Preservation posts: the online journal of the Historic Preservation Division of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Feb. 2016

Preservation Posts, February 2016 | View in web browser
- Message from the Director - Black Heritage of the Golden Isles - The Jarrell Family Rifle - Updating GNAHRGIS - News, Announcements and Events
A Message from the Director
By: Dr. David Crass Division Director & Deputy State Historic Preservation Officer
The National Conference of State Historic Preservation Officers (NCSHPO)
annual meeting and board meeting takes place next week, and this year I'll be accompanied by Stephanie Cherry-Farmer, HPD's National Register and Survey Program Manager. This is the first year of a new practice I've initiated, which is to take one of HPD's program managers along so that they get some exposure to NCSHPO and our legislative and NPS staff contacts.
Mark McDonald (President and CEO of the Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation) and Daniel Carey (President and CEO of the Historic Savannah Foundation) will join us, as we visit eight of our House of Representative's offices and both U. S. Senators. During our office visits, I generally talk about the major program areas at HPD, emphasizing our role in economic development, especially focusing on Section 106, the CLG program, and the tax incentive program.
Closer to home, State Archaeologist Bryan Tucker is working with an outside consultant to develop phase 2 of our TIERS (Tax Incentive and Environmental Review) IT infrastructure, which will involve some statistical reporting tools that we will use to track our efficiency, as well as a web interface so that we can start to move away from generating so much paper. Bryan and Historic Resources Section Chief Bill Hover have been busy working with our counterparts in GDOT to develop a new review agreement, which is proceeding well. Phase 2 of our headquarters construction has commenced as well. It will include hardscaping and native plants around our building, as well as historic preservation and archaeology displays in our public spaces.
Finally, I've been working with DNR Deputy Commissioner Walter Rabon and Office of Administrative Services Director Terry West since last spring to develop agency-wide leadership training, and I'm happy to say that the DNR Leadership Academy will kick off in April. Over the following nine months, a select cohort of students from across DNR will meet for five three-day sessions at DNR facilities around the state. The goal of the academy is to help break down organizational silos and prepare middle managers to assume leadership positions, while building on and strengthening DNR's unique corporate culture. The Academy is formatted to provide a mix of self-awareness and servant-leadership exercises and workshops, practical topical instruction from department subject matter experts, interaction with department external partners, and exposure to a range of DNR's field facilities.
Next month I'll report on the proceedings of the NCSHPO board, hot topics at the annual meeting, and our Hill visits. Until then, enjoy this great spring weather!
Black Heritage of the Golden Isles
- An article in honor of Black History Month
An artist rendering depicting the Story of the Igbo, on St. Simons Island By: Kalya Morris
HPD Intern, African American Programs
When visiting the coastal area of Brunswick and its barrier islands, St. Simons and Jekyll, one immediately sees the appeal to those seeking a tranquil place with beautiful views. What a person might not notice at first glance is the influence African culture has had on the area; but several individuals and groups are now trying to change that fact by establishing black heritage sites throughout the region.
Some of the black history that can be found in this area began with the start of slavery. One of the most well-known stories told in the area can be found in Drums and Shadows, an oral history piece written by the Georgia Writers' Project, and is based on the lives of former slaves and their descendants who resided in Coastal Georgia in the 1930s. The story of the Ibo, or Igbo, Africans who were brought to St. Simons Island in 1803, is a tale of defiance to being enslaved. The Ibo individuals who were being marched off of a ship to be sold, decided that death was preferable to enslavement; they proceeded to drown themselves in Dunbar Creek. Many in the region claim that the area is haunted by the spirits of these Ibo men and women, and that if you visit the site, you can still hear their chants and the rattle of chains.
Another story: In 1858, after laws made it illegal to import Africans into the United States to become slaves, a ship named The Wanderer, which was originally built as a racing vessel, was used to illegally transport Africans to Jekyll Island to be enslaved. In 2008, Jekyll Island held a commemorative ceremony for those captured Africans who were brought to the island more than 150 years ago. On February 26, 2016 the College of Coastal Georgia (CCGA) hosted an event where a preview of Professor Tyler Bagwell's documentary "The Wanderer Slave Ship" was shown.
The Harrington School, in St. Simons, has received extensive work to restore the historic building.
The coastal region of Georgia is included in what is known as the Gullah Geechee Corridor -- these are areas where African Americans have distinct cultural and linguistic patterns. Individuals there share many qualities with the Africans they descended from, and have been able to hold on to this identity through isolation. Many of the Africans who were located on the barrier islands were able to maintain the ways of their culture because of the isolation of the African community from outsiders.
One African American coastal site currently being restored is the Harrington School, on St. Simons Island. This school plan is similar to a Rosenwald School plan. The St. Simons African American Heritage Coalition and the Friends of Harrington group have worked diligently to help educate many in the area of the importance of saving this historic building. Once on the Georgia Trust's Places in Peril (2011) list, the school has come a long way. The roof has been replaced, and groups have now nearly completely restored the building. Those behind this project should be proud. Once the project is completed, the school will be an example of education for blacks in Coastal Georgia prior to desegregation. To follow the progress of this site, and to learn more about Black Heritage in the Golden Isles, visit: ssiheritagecoalition.org/. Other sites that discuss the black heritage of Coastal Georgia include: www.sacred-texts.com/afr/das/index.htm www.georgiaencyclopedia.org/articles/history- archaeology/ebos - landing
The Jarrell Family Rifle
- 19th Century firearm is being repaired to go on display
The long rifle is currently being stabilized and treated by HPD By: Josh Headlee
Senior Preservation Technician
A long rifle once belonging to the Jarrell Family was recently donated to the Jarrell Plantation State Historic Site. Located just north of Macon, near the small town of Juliette, Ga., the historic site encompasses several historic structures, as well as hundreds of tools and other artifacts that span more than 160 years of the Jarrell family history.
This beautiful rifle would likely have been housed on a gun rack that can still be seen directly above the front door of the Jarrell's 1847 house. It would have been used by the Jarrell family for hunting and, quite possibly, even for sport. Civilian rifles such as these also made up a large part of the arms used by hastily formed Confederate home guard and militia units involved in the nearby Battle of Griswoldville, against Sherman's well experienced Federal forces.
This kind of rifle is often referred to as a Kentucky Long Rifle because they were so widely used by frontiersmen in early 19th-century Kentucky; also a Pennsylvania Long Rifle because so many of these rifles were produced by the highly-skilled craftsmen in Pennsylvania. Made of highly polished walnut, with intricate brass furniture, the rifle exhibits the craftsmanship and attention to detail that went into making the gun as much a work of art, as a functional tool. Kentucky and Pennsylvania rifles are easily recognized by their long barrels and thin, often delicate looking stocks. The length, as well as the very distinct grooves, or rifling, that twists down the interior of the rifle barrel, made them highly accurate and thus prized by hunters and marksmen. In fact, they were immortalized by two famous figures in American history that were known for their shooting prowess: Daniel Boone and Davy Crockett. The rifles were made with both flint locks and percussion locks.
The rile is not without damage, unfortunately. The lock and hammer is missing, and splits have formed.
The Jarrell rifle would likely have had a percussion lock and hammer. Unfortunately, the lock and hammer of the rifle is missing. This is also unfortunate because, often, this was the location where the maker's mark would have been. A very similar lock and hammer will be displayed with the rifle to give visitors some idea as to what the missing part would have looked like.
The stock is very badly spit just behind the barrel. In fact, the rifle is nearly broken into two pieces. The narrowness of the wooden stocks made this a common occurrence with these rifles. Therefore, the rifle is currently being stabilized and treated by the Historic Preservation Division. A display case for the rifle will also be constructed.
It is expected that the rifle will soon be a welcome addition to the exhibits within the visitor center/museum at the Jarrell Plantation State Historic Site.
Exciting News about GNAHRGIS!
- Users now able to export data
By: Laura Beth Ingle Architectural Historian
You've been asking for improvements to Georgia's Natural, Archaeological, and Historic Resources Geographic Information System (GNAHRGIS), and we're delivering!
One of the most common questions we receive related to the survey of historic resources is "How can I export the data connected to a group of points?" Until recently, we have had to give the disappointing news that this was not a function offered in GNAHRGIS.
However, thanks to a concerted effort on the part of our partners at the University of Georgia's Information Technology Outreach Services (ITOS) and the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT), users are now able to export data from the GNAHRGIS public map to a spreadsheet. This new functionality should greatly aide in many aspects of research involving GNAHRGIS data.
Gone are the days of teasing data from each of the individual resource entries and manually entering it into a spreadsheet! With a few clicks of the mouse, users can now review the data connected to previously surveyed resources in a simplified format, and can upload that data to ArcGIS for more efficient and effective reviews and creating reports. Users can also easily export lists of previously surveyed resources in a county to make re-survey of points a more streamlined process.
In the fall of 2015, a new widget was released on the GNAHRGIS public map. This widget is represented by the reporting icon in the upper right-hand portion of the home screen.
....... After clicking on the icon, the report window opens.
.... Users can choose to export the data connected to points within a certain county and/or within a certain survey.
After making these selections, the system generates a report of the following attributes: GNAHRGIS Resource ID number, classification (building, structure, object, etc.), latitude and longitude, survey type, survey name, county, resource name, address, city, zip code, state, owner name, date of construction, National Register eligibility, current use, original use, and architectural style.
From the report window, all of the attributes can be reviewed by using the scrollbars at the right and the bottom of the window. For greater flexibility with the data, it can be exported in Excel or CSV format.
Once the data is exported to the user's preferred format, it can be easily analyzed and reviewed. Users can search for a particular architectural style, sort according to construction date, easily find an address, or manipulate the data in any way it's needed for a particular project. We are very excited about the possibilities, and hope you are too!
For additional guidance on using this application, see the "What's new" tab on the GNAHRGIS public map's landing page. Please stay tuned for more exciting GNAHRGIS developments over the next several months!
Recent News & Announcements
Levitt House listed in National Register of Historic Places Press Release - Feb. 9 2016 Centennial Farms - Deadline to apply approaching** May 1, 2016 is the deadline to apply for the Georgia Centennial Farm Program. The Centennial Farms program (est. 1993) distinguishes family farms that have contributed to preserving Georgia's agricultural history by maintaining working farms for more than 100 years. The program has recognized 482 farms around the state. Each year, qualifying farms are recognized at the the Georgia National Fair in Perry, Georgia. There are three ways to be recognized: Centennial Heritage Farm - Owned continuously by members of the same family for 100 years or more - Listed in the National Register of Historic Places Centennial Farm - Does not require continual family ownership - Farms must be at least 100 years old - Listed in the National Register of Historic Places Centennial Family Farm - Owned continuously by members of the same family for 100 years or more - Not listed in the National Register of Historic Places Families interested can find additional information and an application on our website; or, they can contact us by phone at 770.389.7868
Upcoming Events
March 8, 2016 - HPC Training - Athens Through a shared partnership, the Historic Preservation Division of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources and the Georgia Downtown Association will offer a one-day educational training as a component of the Georgia's Downtown Conference. The Spring 2016 Historic Preservation Commission training will be held on Tuesday, March 8, 2016. April 12-14, 2016 - Section 106 Seminar - Atlanta Join the Nat'l Preservation Institute for an advanced Section 106 seminar regarding memoranda of agreement and programmatic agreements under Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act. Understand this part of the consultation process, learn key aspects that should be included, and appreciate the importance of clear writing. Review the available tools, guidelines, alternatives--and nonalternatives--to reach a favorable conclusion to the process. Learn more here.
Want to Contribute?
- Submit a Guest Article Preservation Posts is published to inform the public about historic preservation issues and developments from the perspective of the SHPO. In keeping with that purpose, HPD has inaugurated a new policy of occasionally soliciting guest articles that are directly related to our statutorily mandated programs. Please note that we do not publish opinion pieces. We also retain editorial control as well as the right to reject any submission. To pitch or submit a piece, or ask questions concerning an idea, email HPD Public Affairs Coordinator Jeff Harrison at jeff.harrison@dnr.ga.gov.
www.georgiashpo.org
Title image: The William and Jane Levitt House, in Macon, Ga. The home was listed in the National Register of Historic Places on Jan. 26, 2016. For more information, click here. Copyright 2016 DNR Historic Preservation Division, All rights reserved. unsubscribe from this list update subscription preferences