Southeast Georgia history is the focus of Susan Lott Clark's latest book, "The Unusual Story of the Okefenokee Heritage Center and Southern Forest World."
The book covers the story of how two museums in Waycross were started in the 1970s and their progress since then. The author was one of the people who spearheaded the creation of the museums.
She covers the concepts for the museums, how the various exhibits were developed, and the many larger objects that were acquired, including a steam engine and numerous historic buildings.
Each museum has a different focus: one is local history, the other forestry and what it meant to the region.
The book can serve as a road map for others who might seek to do something similar in their community. The detailed chapters on the exhibits, as well as the appendices, provide good historical material, including photographs, a chronology of Waycross and short biographies of important local figures. There's also a bibliography and a full-name index.
This book is an important addition to Georgia's regional history and is available for $35 plus 7 percent tax and $7 shipping (with all proceeds going to the museums) from Okefenokee Heritage Center, 1460 N. Augusta Ave., Waycross, GA 31503. 912-285-4260, www.okefenokeeheritagecenter.org.
Anniversary of Emory University's founding
The DeKalb History Center's May 17 Lunch and Learn lecture will feature Gary Hauk, vice president of Emory University and its unofficial historian. The author of "A Legacy of Heart and Mind: Emory Since 1836″ will speak about Emory's upcoming 175th anniversary. Noon to 1 p.m. Old Courthouse on the Square in Decatur. Free, bring your own lunch. 404-373-1088, Ext. 23; www.dekalbhistory.org.
Death records in Macon
"Finding Your Roots, Death, Funeral and Cemetery Records" is the topic for a seminar from 10 a. m. to 2:30 p.m. May 21 at Cannonball House in Macon. The seminar will feature genealogist Amanda Cook; Muriel Jackson, genealogy library director; and historians from Rose Hill, Riverside, Linwood and Fort Hill cemeteries in Macon. Each will speak on the records created in death, from obituaries to tombstones to funeral homes. This is a good topic that other communities could copy to help in researching their local records. Cost is $15 and includes lunch. Limited seating. Deadline is May 14. Send a check to Cannonball House, 856 Mulberry St., Macon, GA 31201. 478-745-5982.
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