A message from the Effingham County Museum's President, Delaine Donaldson                                                                                                        Local History’s Importance

Recently, while doing some research at the Effingham Public Library, I had a good conversation with a former student of mine.  She related how, when she was in high school, she cared very little about the study of the past; however, today she feels very differently about it.  She said she really likes to find out about how the people of yesteryear lived and that she wished she had paid more attention when she was sitting in a high school history classroom.  When I got home and related the above to my wife, she said, “If you had a nickel for every former student who has told you that, you would be a rich man.”

How very true I know that is.  My response to the statement frequently is that it seems as though many students recognize the value of history early in life, while others must wait on that history gene to “kick-in” at around age 45, or so.

Whatever the case may be, the Effingham County Museum is based on the preservation of local history, a history which demonstrates that the great patterns and events of history are really made up of local history and people whose names are not mentioned in general history books.

That desire to remember and understand the events of the past is evidenced in ancient times.  The Bible, for instance, tells of Israelites establishing memorials called “standing stones” so that future citizens would know about the things that had transpired long before they were born.

I have noticed how much emotion is evoked by visitors who hear the stories about the day-to-day experiences of former Effingham County residents.  One of our Museum rack cards says it so well when it describes the contents of a “Museum Packed with Emotion:” 

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 Please visit our Museum.  Get in touch with the fantastic heritage of the area.