I figured I ought to comment on this, since I still know so many people in the area and it made me a bit mad. So the state government of Georgia has decided to close the Georgia State Archives to the public as of Nov 1, 2012. They are still allowing people to come by appointment, but even that will be limited. And I have no idea if they have an online database of their collection either. I think this closure is a huge injustice for everyone, whether you are just fascinated with history or want to research your genealogy. Having worked in the South Carolina State Archives, I know how much of a budget issue they have there and how they’ve stripped the staff so much that there is hardly anyone working there. While I don’t condone Georgia’s behavior, I feel like it will only set a precedence for other states having budget crises’ to do the same thing (which let’s be honest is pretty much all US states these days). To learn more about this issue, check out this article on The Unquiet Librarian. There is also a petition going to the governor to open the Archives back up to the public. I’ve already signed it, as I think it is the right thing to do. There’s also this Facebook page created by the lady who started the petition.
The Closure of the GA State Archives
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Rachel,
I don’t know if you knew that Papa really wanted to take a job there that was available when he left he service. It was his first choice, but they could not offer the salary he needed to support Nannny and the family (he did, afterall, send your dad to Marist among other things). So, welcome Lockheed. It was his second great disappointment, the first being not being let go by Gen LeMay to teach at the Air Force Academy when it was just opened. I still remember traveling (or making a haj if you will) to Colorado from Neb to view its stately self in the early 50’s. He would be apalled to know something he viewed as so important would be closed to the general public. Thanks for alerting me to this. I did sign the petition. May the God’s grant you a job in a state or naional archive to carry on the tradition of the grand old man. He was indeed an officer and a gentleman. Perhaps your heart migh really lie there?
Aunt Carol