Griffin Spalding Historical Society

09/03/2026

Join the Griffin-Spalding Historical Society for a special fall program and book signing, celebrating the rich history of Griffin and the people and places that have shaped our community.

Tickets are on sale at GriffinHistory.com

We’ll explore the early history of Griffin through the recently reprinted History of Griffin book by Quimby Melton Jr, updated by his son Quimby Melton III, who will be with us to share stories and insights from his work. Copies of the book will be available for purchase at the program.

Come enjoy a fascinating look at Griffin’s past, learn more about efforts to preserve its historic places, and connect with others who share an appreciation for our local history.

Lunch will be provided. We hope you’ll join us for what promises to be a wonderful fall program!

08/24/2026

Join us on Tuesday, September 15 at 6:30 p.m. for an evening with historian and author Dr. Thomas Aiello.

Dr. Aiello will talk about his book, which explores Muhammad Ali’s dramatic 1970 return to the ring and the Atlanta fight that helped reshape both Ali’s career and the city’s place in sports and Southern history.

The evening will also include a special presentation of the Georgia Historical Society’s 2026 Bell Award to Dr. Aiello, presented by W. Todd Groce, President of the Georgia Historical Society.

📍 Bailey-Tebault House
633 Meriwether Street, Griffin, GA
🗓️ September 15 | 6:30 p.m.

Dr. Aiello is a professor of anthrozoology, history, and African American studies at Valdosta State University and the author of more than 20 books.

This is a FREE event, but an RSVP is required! Come hear the story of a legendary athlete, a historic Atlanta fight, and the Southern history surrounding it.

RSVP Online: https://estore.uga.edu/C27063_ustores/web/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCTID=11446&SINGLESTORE=true

07/28/2026

What a wonderful afternoon at the Bailey-Tebault House Sunday! 🏡

We had a great turnout for our July Program and enjoyed an engaging conversation about what’s happening now, and what’s ahead, for Griffin and Spalding County.

A special thank you to Griffin City Manager Jessica O’Connor, and County Manager Steve Ledbetter, for sharing their time, insight, and updates with us. And thank you to everyone who joined us, asked questions, and helped make the afternoon such a success!

Programs like this are an important part of the Griffin-Spalding Historical Society’s mission, not only preserving our community’s past, but staying connected to the people and decisions shaping its future.

Take a look at a few highlights from the afternoon! 📸

07/15/2026

Join us for a community update on the future of Griffin and Spalding County!

RSVP today: https://www.griffinhistory.com/event-details-registration/city-of-griffin-update-gshs-july-program

07/10/2026

07/04/2026

As America celebrates 250 years of independence, it's worth remembering that Georgia played an important role in the Revolutionary War. From the Patriot victory at Kettle Creek to the Siege of Savannah, Georgians helped shape the nation's fight for freedom long before Griffin and Spalding County existed.

Today, we're proud to celebrate that legacy here at the Bailey-Tebault House, beautifully dressed for the Fourth of July. A special thank you to Jan and J.H. Brannon for generously donating their time and talents to put up these patriotic decorations and help make the house shine for the holiday.

From all of us at the Griffin-Spalding Historical Society, we wish you a safe and happy Independence Day as we commemorate 250 years of American history!

07/02/2026

A Piece of Griffin's History Returns to Print! After years of being unavailable, History of Griffin, GA: 1840–1940 is back in print!

Originally written in 1959, this history of Griffin has long been a treasured resource for anyone interested in our city's rich past. Thanks to the work of Quimby Melton III, son of the original author, this edition has been carefully digitized, with minor updates and edits to preserve this important piece of local history for a new generation!

You can pick up your copy locally at:
- Caldwell Cottage (119 S. Hill St)
- Myrtle's Plot Twist (209 S 6th St)
- Griffin-Spalding Chamber of Commerce (143 N Hill St)

Or order online in paperback or Kindle eBook: https://www.amazon.com/History-Griffin-GA-1840-1940-Quimby-Melton/dp/B0H25JHVB7/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3I0H01XHOZPPL&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.datthtQPCy3r6V5OrUm1yCrbj9wHSaFM8-EoIZYu7irrRz_3T0uKZXZyMreSOOy41Zwwm8KtPb_Trur0B5yGV5jMS85jPIaxb82f6VnDDAk8zA5OFvP6njiFWfxcUlEtoFfrX3Ek7T8aC1r767hHW0UcIyVdp5rlDdezcBobR4_lfTXNUhVeh4NWDdqVNcRLkdCImEvAn6uGlEC9LXWQ0eYfGEYZ479rM6NMWnCJrmI.z44VPzuHt6dqOLjPjJpLyiymDhRT7BtetyB84EFdX84&dib_tag=se&keywords=history+of+griffin%2C+ga&qid=1780938312&sprefix=history+of+griffin%2C+ga%2Caps%2C569&sr=8-1

06/26/2026

We are fully embracing Summer in the Mary Smalley Garden at The Bailey Tebault House☀️

Our House & Grounds Committee does an excellent job keeping the grounds of our historic property beautiful and welcoming year round!

06/20/2026

To celebrate summer, we are showcasing this historic photo showing The Griffin High class of 1906, courtesy of Mrs. Emma Bealer Hollberg. From left to right: (top) Ed Anthony, Mitchell Walker, Philip Cleveland, Parks Walker, Lysle Edwards, (below) Lura Baker, Madeline Matthews, Jamie Johnson and Neil Banks.

Interested in more history and happenings in our society? The Spring/Summer edition of the Artifact is now available on our website: https://www.griffinhistory.com/post/the-artifact-spring-summer-2026-newsletter-of-the-griffin-spalding-historical-society