The Cherokee County Historical Society will develop a new and innovative Cherokee County History Museum and Preservation Center. The location is the former Canton Police Station building at 221 E. Marietta St. in historic downtown Canton, following an extensive reuse and renovation project. The museum should be a major tourist attraction for Canton and Cherokee County, as well as a center for local residents and students to explore the county’s rich and vibrant history.
The historical society bought the property from the city for $1.32 million; the society will make the initial payment of $600,000 at the time the purchase is finalized, later this summer. The remainder of the purchase price will be paid annually from a tourism grant the Historical Society receives from the city’s hotel/motel tax fund, according to a partnership agreement between the organization and the city.
The museum will engage visitors by telling and depicting the human stories behind the county’s history. Using artifacts, storyboards and stunning audio visuals, these personal narratives will bring the artifacts to life and personally connect visitors to Cherokee’s rich past.
“We are excited to finalize the location of the new History Center,” Historical Society Director Stefanie Joyner said. “This will bring a much needed cultural attraction to Cherokee County, and provide a place for students to learn about local history. We’re grateful to the city for working with us to make this a reality.”
The plan comes as the Historical Society’s lease for space in the historic white marble courthouse in Canton expires. More details about the design and plans for the museum and the upcoming capital campaign to support the project will be released later this year.
When completed, the museum is expected to draw 20,000 visitors a year to Cherokee County. For more information, contact Joyner at 770-345-3288 or sjoyner@rockbarn.org.
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