The permanent exhibit gallery, in the renovated first floor of the 1917 landmark bank building, features the history and development of West Georgia from Indian settlement to present day. The exhibits spotlight major events in the region and the stories of the people who responded to the events. The narrative unfolds in each section through audio wands, wonderful and rare artifacts, and extraordinary documents and photographs. The exhibits bring alive the people who explored, settled and transformed the region.
Currently on Display through January 2010, "Home Life in West Georgia on the Eve of the Civil War"
Objects which have been touched, held, used, and some possibly crafted by West Georgia’s early inhabitants are brought to the forefront in the exhibit, Home Life in West Georgia on the Eve of the Civil War. Legacy Museum displays many intriguing items on loan from early Troup County families. Interesting objects from living rooms, attics and trunks of area homes are cultural expressions of the region, some transferred originally from the Carolinas, Virginia and East Georgia. Inherited possessions recalled from past generations help us put together a mental picture of life and culture on the eve of the Civil War.
Skilled craftsmen played a major role in the success of Georgia's plantation economy as well as its urban and industrial development. Moreover, many of the objects they produced provided West Georgians with a lasting cultural legacy.
Other displays include photographs of Troup County pre-Civil War homes that are still standing today, from Greek Revival to Italianate. In addition to house style, you will learn little-known historic details about each house – and their original owners! Photographs are from the Troup County Archives collection and historic photographs and biographies of significant 19th century residents of LaGrange from different occupations and backgrounds. These people made such a name for themselves that streets were named for them!
The exhibit is in conjunction with the LaGrange College Civil War Lecture Program, held at Callaway Auditorium, and funded, in part, by the Georgia Humanities Council.
Coming in 2010
Celebrating 100 Years of Boy Scouting in West Georgia and East Alabama, February 1 - March 31
Communities in Schools (CIS) photography exhibit/display, April 1 - 30
Toys and Games Exhibit, May 1 - July 31
