Towns County Historical Society

06/17/2026

Have you purchased your tickets for Lace, Laurel, Legacy - a gala benefitting the Berrong-Oakley House restoration project. We would love to have you join us for this night of fun! You can purchase tickets at townscountyhistory.org/gala

06/15/2026

Swappin’ Stories: Passin’ It On

This year’s Swappin’ Stories project is focused on collecting the stories, memories, and landscapes of Towns County as they exist today so they can be preserved for future generations.

As historians, researchers, and lovers of local history, we often find ourselves wishing someone had taken just one more photograph of a place that is now gone. Whether it was a family store, an old schoolhouse, a beloved home, or a familiar community landmark, those images help tell the story of who we were and how our communities have changed.

One goal of this year’s project is to collect photographs of places across Towns County and pair them with their stories, creating a “yearbook” of our county in this moment in time. These images and stories will become part of our community time capsule, giving future generations a glimpse into the places, people, and traditions that make Towns County special.

Do you know of a place that should be included? We’d love to hear from you! Let us know what locations, landmarks, businesses, churches, schools, farms, or community gathering places help tell the story of Towns County today.

06/15/2026

Construction of the Hiawassee Bridge, Hiawassee, Georgia 1941 

06/15/2026

Join us Friday at the Old Rock Jail!

Friday the ORJ will be open from 10-2 for self guided tours. In addition, we will have a pop up event for our America250 time capsule project. Stop by and write a letter to the future generations of Towns County!

06/08/2026

We look forward to seeing you tonight!

06/06/2026

Thank you to everyone who joined us today for the Old Rock Jail’s Grand Reopening and 90th Anniversary Celebration!

We were honored to see so many community members, visitors, volunteers, elected officials, and supporters come together to celebrate this important piece of Towns County history. From the ribbon cutting and special speakers to the live music, tours, refreshments, and fellowship, your presence helped make the day a success.

A special thank you goes to our dedicated volunteers whose countless hours of work helped prepare the museum for reopening. Your commitment to preserving and sharing our local history makes projects like this possible.

If you were unable to attend, we invite you to stop by and visit. The Old Rock Jail Museum is now open:

📅 1st & 3rd Friday & Saturday
🕙 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM

✨ Extended Hours - First Friday during the Hiawassee Night Market 5:00 - 8:00 PM

We look forward to welcoming you and sharing the stories of Towns County’s past for many years to come.

Thank you for helping us celebrate 90 years of history at the Old Rock Jail!

06/05/2026

For 90 years, the Old Rock Jail has stood as one of Towns County’s most recognizable landmarks.

Built in 1936, this stone building has served our community as a jail, city hall, police department, county office space, and now as the Old Rock Jail Museum. Its walls hold stories of lawmen, families, inmates, local history, and the generations who helped shape Towns County.

This Saturday, we invite you to help us celebrate its 90th year and official reopening!

Join the Towns County Historical Society on Saturday, June 6, from 12:00–2:00 PM for tours, new and favorite exhibits, live music, guest speakers, refreshments, and a ribbon cutting.

Come celebrate this important piece of Towns County history with us. We can’t wait to welcome you back inside the Old Rock Jail!

06/04/2026

Join us Saturday for the grand reopening and 90th anniversary celebration of the Old Rock Jail!

The celebration kicks off at 12PM with special guest speakers, ribbon cutting, live entertainment, refreshments, & tours of the historic jail building.

05/29/2026

Have you purchased your tickets? This is going to be a don’t miss event!

✨ You’re invited to an unforgettable evening of history, elegance, and preservation! ✨

Join the Towns County Historical Society for Laurel, Lace, & Legacy, a gala benefiting the restoration of the Berrong-Oakley House.

📅 Saturday, July 25, 2026
⏰ 5:00 PM
📍 Rollins Center, Young Harris College

Guests will enjoy a plated dinner, entertainment, a silent auction, and an elegant evening celebrating local history and the future of one of Hiawassee’s treasured landmarks. Each ticket includes one complimentary drink ticket.

🎟️ Tickets are $75 per person
Proceeds from this event will support the ongoing restoration of the Berrong-Oakley House, helping preserve this important piece of Towns County history for future generations.

Get your tickets today at townscountyhistory.org/gala or call (706) 389-8376.
We hope you’ll join us for a beautiful night where community, history, and legacy come together!