Author: Andrew Bramlett

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Georgia Archives Newsletter: New Book Fund

The article below is from the April newsletter of the Georgia Archives. To sign up for the newsletter, use the form on the archive’s website: https://www.georgiaarchives.org/

“Delving Deeper: Exciting Additions to the Georgia Archives’ Library”

The Georgia Archives proudly announces the acquisition of a diverse collection of over a dozen new books, enriching its reference library and offering an expanded perspective on various aspects of Georgia’s history and culture. These additions are made possible through the generous support of the Friends of Georgia Archives and History (FOGAH), and, more specifically, the Kenneth H. Thomas Jr. Book Fund.

Kenneth H. Thomas Jr., a venerable figure in Georgia’s historical community, dedicated over three decades of his life to serving as Historian with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Historic Preservation Division. Throughout his distinguished career, Thomas displayed an unwavering commitment to preserving and interpreting the state’s rich heritage. Notably, his contributions extend beyond institutional roles; Thomas shares his wealth of knowledge and passion for history with a broader audience through a weekly genealogy column in the Sunday edition of the Atlanta-Journal Constitution. His ongoing involvement with organizations like FOGAH underscores his enduring dedication to the cause of historical preservation and education. The recent additions to the Georgia Archives’ Reference Library encompass a wide array of topics, reflecting the complexities of Georgia’s past. From the intricacies of legislative processes delineated in the Handbook for Georgia Legislators to explorations of pivotal historical moments such as the Chickamauga Campaign in River of Death, these books offer invaluable insights into various aspects of Georgia’s history, society, and culture.

Among the notable titles included in this expansion are studies examining the complex dynamics of race, gender, and power in the state’s history. Aggression and Sufferings delves into the tumultuous period of settler violence and Native resistance, shedding light on the formation of the Old South. Similarly, No Mercy Here examines the intersection of gender, punishment, and the establishment of Jim Crow modernity, providing critical perspectives on the complexities of race relations in the region.

Furthermore, the collection encompasses works that highlight the rich cultural heritage of Georgia, including explorations of music in Macon and the architectural legacy of the state. Something in the Water offers a comprehensive history of music in Macon, tracing its evolution from the early 19th century to the late 20th century. Meanwhile, Architecture of the Last Colony provides a captivating survey of Georgia’s historic places, spanning from its colonial origins to the dawn of the 21st century.

Those interested in exploring these newly acquired titles can access them onsite at the Georgia Archives in Morrow, GA. Additionally, the Archives’ online catalog provides a convenient platform for browsing and discovering resources remotely. For more information and to access the online catalog, please click here.

The Kenneth H. Thomas Jr. Book Fund was established following his retirement from the Georgia Department of Natural Resources. Thomas remains actively involved in supporting the fund, ensuring its ongoing contributions to the expansion of the Georgia Archives’ selection. If you would like to donate to the fund, support the Georgia Archives, or contribute to the efforts of FOGAH, we invite you to visit http://www.FOGAH.org or utilize the donation button on http://www.GeorgiaArchives.org to make your contribution.

The Georgia Archives’ latest endeavor represents a testament to the enduring legacy of individuals like Kenneth H. Thomas Jr. and the continued commitment of organizations like FOGAH to the preservation and promotion of Georgia’s rich historical heritage. As repositories of collective memory, archives play a crucial role in preserving and making accessible the stories that define our culture and heritage. Through efforts like these, archives reaffirm their role as vital centers of historical inquiry and intellectual engagement, ensuring that the stories of the past remain accessible and relevant to present and future generations alike.

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Georgia Archives Newsletter: Meet the 2024 Pre-Program Conservation Interns

The article below is from the August newsletter of the Georgia Archives. To sign up for the newsletter, use the form on the archive’s website: https://www.georgiaarchives.org/

This summer, the Georgia Archives is excited to welcome two exceptional pre-program
conservation interns: Grace Mattaliano and Laura Schneider. Grace, an Art History major from
Connecticut College, and Laura, a Collections Research Associate at the Madison Historical
Society, are exploring the complex world of book and paper conservation. Their journey is made
possible by the generous sponsorship of the Friends of Georgia Archives and History (FOGAH).
A Unique Internship Experience


Our Pre-Program Summer Conservation Internship is renowned for its immersive and hands-on
approach to conservation training. Under the guidance of our expert conservator, Sigourney
Stanford, Grace and Laura are not just learning about conservation—they are actively engaging
in projects that preserve Georgia’s historical heritage.


Grace chose this internship to combine her two greatest interests: conservation and archives. Her
fascination with conservation began during her freshman summer at Connecticut College when
she participated in archaeological conservation work in Italy and Greece. One of the most
challenging projects Grace tackled at the Georgia Archives was a soil map from 1922, which
required removing over 20 pieces of tape and mending numerous tears. This painstaking work
taught her the importance of patience and managing multiple projects simultaneously. She
learned that the sense of achievement at the end of such a meticulous process makes the effort
worthwhile.


Laura, on the other hand, discovered her passion for art conservation through her love for art,
history, museums, and science. She was drawn to this internship by the prospect of expanding
her paper conservation skills and experiencing the unique environment of an archive. One of her
ongoing challenges has been mastering tape removal, a delicate process requiring heat and
precision to avoid damaging fragile paper. Over time, Laura has refined her technique for safe
tape removal, enhancing her practical skills.

The Importance of This Internship

This internship is a vital stepping stone for aspiring conservation professionals, providing a rare
opportunity to develop essential skills and experience crucial for postgraduate conservation
programs. By the end of their time with us, Grace and Laura will have gained a deep
understanding of conservation ethics and practices, the ability to perform basic book and paper
conservation treatments, and familiarity with a variety of conservation tools, equipment, and
materials. Their efforts will culminate in a professional portfolio, showcasing the techniques and
skills they’ve honed at the Georgia Archives.


Grace’s experience at the Georgia Archives has deepened her understanding of the science and
chemistry behind conservation treatments. She now appreciates the significance of conservation
ethics, recognizing that each object is unique and must be preserved as the original maker
intended. Laura’s internship has provided her with an inside look at the life of a working
conservator, where she has learned to develop treatment plans by analyzing objects from
multiple angles and considering their individual needs.


Future Aspirations


As they look to the future, Grace plans to return to Connecticut College for her senior year,
where she will present her Museum Studies capstone project related to this internship. She will
also be starting her first semester of Organic Chemistry and fulfilling prerequisites for graduate
school. Laura is seeking another position in conservation or museum collections, and she plans to
visit the UK in September to explore museums and possibly tour conservation graduate
programs.

About FOGAH


The Friends of Georgia Archives & History is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization dedicated to
supporting the Georgia Archives. Since its formation in 2004, FOGAH has played a crucial role
in enhancing the programs of the Georgia Archives and the Georgia Capitol Museum. The
organization funds research tools, conservation efforts, and educational programs, while
members also volunteer for various events and advocate for the value of archives. FOGAH
supports archival training through internships and the Dunaway Scholarship to the Georgia
Archives Institute. By underwriting education programs, public lectures, exhibits, and projects,
FOGAH helps bring the rich history preserved at the Archives and Capitol Museum to life,
highlighting the significance and impact of historical documents and artifacts. To learn more
about FOGAH, please visit FOGAH.org.


The Georgia Archives, with the unwavering support of the Friends of the Georgia Archives and
History (FOGAH), is proud to offer this unique and impactful internship. We eagerly anticipate
the contributions Grace and Laura will make in the field of conservation and beyond.
For more information about the Georgia Archives and our programs, visit our website: Georgia
Archives.