Quitman Brooks County Museum and Cultural Center Collection

Collection

Collection number: CA-009

Scope and Contents

This collection is from the Quitman-Brooks County Museum and Cultural Center, which serves as a repository for the rich history and cultural legacy of Brooks County, Georgia. Founded to preserve and promote the area's heritage, the Museum documents the social, economic, and cultural evolution of the county and its towns through a wide array of primary and secondary resources. Its holdings provide valuable insights into the lives of the people, businesses, and events that shaped this South Georgia community.

The Museum and Cultural Center emphasizes community engagement and education, sponsoring events such as historical lectures, cultural performances, and exhibitions. Located in Quitman, Georgia, the Museum plays a pivotal role in fostering a deeper understanding of the region’s past while celebrating its cultural identity.

The collection is invaluable for understanding Brooks County's historical and cultural evolution. It provides a rich tapestry of primary sources and narratives, highlighting themes such as community development, racial history, economic transformation, and cultural continuity. Researchers, educators, and community members will find this collection to be a comprehensive resource for exploring the multifaceted history of South Georgia.

1918 Murder and Lynching that Followed - Fact or Fiction, September 2021 A digitized notebook binder containing Stephen W. Edmonson's essay titled 1918 Murder and Lynching that Followed - Fact or Fiction, supported by additional materials such as newspaper clippings and correspondence. This binder delves into the events surrounding the murder of C. Hampton Smith in May 1918 and the subsequent lynchings in South Georgia. It includes a critically annotated article by Christopher C. Myers from The Georgia Historical Quarterly, which is restricted to onsite access.
Brooks County (Ga.) History: Quitman and Pavo Binder, circa 1895-1999 This document offers an in-depth history of Quitman and Pavo, Georgia, chronicling their development from early settlements to thriving communities. It features photographs, essays, and oral histories on topics such as local industries, key landmarks, and personal recollections, with a particular focus on the Savannah, Albany, and Gulf Railroad’s influence and community traditions.
Brooks County (Ga.) History: Morven, Barney, and Barwick Binder, circa 1893-2008 A compilation of essays, photographs, and oral histories detailing the histories of Morven, Barney, and Barwick. This binder highlights the founding of schools, churches, and businesses, alongside community traditions and personal anecdotes, offering a vivid portrayal of life in these towns over more than a century.
The Isaacs, Concert Poster, October 27, 2024 A promotional poster for a concert by the Grammy-nominated gospel group The Isaacs, held at the Brooks County High School Performing Arts Center. This item reflects the Museum's engagement with contemporary cultural events and its role as a community sponsor.
Brooks County (Ga.) History: Businesses and Street Scenes in Quitman Binder, ca. 1876-1959. This document captures the architectural and commercial history of Quitman through photographs, stock certificates, and a 1959 souvenir album titled Old Tyme Quitman Scenes. It explores the development of local businesses, community dynamics, and cultural events.
Brooks County (Ga.) History: Dixie, Empress, Johnson Short, Mule Creek, Nankin, Piscola Creek Binder, 1928-1988. A historical overview of smaller communities in Brooks County, this binder examines events like the 1928 floods in Blue Springs, the evolution of Dixie and Empress, oral histories from Johnson Short, and a retelling of lost treasure in Mule Creek. It also includes the impact of the Piscola Creek Indian tribe, reflecting on early Indigenous settlements and their removal.