CANTON, GA – Throughout 2025, History Cherokee is commemorating 50 years of dedication to preserving Cherokee County’s history with reduced museum admission, evocative social media posts, and special events. These plans celebrate the organization from its humble beginnings in 1975 as the Cherokee County Historical Society to its evolution into today’s Cherokee County History Center to its evolution into today’s History Cherokee.

From its inception, the organization has been an advocate for preserving Cherokee County’s historic buildings. In addition to spearheading efforts to save Canton’s Marble Courthouse and the Rock Barn, History Cherokee has also worked with homeowners and local governments to find resources to help preserve their historic properties.

A Journey Through History: 50 Years of Milestones

History Cherokee’s legacy is marked by a series of significant milestones:

  • 1975 – On April 17, the Cherokee County Historical Society held its first organizational meeting at the Cherokee County School Superintendent’s office. Mr. William G. Hasty served as the organization’s first president.
  • 1976 – The Historical Society’s first annual meeting was held at the Pinecrest Inn, featuring former United States Secretary of State Dean Rusk as the keynote speaker.
  • 1981 – The Historical Society celebrated Cherokee County’s sesquicentennial and published its first book, Glimpses of Cherokee County.
  • 1989 – The Historical Society successfully raised $500,000 for the preservation and renovation of the Rock Barn, which was donated by the Cherokee County Board of Education. That same year, the Rock Barn and Edgewater Hall were added to the National Register of Historic Places.
  • 1991 – The society Played a critical role in saving Canton’s Marble Courthouse from demolition and introduced the Annual Historic Preservation Awards.
  • 2003 – The first Kentucky Derby Day fundraiser was held at the Rock Barn.
  • 2004 –After operating for nearly 30 years as an all-volunteer organization, the first full-time staff member was hired.
  • 2011 – The Cherokee County History Museum opened on the first floor of the Marble Courthouse.
  • 2020 – The Historical Society rebranded as History Cherokee and launched a capital campaign for a new museum.
  • 2022 – The Cherokee County History Center opened introducing a state-of-the-art 11,000 square foot interactive cultural center in downtown Canton.
  • 2025 – Celebrating 50 years of preserving Cherokee County’s past, present, and future!

A Vibrant Future

Today, History Cherokee employs five full-time and four part-time staff members. The museum welcomes visitors Tuesday through Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. To celebrate the anniversary, throughout 2025, admission is only $5 for adults, while children 18 and under are free.

New for 2025, History Cherokee is introducing exciting programs, including:

  • Science Saturdays
  • Scout Saturdays
  • Monthly Sensory-Friendly Days
  • Winter Break Camp

Honoring Volunteers and Giving Back

Volunteers have always been the backbone of History Cherokee’s success. In honor of the many individuals who have supported the organization over the last five decades, History Cherokee’s staff members are each pledging 50 hours of volunteer service with other organizations across Cherokee and surrounding counties as part of the “History’s Helping Hands” initiative. The community is invited to join this effort and contribute their own volunteer hours.

Join the Celebration

Throughout the year, History Cherokee will share highlights from its 50-year journey. Follow along on social media and visit the museum to explore the history that has shaped Cherokee County. Together, let’s honor the past and look forward to an exciting future.

For more information, visit History Cherokee’s website or contact us at info@historycherokee.org or 770-345-3288.

About History Cherokee

History Cherokee operates the Cherokee County History Center and the Historic Rock Barn. History Cherokee’s mission is the collection, preservation, and interpretation of Cherokee County history.

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