T
he pioneer village would be the site of the "Georgia Museum of Pioneer History", a "living history" museum detailing Southern life during the period 1800 to 1860.Antiques of that period could be collected from throughout the South and displayed in the museum. Reproductions would be used in homes, stores and public buildings of the village.
In conjunction with the village and the Pioneer Farm, the museum can create a "living history" of daily life of our ancestors. Rather than reading a book of facts, visitors could actually see how the pioneers lived, worked and played.
The entire village would be part of the museum.
An Institute of Southern Studies could be established and operated in conjunction with
Bainbridge State College. The Museum, its educational programs and the Library would be under part of the Institute. The Institute would oversee such things as ensuring authenticity of pioneer reproductions, sponsoring educational lectures and seminars, preparation of publications and other programs.
Special programs should be operated by the museum to help illustrate pioneer life in the Deep South.
These programs might include supervising a company of "local militia" -- the "Blowing Cave Company of Georgia Militia". The Militia would be outfitted with uniforms and armaments of the 1830's era, when this area provided militia units for the Second Creek Indian War. The militia could offer marching drills on the village common and firing practice for visitors. The Militia unit could also participate in parades and gatherings in other areas to promote the park.
Lectures on Southern Pioneer life and events given by visiting scholars and the staff from Bainbridge State College would be a frequent part of the Museum's activities. With prominent historians as lecturers, these programs could attract visitors from all over the nation.
Seminars on Southern life could be sponsored on a regular annual basis, lasting for weekends or several days. Several such annual seminars as well as special events could be held throughout the year.
Classes in various crafts could be offered on a regular basis. Area folk could be trained in these classes in quilting, pottery, carpentry, leather work, basketry, weaving and other crafts. The folk who receive training will be invited to produce products for sale in the park's stores. These classes would also help provide specialized training for the park personnel. The courses would also be open to visitors. These classes could be supported with staff from Bainbridge State College.
A major library should be developed by the museum with information on pioneer life in the Southeast and especially on Georgia. The library could become a tourist attraction itself for both casual visitors and serious scholars. Xerox copies and microfilm of historic pre-1860 records from all over Dixie should be gathered by the Library. It should emphasize the lives of ordinary folk rather than focusing upon a few prominent individuals.
Copies of personal letters, diaries, family Bibles, farm records, deeds, wills and estate records from the region should be displayed and available for research.
A special family history or genealogical collection should also be created to encompass the entire South. Folk from all over Dixie should be invited to deposit books and transcripts of family histories and copies of family records at the Library. Every effort should be made to create one of the largest such family history libraries in the nation. Travel in search of ancestors has become a major portion of tourism today and folks are now visiting libraries all over Dixie in search of records. This library would also become a major visitor center if the collection includes the entire region.
If you like what you see on these webpages, then support the development and preservation of Glory Hole Caverns and the other natural wonders in the area. Contact your state senator, state representative and Governor Barnes and urge them to create a major state park for this area to guarantee their preservation -- and create needed jobs for the area.
to HOME page