Our Legacy: The Griffin-Spalding African-American History Museum

08/12/2026

🎉 Happy Birthday, Julius Rosenwald! 🎉
Today we celebrate the life and legacy of Julius Rosenwald (August 12, 1862 – January 6, 1932), the visionary businessman and philanthropist whose partnership with educator Booker T. Washington helped create more than 5,000 Rosenwald Schools across the South. These schools provided educational opportunities for generations of African American children during a time when access to quality education was severely limited.

Here in Griffin, the legacy of Rosenwald Schools is deeply connected to the story we preserve and share at Our Legacy Museum. Our Legacy Museum is in the historic school building that began as Vocational High School, a Rosenwald School, and later became Fairmont High School. For generations, it served as a place of learning, leadership, and community pride for Griffin's African American community.

As we honor Julius Rosenwald's birthday, we also honor the students, teachers, and families whose lives were transformed through education and whose stories continue to inspire us today.

❤️ Happy Birthday, Julius Rosenwald, and thank you for helping build a legacy that lives on through places like Our Legacy Museum.

08/11/2026

Tribute Tuesday | John Miles Ward: A Life of Faith, Family & Perseverance

Today, Our Legacy Museum honors John Miles Ward, an Orchard Hill man whose extraordinary life spanned some of the most consequential chapters in American history.

Born in Orchard Hill, Georgia, during the 1840s, Ward entered the world as an enslaved child. During his lifetime, he witnessed emancipation, Reconstruction, the rise of Jim Crow laws, the Great Depression, and the dawn of a new century.

A hardworking farmer and skilled well digger, Ward provided for his family and community through work that was essential to rural life in Spalding County. But perhaps the greatest work of his life was the legacy he created through faith, character, perseverance, and family.

In July 1940, the Atlanta Daily World featured the 96-year-old Ward in an article with a beautifully simple headline:
“He Kept Faith With God.”

Ward credited his long life to an unwavering faith in God and a lifelong commitment to avoiding alcohol and to***co. At the time, the newspaper reported that he was the father of 10 living children, grandfather of 95 grandchildren, and great-grandfather of more than 100 great-grandchildren.

Think about that legacy.
A man who was born enslaved lived long enough to see generations of his family grow around him. His story reminds us that history isn't only found in famous names, monuments, or national events. Sometimes history lives in the people who worked, worshipped, raised families, served their communities, and persevered.

John Miles Ward left no grand monument or public title. He left something far more personal — a family legacy rooted in faith, resilience, hard work, and love.

Today, we remember John Miles Ward of Orchard Hill and the generations whose lives carry his legacy forward.
“He Kept Faith With God.”

If John Miles Ward is part of your family history, or if you have photographs, stories, or memories of the Ward family, we would love to hear from you in the comments. Your family stories help us preserve the history of Griffin and Spalding County for generations to come.

08/06/2026

08/04/2026

Remembering Homer Moore
Our Legacy Museum is proud to celebrate the life and legacy of Homer Moore, an outstanding citizen, businessman, church leader, and family man who made a lasting impact on Griffin and Spalding County.

Born in Gay, Georgia, Homer Moore later moved to Griffin with his mother and siblings, where he built a life defined by hard work, faith, and service. As the owner of Homer Moore Cement Contractor, he operated a successful Black-owned business for more than 30 years, contributing to the growth and development of the community.

A devoted member and deacon of Eighth Street Baptist Church, Homer carried forward a proud family legacy rooted in faith and community leadership. His family played an important role in local history, and Moore Elementary School was named in honor of Rev. John Henry Moore.

Beyond his professional and church leadership, Homer was an honorary Mason, a Shriner, and a man who loved the land. Known for cultivating a large garden filled with fruits and vegetables, he found joy in providing for family and friends.

Homer Moore's story is one of perseverance, faith, entrepreneurship, and community service. His legacy continues to inspire future generations in Griffin and beyond.

Well done, Mr. Homer Moore. Your contributions to family, faith, and community will not be forgotten.

07/28/2026

Honoring the Legacy of the Buffalo Soldiers 🦬🇺🇸

Today we honor the courage, resilience, and service of the Buffalo Soldiers, the first peacetime African American regiments in the U.S. Army, established by Congress in 1866. Despite facing discrimination and segregation, they served with distinction, protected communities, built roads and infrastructure, and earned a reputation for bravery and dedication.

Their legacy is one of perseverance, sacrifice, and excellence. We remember their contributions to American history and recognize the lasting impact they made on our nation.

Did You Know?

* Buffalo Soldiers served in the 9th and 10th Cavalry and the 24th and 25th Infantry Regiments.
* The nickname “Buffalo Soldiers” was given by Native American tribes, likely as a sign of respect for their courage and determination.
* More than 20 Buffalo Soldiers were awarded the Medal of Honor for their valor.

Today, we honor their service and preserve their story for future generations. 🇺🇸

07/28/2026

Before streaming… before playlists… there was James Holland, a true guardian of music history right here in Griffin. 💿✨

Known as “The Music Man,” Holland was the longtime owner of J&J Disco in downtown Griffin, where his passion turned into a legendary collection of over 300,000 records spanning blues, gospel, rock, country, and more.

But his impact went far beyond the store. Holland helped bring iconic artists to Griffin during the era of the famous “chitlin circuit,” booking legends like James Brown, B.B. King, Ray Charles, and Jackie Wilson—creating unforgettable moments in local music history.

A veteran, musician, and lifelong collector, Holland’s love for music began early and grew after his Army service, eventually leading him to perform, manage clubs, and build one of the most respected collections in the state.

Though he could have taken his talents elsewhere, he chose to keep his legacy rooted in Griffin—sharing his knowledge, preserving history, and keeping the music alive for generations. ❤️

07/27/2026

Now Hiring: Part-Time Office Assistant (Position #2547)

Join the team at Our Legacy Museum! We're looking for an organized, creative, and history-minded individual to assist with office operations, social media, event support, historical research, and community engagement.

To apply, visit Spalding County Careers at https://www.spaldingcounty.com/government/careers-with-spalding and apply for Position #2547.