CANTON, GA – History Cherokee announces the launch of a new preservation initiative – the Juanita Hughes Legacy Archive. The initiative is dedicated to preserving, digitizing, and providing public access to the extensive work of Juanita Hughes, widely recognized as Woodstock’s Historian. The project is funded by the Joe E. Johnston Foundation.
As Cherokee County continues to grow and evolve, History Cherokee is working to ensure that the stories, voices, and memories that shaped local communities are not lost. The Juanita Hughes Legacy Archive reflects History Cherokee’s ongoing commitment to preserving the history of all areas of Cherokee County, including Woodstock.
“History Cherokee serves the entire county, and this project is an important opportunity to preserve and celebrate Woodstock’s unique history,” said Chuck Douglas, Interim Executive Director. “Juanita Hughes documented the people, places, and everyday stories that make Woodstock special, and we are honored to help ensure her work remains accessible for generations to come.”
Beginning in 1988, Hughes wrote newspaper columns chronicling Woodstock’s history. What started as a monthly feature eventually grew into a weekly column by 2003. Her body of work includes approximately 200 monthly or bimonthly columns and more than 1,000 weekly articles documenting the community’s past.
Many of these materials currently exist only in fragile formats, including aging newspapers, typed manuscripts, and personal research files created before digital tools were commonly used. Without preservation efforts, these materials face increasing risks from fading, tearing, and environmental damage.
Through the Juanita Hughes Legacy Archive, History Cherokee will preserve the original materials while also digitizing the collection to improve public access. The materials will be made searchable through the organization’s online collections portal, CatalogIt, allowing educators, students, researchers, and community members to explore Woodstock’s history while minimizing handling of delicate originals.
The collection will also complement other Woodstock-related archival holdings at History Cherokee, including the Magnolia Thomas Collection and the Johnston Family Collection, both previously funded by the Joe E. Johnston Foundation.
“The Joe E. Johnston Foundation has been an incredible partner in preserving Cherokee County’s history,” said Jessica Guthrie, Development Director. “Their support allows us to safeguard these important community stories and make them available to the public.”
For more information about History Cherokee and its preservation initiatives, visit historycherokee.org.
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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