President: Meredith Owen
Board of Directors:
Bunny Byrne
Leila Case
Charles F. Crisp II
Kim Christmas
Chet Crowley
James Edgemon
Angie Flegel
Hope Henderson
Marylynne V Joiner
Lee Kinnamon
Amanda Kutlzer
Mark Minick
Tara Mitchell
Nick Owens
Faith Pinnell
Kathleen Tucker
Brenda Tyson
Meredith Owen
Jessica Simmons
John Stovall
Meg Scott Usrey
(2)
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
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.
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
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
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
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
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
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.
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
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
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
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
Book today!!!
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.
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 😂
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
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.
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.
Wishing all of our members, friends, and followers who celebrate a Merry Christmas!
Wishing all of our members, friends, and followers who celebrate a Happy Hanukkah!
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.
We are thankful for our members, friends and followers!
Consider The Lee Council House for your next event. Message us today!
Congratulations to our very own Archivist and Board Member, Lee Kinnamon, on being named Sumter County Schools Teacher of the Year. Very well deserved and earned!
#historyteacher #teacheroftheyear #APUSH
Congratulations to Lee Kinnamon, Sumter County Schools Teacher of the Year
Kim Christmas, incoming president of Sumter Historic Trust for 2020, shared her expectations for the coming year and thanked out going president Meredith Owen for her leadership and the board members for their hard work.
President Meredith Owen gave the state of the trust report at last night's Sumter Historic Trust Annual Meeting.
At the 2019 Sumter Historic Trust Annual Meeting last night Judge Rucker Smith served as emcee and installed the 2020 Board of Directors.
At the 2019 annual meeting last night, Sam Mahone, Chairman of the Americus-Sumter County Movement Remembered Committee, Inc. provided an update on several projects around Sumter County, including the Civil Rights Center/Museum initiative.
The Sumter Historic Trust officers and board of directors were elected and installed at the Annual Meeting last night. Officers for 2020 are: Kim Christmas - President, Meredith Owen- Immediate Past President, Tara Mitchell - Corresponding Secretary, Meg Usrey - Recording Secretary, Chet Crowley - Parliamentarian, Lee Kinnamon - Archivist, Kathleen Tucker - Treasurer. Board Directors are: Marylynne Joiner, Nick Owens, Hope Henderson. Amanda Kutzler, Angie Flegel, James Edgemon, Charles Crisp, Brenda Tyson.
We thank the following directors for their service who are rolling off the board: Jessi Simmons - Past President, Leila Case, Faith Pinnell, John Stovall, Bunny Byrne, Mark Minick.
Sumter Historic Trust
ICYMI...we love our ad in today's Americus Times-Recorder! Join us tomorrow for the Sumter Historic Trust 2019 Porch Tour beginning at 2pm. If you haven't purchased your tickets, you may do so online or at The LOOK Salon Studio ($25) in Downtown Americus - Main Street or tomorrow at the event ($30).
#exploregeorgia #visitamericus #seesumter #history #architecture #tour #historic #preservation #getinvolved
Please join us tomorrow night at 7 for our annual meeting, I know it going to be rainy and cold but bundle up and come hear about some wonderful things going on in the Historic area
ICYMI...we love our ad in today's Americus Times-Recorder! Join us tomorrow for the Sumter Historic Trust 2019 Porch Tour beginning at 2pm. If you haven't purchased your tickets, you may do so online or at The LOOK Salon Studio ($25) in Downtown Americus - Main Street or tomorrow at the event ($30).
#exploregeorgia #visitamericus #seesumter #history #architecture #tour #historic #preservation #getinvolved
Don't miss these exciting upcoming events!
#exploregeorgia #visitamericus #seesumter #history #architecture #tour #historic #preservation #getinvolved
Mark your calendar, and join us for these exciting upcoming events!
If you have not already purchased your tickets for the Sumter Historic Trust 2019 Porch Tour, this Sunday, do so today! Porch Tour tickets are $25 in advance or $30 day of the event. Tickets may be purchased online, at The LOOK Salon Studio in Downtown Americus - Main Street, or the day of the event for $30 at 501 S. Lee St. beginning at 2pm.
#exploregeorgia #history #architecture #tour #historic #preservation #getinvolved
Call or text us for a 2019 Weekend Deal. (Marylynne 938-3534 or Nick 886-9612) #theleecouncilhouse
Porch tour tickets available at The Look Salon Studio on Jackson St or from any active Trust board member.
It’s getting closer!!!
Hurry! Get your tickets!
Porch Tour tickets now available online.
https://www.sumterhistorictrust.org/shop
Hurry! Get your tickets!
Porch Tour tickets now available online.
https://www.sumterhistorictrust.org/shop
Fall is here which means Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas will soon follow. The weekend of October 12th is still available if you would like to throw the best HALLOWEEN PARTY in town. November is perfect for family reunions & THANKSGIVING gatherings. Use our kitchen to prepare your meal, our beautiful stained glass windows for your family portrait...all while the children play cornhole in the front yard. Looking for the perfect place for your office CHRISTMAS party or that family gathering that you don't want to have at your house? The Lee Council House offers the perfect location! Call or text Nick Owens (229/886-9612) or Marylynne Vasbinder (229/938-3534) to reserve your date! #theleecouncilhouse
***DISCOUNT OFFER AVAILABLE !***
We are offering 20% off weekend rentals (Friday-Sunday) that are booked for SEPTEMBER or DECEMBER. Please call/text Nick Owens (229-886-9613) or Marylynne Vasbinder (229-938-3534) for more information. Offer expires 08/31/19.
*Applies to new rentals only**
By Leila Sisson Case
The Lee Council House at 308 East Church St. has a storied past that dates to the turn of the 20th century.
The historic house today is headquarters of the Sumter Historic Trust but it has served in several capacities for more than 115 years. It was originally the private residence of Mr. and Mrs. Lee George Council for more than 40 years, then for the next three decades it served as the Americus Elks Club until the Sumter Historical Society, as the organization was then known, purchased it on August 25, 1978, for $52,000.
Lee George Council built the mansion as a wedding gift for his bride, the former Florence Hildreth of Long Island, New York, following their marriage in Live Oak, Florida, on October 9, 1900. The couple moved into their home described as a “palatial mansion” by the Americus Times-Recorder on February 21, 1902.
Council was among the city’s most wealthy residents. He was a distinguished and successful business leader, serving simultaneously as the president of Planters Bank, owner of the Windsor Hotel and publisher of The Americus Times-Recorder.
The Council’s home was situated in a choice residential section that was beginning to flourish with fine, substantially built homes featuring architectural designs reflecting the era and incorporating the comforts and conveniences of modern life.
The house had electricity, a power line having been connected from their home to the Windsor Hotel, perhaps an advantage of Council’s hotel ownership. They also had indoor plumbing, another convenience not often seen in private residences in that era.
And the regular route of the Americus street trolley, Georgia's first chartered electric street car system, at one time went in front of the Council’s home. One of the restored street cars is on permanent display at the Lake Blackshear Regional Library’s children’s reading room, a gift from the Robert T. and Gladys Crabb family who acquired the car in the 1940s.
Council was the oldest of three brothers. He assisted his father in the organization of Planter’s Bank that opened for business in February 1892, in a modest building on Forsyth Street but outgrew that quarters, moving in 1900 into the four story stone and brick building at the corner of Forsyth and Lee streets that stands today, according to an August 9, 1907 article taken from The Americus Weekly Times-Recorder.
Americus was then ranked as the eighth largest city in the state, thriving in all sectors of commerce from retail businesses and financial institutions in the central business district to the agricultural community, where cotton reigned as king along with peaches and pecans.
The town started as a small planter’s seat in the 1820s, but the arrival of the railroad in the early 1850s put Americus on the map. Three decades later, local attorney Samuel H. Hawkins’ construction of the only privately financed railroad in state history, elevated Americus to a higher level and was known as the “Metropolis of Southwest Georgia,” a reflection of its status as a cotton distribution center, according to historical facts.
Click on over to our new website and give it a look! Link in bio.
Georgia's Rural Center
The City of Dublin used Georgia's Historic Tax Credit Program to revitalize the skyscraper that has stood in downtown since 1916. Read more about the history of the building and opportunities the program brought to Dublin: http://bit.ly/ruralGAdublin
The State of Georgia's Historic Tax Credit Program provides a state income tax credit to individuals who renovate qualified historic properties. This article is one of a three-part series to highlight projects in rural areas utilizing the tax credit.
Photo (c) Timothy L. Vacula
#GeorgiaRuralCenter #ruralga
318 E Church St
Americus, GA
31709
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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
Book today!!!
Consider The Lee Council House for your next event. Message us today!
The 2016 Spring Party and Auction on April 30th.
Georgia Rural Telephone Museum
135 N Bailey Ave, LeslieBaseball Hall of Fame "The snubbed players"
123 Shoeless Joe LnCenter for Educational Adventure
106 Plantation Ridge DriveFriends of Jimmy Carter - Plains Georgia & Be
Plains Better Home Town P.O. Box 364, PlainsAndersonville Civil War Village
109 E Church St, AndersonvilleThe Drummer Boy Civil War Museum
109 E Church St, AndersonvilleAndersonville National Historic Site
496 Cemetery Rd, AndersonvilleNational Prisoner of War Museum
Oglethorpe
Baseball Hall of Fame "The snubbed players"
123 Shoeless Joe Ln
Center for Educational Adventure
106 Plantation Ridge Drive