Chipley Historical Center

The Chipley Historical Center of Pine Mountain was established in 1985, so that the historical documents, photographs and heritage of the area might be collected and preserved.

Additionally, it showcases some interesting artifacts from the region as well as documents ways of life of days gone by. It is located in the original City Hall, which was salvaged and was entered into the National Park Service’s National Register for Historic Places on April 17, 1986.

Description

Located in the original Chipley City Hall constructed in 1906, the Chipley Historical Center  was established in 1985 with the goal of creating the finest genealogical/history center in West Central Georgia. In renovating the facility, the original jail cells – which were used until 1978 – were saved and are on display.

Saved from deterioration, City Hall, with its two jail cells, has been completely renovated and has been placed on the National Register of Historic Places on April 17, 1986, as the “Chipley-Pine Mountain City Hall.”

Historic preservation

Items of historical value, such as old letters, photographs, land grants, deeds, diaries, newspapers, et cetera should be preserved. Anyone with such items related to this region, or if they know of someone has such, please call or stop by the Center to discuss. This will contribute to the preservation of the rich heritage of this area for future generations.

Visiting the Center

In addition to a permanent collection of artifacts from this century-old community, rotating exhibits curated by the Center, assisting with general and genealogical research, and special programs throughout the year, the Center also features:

• A microfilm reader/printer
• Microfilm reels of the 1830-1910 Harris County Census
• Index books for the 1820-1850 Georgia Census
• Early Harris County newspapers
• Local cemetery documents
• Local church history documents
• Historical documentation of the city
• Collection of private papers, photographs, and documents
• Original jail cells were saved during renovation and are now on display as is the Chipley bank safe
• Special programs available to the public
• Special Assistance with local research

Relevant local items of historical value (i.e. letters, photographs, land grants, wills, deeds, diaries, etc.), should be preserved. Please call the Center to discuss donation of such materials.

Support

It is with generous support of many people and organizations that the restoration of the old City Hall, offering of the archives for research, and making the exhibits available to visit possible. Continued support of this project is achieved from direct donations, membership dues, fundraising campaigns, and volunteer assistance. To learn more about visiting the center or sign up to receive the Center’s newsletter, visit www.chipleyhistoriccenter.org.