The Appling County Heritage Center in Baxley, Ga.
This is one of south Georgia's best kept secrets. In just a few short years, the history-minded folks in Baxley have turned this old school house into a remarkable treasure. They don't call it a museum, they call it a "heritage center". You'll see why when you visit. It really is a tribute to the entire history of the county. Exhibits, displays, replicas, photos, military, education- they've got the whole works.
They sponsor an annual "Heritage Day"
which draws big crowds and features games, story-telling, camp sites, quilting, bonnet making, cake walks, turpentine demonstration, weapon firings, and more.

They are proud of their visitors who utilize their growing collection of genealogy materials. In 2004 they reported visitors researching the following names:
Thomas, Carter, Taylor, Beasley, Moseley, Griffin, Yawn, Altman, Walker, Edingfield, Williams, Arnette, Roberts, Jones, Johnson, Hall, Varnadore, Summerall, Beecher, Willouby, Hardwick, Turner, Poindexter, Tyre, Bennett, Eason, Tippins, Deen, Reynolds, Dell, Leggett, Hesters, Ellis, Moody, Sapp, Buckin, Woodward, DeVaughn, O'berry, Hughes, Courson, McClelland, Mims, Aldridge, Murphy, Crapps, Strickland, Dixon, Miles, Crosby, Sellers, Douglas, Burke, Reeves,
Orvin, Griffis, Williams, Herndon, Lipstinstine, Peacock, Mock, Holland and Branch. They have a growing collection of census records, school records, tax records and county histories.

The images are right are from one of the Center's brochures. Their hours are generous for a volunteer staff. They are open 4 days a week and the first Sunday monthly for a support meeting which is open to the public at 3:00.

Membership Dues are $20 Individual, $30 Family, $50 Sustaining and $100 Business

One of the most impressive aspects of this center is the obvious partnership with all of the county's history minded folks. There is a well-done room on black history and an excellent War Room bearing the influence of the historians from the local "Appling Grays" Sons of Confederate Veterans.