Fascinating Museums
If you need a break from the outdoors (or some AC) look no further than Habersham County’s fascinating museums. From history to art to technology, there is a museum that will intrigue just about all members of your family.
If you need a break from the outdoors (or some AC) look no further than Habersham County’s fascinating museums. From history to art to technology, there is a museum that will intrigue just about all members of your family.
Come aboard and follow an expert historian to learn about the Tallulah Falls Railway that laid the foundation for Cornelia. Later in the tour, you will learn about the famous historical figure who made his way here from the train in 1992. After the tour, make your way to the gift shop to pick up some souvenirs to take along to the next ride.
Hours:
Friday & Saturday: 10 AM-4 PM
Where:
567 Georgia St., Demorest, GA 30535
Hosted by Piedmont College, the Mason-Scharfenstein Museum of Art has two permanent exhibits that were donated by alumni Dr. Bill Mason and Bob Scharfenstein. The museum offers rotating exhibits featuring senior students, faculty, and professional artists, creating a new experience for each visit. Artistic demonstrations are held in the spring and on holiday weekends to show the process behind the works of art.
Hours:
Monday-Friday 9 AM-5 PM
Where:
280 Laurel Ave., Demorest, GA 30535
On the Piedmont College Campus, the Johnny Mize Athletic Center & Museum showcases the “Big Cat’s” gear and accomplishments. From facts about each team the Hall-of-Famer played on, his life, and signed memorabilia, the Johnny Mize Athletic Center & Museum really hits it out of the park.
Hours:
10 am - 2 pm, 1st Saturday of each month
During all City of Cornelia event days
By Appointment
Where:
353 Chattahoochee St.,
Cornelia, GA 30531
The Standard Telephone Museum collection was donated to the Habersham Historical Society. It tells the story of how M.C. York, a native of Clarkesville changed the rural areas of the state by starting a telephone company in 1904. After York established 154 lines in Clarkesville and 265 in Cornelia, he sold his company to H.M. Stewart. Stewart expanded his telephone empire to Dahlonega, Hiawassee, Cleveland, and Blairsville after WWII ended in 1944. Visit the museum to learn more about how this small phone company boomed to be one of the biggest in all of Georgia. The Standard Telephone Museum is housed inside the Habersham County Historical Society, Inc. at the J.P. Ballard Center at 353 Chattahoochee Street in Cornelia.
Hours:
Monday-Friday 8 AM-4 PM
Where:
458 Jefferson St., Clarkesville Welcome Center, Clarkesville, GA 30523
The Regional African American Museum of Northeast Georgia, Inc. is an outstanding exhibition of historical evidence of achievements and noteworthy contributions to society by African Americans with legacy in Banks, Habersham, Rabun, White and surrounding counties. The museum was established in 2010 to document and promote non-partisan resources dedicated to increasing public knowledge and awareness of African American history and cultural heritage rooted in northeast Georgia. Visit the museum to discover the largest preservation of monumental accomplishments of African American in the region. The Regional African American Museum of Northeast Georgia, Inc. is housed inside the Habersham County Historical Society, Inc. at the J.P. Ballard Center at 353 Chattahoochee Street in Cornelia.
Hours:
10 am - 2 pm, 1st Saturday of each month
During all City of Cornelia event days
By Appointment
Where:
353 Chattahoochee St.,
Cornelia, GA 30531
On land donated by Colonel James Brannon in 1831, the old Methodist Church was built in the center of the present cemetery and remained there until 1881. The cemetery contains the graves of several historically interesting people:
• Jarvis Van Buren and his wife, Eliza. Cousin of President Martin Van Buren, Jarvis Van Buren relocated to Clarkesville from New York to take charge of the Iron Works.
• Mr. and Mrs. Ezekiel Fuller, whose son, Captain W.H. Fuller, drove the locomotive Texas in pursuit of the General, captured by Andrew's Raiders in the famous Civil War incident that became known as "The Great Locomotive Chase."
• Erwin Griggs, a long-time clerk of the Superior Court of Habersham County.
• Andrew Gailey, a carpenter who made most of the coffins in which the citizens of Clarkesville were buried.
• Richard Habersham, a U.S. Congressman and nephew of Revolutionary War hero Col. Joseph Habersham.
• Matthew Rhodes and Mr. R.D. McCroskey, both Revolutionary War soldiers.
• Judge Cicero H. Sutton, Habersham County's first ordinary.
Hours:
Dawn to dusk, daily
Where:
Corner of East Morgan and Jefferson streets, Clarkesville, GA 30523
Contact the Habersham Chamber of Commerce to connect with our business community and start the process of making Habersham County your home.
