Historic Athens Welcome Center

Civic Season is the time between Juneteenth and Independence Day focusing on engaging youth in civic participation and historical reflection. It was started by “Made By Us,” a coalition of museums, historic sites, and civic organizations with the goal of connecting history to contemporary civic engagement and encourage active citizenship.

To participate in Civic Season, Historic Athens Welcome Center has made a series of self-guided exhibits exploring the themes of civic leadership, education, and women’s influence in governance and community activism.

Between June 19 and July 4, visit the House to experience the special exhibit, "A House of Influence," and learn about the history of the home, the legacy of its inhabitants, and the community of Athens shaped the city we have today.

Athens is a city shaped by activism, governance, and civic engagement. The Athens Civic Trail is a self-guided journey through historic sites that highlight past struggles and victories in shaping our community. Designed for young voters and changemakers, this tour connects history to the choices you make today. As part of Civic Season, it encourages reflection and action. Follow the stops in order or explore at your own pace to see how Athens’ past influences its future. You can find this self-guided tour, and many more, at athenswelcomecenter.com/selfguided-tours-of-athens!

What was your guess for ? Congrats to those who guessed Banjo Clock! This American style of clock, known for resembling a banjo's shape, was popularized by Boston clockmaker Simon Willard in the early 1800s. This particular banjo clock from the c. 1820 Church-Waddel-Brumby House has a mahogany veneer and an eagle finial at the top typical of Federal period style.

Visit the Church-Waddel-Brumby House for free to see what is believed to be Athens' oldest surviving home! Located at 280 E. Dougherty St., the house museum also houses the welcome center. We offer daily walking and shuttle tours as well as community programs and exhibits throughout the year. Details at athenswelcomecenter.com

Today's takes us across the historic truss bridge at Oconee Hill Cemetery to the grave of Ethel Jane Jackson.

Ethel was born in Georgia to David and Berta Jackson on October 14, 1893. In adulthood, she got involved with the Order of the Eastern Star (OES). The OES is a deeply symbolic women’s fraternal organization with strong ties to Freemasonry. Founded in the mid-19th century, it incorporates allegorical teachings inspired by biblical heroines, guiding members toward a life of virtue, faith, and service.

A June 1932 issue of the Athens Banner-Herald announced a "lovely reception for Miss Ethel Jackson" that would be hosted by Salonia Chapter No. 227, the Athens chapter of the OES. This reception was held at the Georgian Hotel on June 17, 1932, in honor of Ethel, Worthy Grand Matron, and Harry O. Garrett, Worthy Grand Patron. As the Worthy Grand Matron, Ethel would have led the state or regional Grand Chapter. Her duties would have included presiding over chapter meetings, appointing district deputies and committees, conducting official visits across her jurisdiction, leading her chapter’s philanthropic endeavors, and overseeing ritualistic ceremonies such as initiations.

The front of Ethel's gravestone prominently features the OES emblem, a five-pointed star loaded with symbolism. Each point of the star features a different symbol: a veiled sword (top right), a sheaf of barley (center right), a crown and sceptre (bottom), a broken column (center left), and a chalice or "golden cup" (top left). In most instances, this emblem is presented in color, and each color in the star has its own significance (see images 3-8). The letters F.A.T.A.L. surrounding the central open Bible on the altar stand for "Fairest Among Thousands, Altogether Lovely," a reference to the Song of Solomon.

Experience exemplary adaptive reuse at the Southern Manufacturing Company, hike to the ruins of the Georgia Brick Factory at Sandy Creek Nature Center, visit the reimagined site of the Puritan Cordage Mill, and more! The Ruins & Relics Self-Guided Tour offers an opportunity to learn about sites that played important roles in manufacturing, water and power supply for the City of Athens.

Take a moment to view the notes that correspond to each location before planning your day of exploration. Please be respectful of all posted signage and the privacy of residents. Visit www.athenswelcomecenter.com for more!