A couple of weekends ago, Elaine and I drove into the mountains and stopped at a gem mine where some 20 plus people were washing soil looking for gems. While we were there a lady found a 40 carat ruby. The excitement that ensued inspired the other “dirt” washers to a renewed treasure searching frenzy. Elaine already had the gem fever from watching the Discovery Channel so we plan to go “wash some dirt” and see if we can find a treasure.
 

On the way home, it occurred to me that we, as members of the Gwinnett Historical Society do not need to go searching for treasures—we have many here around us.

Our first treasure is the Elisha Winn House and property, the old jail, Walnut Grove School, blacksmith shop, and mule barn; to spend time walking the grounds, touring the buildings will ensure your stepping back in time.

Number two is the Gwinnett Historical Society office, not just any office but one that is housed in the Gwinnett Historical Courthouse. Within is located a library with a treasure trove of books from other states and counties, family biographies, to Native American research books. Of course, the most used books being Gwinnett census records, marriage book and cemetery book. Cemetery and Church records along with many family files and microfilm make ours a top notch research office. Our recently revamped archives holds items donated by Gwinnett families that have been lovingly curated along with the old court records.

The third treasure is the people who make up the Gwinnett Historical Society. Without our volunteers none of the above would be possible. Volunteers make it possible to open our office for research every day during the week. Cleaning the Winn house, picking up walnuts, making sure the grass is cut, giving tours—all work of volunteers. Watching over cemeteries is the job of a very dedicated volunteer. Publishing books and organizing fundraisers such as the annual Gala, the Winn Fair, and the First Families program and banquet, requires very dedicated people. The news magazine, published quarterly is a top-notch, award-winning publication edited, designed, and produced by a volunteer. Don’t forget the monthly membership meetings with excellent speakers and good refreshments—provided by volunteers.