archives is located at 5800 Jonesboro Road, Morrow. The noon event is free; bring your own lunch. For further information, go to www.georgiaarchives.org or call 678-364-3730. The archives is open only Friday and Saturday for research due to state budget restrictions.
Information on how to research a historic property or write a community history can be found on the website of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources' Historic Preservation Division at www.georgiashpo.org. Click on "National Register and Survey" and then "research and documentation."
Sitting up with the dead
On Oct. 14 the Gainesville branch of the Hall County Public Library will hold a Genealogy Lock-in: Sitting Up With the Dead, starting at 5 p.m. and lasting until midnight. During this time participants will have full use of the books, microfilms and databases in the Sybil Wood McRay Genealogy and Local History Collection.
Cost is $12 for a boxed dinner and late-night snacks. Registration is required using the form at www.hallcountylibrary.org. Deadline for checks is Oct. 10. For more information, call 770-532-3311, Ext. 116. The library is located at 127 Main St., Gainesville.
Scottish links at Stone Mountain Games
The Stone Mountain Highland Games will be held Oct. 14-16 at Stone Mountain Park.
More than 90 Scottish clans will be represented and most will have books and other information about their particular clan and the families and surnames represented. Also present will be representatives of the Atlanta Burns Club and the Council of Scottish Clans and Associations.
It is always an interesting event to attend and lots of good contacts can be made.
For details and a list of clans represented last year, see www.smhg.org.
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