Sumter Historic Trust

02/14/2021

Americus - Sumter County Tourism

Join the Americus Visitor Center staff for our yearly tour aboard the Americus Trolley for the 2021 African-American History Tour on Feb. 27. The tour helps celebrate Black History Month and Americus' rich past. The hourlong tour begins at 2 PM at the Visitor Center, 101 W. Lamar St. Stops include sites where two high-profile cases led to the passage of the Civil Rights Bill of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965; the grounds where Booker T. Washington once spoke; historic Eastview Cemetery; among others. Cost is $20. Due to Covid-19, space will be limited and face masks are mandatory. For more information, call the Visitor Center at 229-928-6059 or email [email protected].

02/05/2021

Jimmy Carter National Historical Park

Rachel Idlette Holt Clark was born April 2, 1890, in Sumter County, Georgia. In 1912, Rachel married Jack Clark, and in the 1920s they moved to Archery to work for Earl Carter.

The small tenant house the Clarks lived in was just past the Carter’s vegetable garden. They lived on a path young Jimmy Carter traveled often. He spent a lot of time with the Clarks and often asked to spend the night with them when his parents were out-of-town. The Clarks kept a sleeping pallet filled with either corn shucks or wheat straw, which Jimmy would sleep on.

Young Jimmy spent time working on the farm beside Jack and Rachel. Their days began at 4:00 a.m., hoeing weeds, stacking peanuts, picking cotton, and caring for the Carter’s farm animals. Although farm life was hard work, Jimmy and Rachel would find time to go fishing in the nearby creek. On the walk to the creek, Rachel would tell Jimmy stories about life’s lessons and would share with him her words of wisdom. These words stayed with him all his life.

#NPS #FindYourPark #RecreateResponibly #BlackHistoryMonth

Photo: Rachel Clark

01/04/2021

Help us spread the word! Please share our page!

01/02/2021

Now is the time to plan that “socially distanced” event! We are offering 20% off any rentals in FEBRUARY 2021. The Lee Council House provides plenty of room to celebrate any occasion. Call or text Marylynne Vasbinder (229-938-3534) or Nick Owens (229-886-9612) for more information. Discount ends Feb 28th. (government guidelines apply)

08/14/2020

Downtown Americus - Main Street

The Americus Trolley is now available for rentals!
We have been diligently working to take the necessary safety precautions to keep our rental guests and trolley driver safe. If you are interested in renting the trolley for your next event feel free to contact (229)924-4411 ext. 235 or email [email protected].

#americusmainst #trolley #visitamericus

07/23/2020

Jimmy Carter National Historic Site Education Program

Downtown Plains, GA in 1925 vs. today. A lot has changed in almost 100 years, but it's still the same beautiful little town that President Carter has called home for most of his life. What differences can you see? What has stayed the same?

07/08/2020

Jimmy Carter National Historic Site

On this day in 1946, Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter were married in Plains, Georgia.
Happy 74th wedding anniversary President and Mrs.Carter!

#NPS #FindYourPark

photo: newlyweds, Jimmy And Rosalynn pose for a picture.

05/02/2020

National Park Service Announces $12.2 Million in Grants to Preserve African American Civil Rights History - Office of Communications (U.S. National Park Service)

Congratulations to the Americus-Sumter County Movement Remembered Committee, Inc. (ASCMRC) on receiving an African American Civil Rights grant from the National Park Service. The grant, awarded this past September, will be used toward rehabilitating the Americus Colored Hospital.

African American Civil Rights grants fund projects that will preserve and highlight stories related to the African American struggle for equality in the 20th century.

“Through the work and engagement of public and private partners, these grants will preserve a defining part of our nation’s diverse history,” National Park Service Deputy Director P. Daniel Smith said. “By working with underrepresented communities to preserve their historic places and stories, we will help tell a more complete narrative of the African American experience in the pursuit of civil rights.”

Follow their page to learn more about the project.

WASHINGTON – The National Park Service today announced $12.259 million in African American Civil Rights grants to fund 44 projects across 17 states that will preserve and highlight stories related to the African American struggle for equality in the 20th century. “Through the work and engagement...

05/02/2020

Americus Times-Recorder

Great article by Trust member and GSW History Professor, Evan Kutzler, PhD.

Another piece of Sumter County history by Evan Kutzler.

https://www.americustimesrecorder.com/2020/04/24/the-conscript-and-the-freedom-fighter/

05/01/2020

The Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation

This week's #FieldTripFriday takes us to Americus, Georgia, where we'll find the impressive homes of Furlow Gatewood, a self-taught designer and avid antiques collector. The Georgia Trust visited Gatewood’s impressive compound during the 2014 Fall Ramble. Furlow Gatewood grew up on this land and inherited it from his mother when she passed away. In the 1950s, Gatewood began renovating a carriage house on his family’s property, which includes four main buildings, plus whimsical accessory structures and beautiful gardens. Most of the work on his estate was done when Gatewood was in his 80s. The property and his homes have been featured in a number of architectural magazines including Architectural Digest, Southern Accents, Veranda and Garden & Gun.

05/01/2020

The Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation

This week's #FieldTripFriday takes us to Americus, Georgia, where we'll find the impressive homes of Furlow Gatewood, a self-taught designer and avid antiques collector. The Georgia Trust visited Gatewood’s impressive compound during the 2014 Fall Ramble. Furlow Gatewood grew up on this land and inherited it from his mother when she passed away. In the 1950s, Gatewood began renovating a carriage house on his family’s property, which includes four main buildings, plus whimsical accessory structures and beautiful gardens. Most of the work on his estate was done when Gatewood was in his 80s. The property and his homes have been featured in a number of architectural magazines including Architectural Digest, Southern Accents, Veranda and Garden & Gun.

04/15/2020

Americus - Sumter County Tourism

We can't wait to see all of you soon!
But if that is ever going to happen, we need your help!
Think you can do the following and share with friends? The sooner we kick this to the curb, the sooner your favorite attractions, festivals and events will start back! A message from the Americus-Sumter Tourism Council:

03/18/2020

A large part of our local economy is based on tourism surrounding the rich history of Americus and Georgia’s Sumter County. Let’s remind our friends and family who may have a visit scheduled during this time to postpone, not cancel.

#dontcancelpostpone #savetourism

03/15/2020

The Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation

The Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation

On a former rice plantation, in the rural town of Riceboro, Ga., sits a gathering place called Geechee Kunda. Considered the epicenter of Gullah Geechee history and culture, Geechee Kunda is often the site of festivals and tours, hosting visitors from near and far.

03/12/2020

Americus - Sumter County Tourism

Please share with friends traveling to our area:
The Americus Visitor Center is located in City Hall. To protect our citizens, employees and visitors, we are closing our gift shop for any thru traffic. However, you can come to the counter at the front of City Hall and we can provide assistance.
We will continue to answer questions, provide brochures, and other services as needed. (Which includes purchasing souvenirs.)

Americus Main Street is also located on the first floor. All volunteers, board members, etc. will need to enter through their office (located to the left of the elevator.)

We appreciate your patience as we try to do our best to keep everyone safe and healthy. No need to panic, just precautionary.

Follow your basic standard "stay healthy" procedures and if you are traveling here or away, make sure to follow some of the travel tips provided below. At this point in time we have NOT cancelled any festivals or events, nor have we closed any attractions. I will update when and IF we are instructed to do so.
~Nicole Kirksey, Director of Tourism, City of Americus

03/05/2020

Board President, Kim Christmas, presented a program on the Sumter Historic Trust to the Americus Rotary Club on Tuesday, March 3, 2020.

Rotary Tuesdays are always special, but this week was extraordinary! Jelena Hoston provided our member spotlight, we welcomed three new Rotarians, and heard a great program by Kim Christmas, President of the Sumter Historic Trust. #TogetherWeGrow Rotary District 6900

03/04/2020

Jimmy Carter National Historic Site

Rachel Idlette Holt Clark was born April 2, 1890, in Sumter County, Georgia. In 1912, Rachel married Jack Clark, and in the 1920s they moved to Archery to work for Earl Carter.

The small tenant house the Clarks lived in was just past the Carter’s vegetable garden. They lived on a path young Jimmy Carter traveled often. He spent a lot of time with the Clarks and often asked to spend the night with them when his parents were out-of-town. The Clarks kept a sleeping pallet filled with either corn shucks or wheat straw, which Jimmy would sleep on.

Young Jimmy spent time working on the farm beside Jack and Rachel. Their days began at 4:00 a.m., hoeing weeds, stacking peanuts, picking cotton, and caring for the Carter’s farm animals. Although farm life was hard work, Jimmy and Rachel would find time to go fishing in the nearby creek. On the walk to the creek, Rachel would tell Jimmy stories about life’s lessons and would share with him her words of wisdom. These words stayed with him all of his life.
#WomensHistoryMonth #NPS #FindYourPark
Image: Rachel Clark

02/18/2020

Dreaming of a Spring wedding? We still have a few weekends available. MAR 7, APR 4, APR 11, APR 18, MAY 2, and MAY 9. Contact Marylynne Vasbinder (229-938-3534) or Nick Owens (229-886-9612) for more information. As usual, weekdays are available for those lunch meetings and seminars. #theleecouncilhouse

📷 Michele Houston Photography

02/17/2020

President Jimmy Carter’s “Worst Day”

Today across the United States Presidents Day is being celebrated. In Georgia’s Sumter County we celebrated with the ribbon cutting and grand reopening of the Jimmy Carter National Historic Site. The ribbon cutting ceremony was made extra special when the 39th President of the USA told a sweet story about the “worst day” of his life.

Be certain to visit the newly renovated Jimmy Carter National Historic Site and Welcome Center (Plains High School)! There are many new interactive displays, along with a new Jr Ranger program for all to enjoy and learn about Sumter County History.

#presidentsday #jimmycarternhs #visitplains

Americus - Sumter County Tourism
Friends of the Jimmy Carter National Historic Site

02/17/2020

Darien’s Adam Strain building saved

Darien’s Adam Strain building saved

It’s been 12 years since Darien’s Adam Strain building was placed on Georgia Trust’s Places in Peril list.

02/15/2020

We are continuing to celebrate #NationalWeddingMonth by sharing more beautiful photos of prior weddings and receptions held at The Lee Council House. We hope these photos inspire you to contact us when it's time to plan your big day!

📸: David Parks Photography

#WeddingMonth #weddings #weddingplanning #bride #groom

02/13/2020

Did you host your wedding or reception at The Lee Council House? We want to hear from you! Tell us about your wedding day (and post pictures) in the comments below.
#NationalWeddingMonth #WeddingMonth #weddings #weddingplanning #bride #groom #tbt

02/12/2020

Love is in the air, which leads to wedding proposals and wedding planning. We are celebrating #NationalWeddingMonth by sharing some great photos of past weddings at The Lee Council House. Contact us to reserve for your upcoming wedding festivities. Rentals are available for the day or the weekend.

📸: Blanchard Photography

#weddingmonth #wedding #weddingplanning #bride #groom

02/12/2020

One of our members would like your help identifying the individual in this photograph. The hope is to reunite the photo with its original family. Let us know if you recognize the person in this photo, presumably taken around the early-mid 1900s in or near Americus, GA.

#historic #family #photo #genealogy

02/02/2020

Book today!!!

01/20/2020

National Trust for Historic Preservation

National Trust for Historic Preservation

Today we honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Explore some of the historic places that shaped him—places that continue to educate, challenge, and inspire us today.

01/13/2020

Did you say “Yes” over the holidays? Looking for the perfect location for your rehearsal dinner, ceremony, and/or reception? No matter your wedding style taste, we believe The Lee Council House is the perfect location.

This is wild. Wedding season is almost here 😂

01/09/2020

Americus Hot Glass Craft Beer Festival

This year, we are excited to announce that we will continue the Volunteer Challenge! The organization with the most volunteers will receive a $500 donation to their organization. The link to sign up is included below.
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090f49a5a823a5f49-4thannual

01/01/2020

If you were one of the many celebrants who were at the Lee Council House last evening and find yourself minus some jewelry today, please call/text 813-967-6448 to claim.

01/01/2020

Become a Member — Sumter Historic Trust

Thanks to all who came out to help us celebrate the new year and support the Sumter Historic Trust.

We hope 2020 brings joy and prosperity to you, and that you will join us in our mission to preserve and promote the heritage of Sumter County, Georgia. Follow us to stay updated on events and activities.

We would love to have your further support through annual membership. Visit our website for more information.

https://www.sumterhistorictrust.org/become-a-member

Trust Members care about the preservation of the fabric of Americus and Sumter County. We are from all walks of life but we share a common goal. This place matters to us.

12/25/2019

Wishing all of our members, friends, and followers who celebrate a Merry Christmas!

12/22/2019

Wishing all of our members, friends, and followers who celebrate a Happy Hanukkah!

12/18/2019

Become a Member — Sumter Historic Trust

With just under two weeks left in 2019, the Sumter Historic Trust is looking forward to a prosperous 2020! We rely on members to help us grow and expand our programming, and membership dues go directly into supporting our mission of preservation and education. End the year by supporting your local historical trust and help make 2020 our best year yet! Membership comes with several benefits and will last until December 31, 2020.

See our website for more info on membership levels, benefits, and payment options.

Also, keep the Sumter Historic Trust in mind as you are planning your year end giving. Designated as well as undesignated gifts are welcome and greatly appreciated.

https://www.sumterhistorictrust.org/become-a-member

Trust Members care about the preservation of the fabric of Americus and Sumter County. We are from all walks of life but we share a common goal. This place matters to us.

11/28/2019

We are thankful for our members, friends and followers!

11/20/2019

Consider The Lee Council House for your next event. Message us today!