SMYRNA, Ga. — A former mayor and city councilman who co-founded the city’s historical society says the Smyrna Museum needs more space.
“We’ve got a zillion artifacts and (lots of) memorabilia, and we don’t have a place to put it,” the Smyrna Neighbor quoted Harold Smith as saying. “I’ve recommended at least five different buildings for the city to acquire or build somewhere, and it’s just a slow process. And when you’re getting old, you get to thinking about hurrying things up or you won’t get anything done.”
The museum is located in a replica of the city’s 1910 train depot. The building was erected in 1999 and replicates a structure that was demolished in 1959.
The Smyrna Historical & Genealogical Society was incorporated on May 17, 1985. The group opened the first Smyrna Museum on April 25, 1992, and the current museum opened on April 25, 1999.
The museum is home to thousands of photographs and artifacts, some dating to 1832. The museum offers a number of exhibits and displays about the rich history of the Jonquil City and also genealogical research materials for anyone researching families who lived in the area.
Admission is free. The museum, which is operated by volunteers, accepts donations to help defray operating costs.
Smith served on the city council in the 1960s and was mayor during the early 1970s.