Historical Society works to create Pike archive

Members of the Pike County Historical Society are working to create a local archive and have begun gathering and safely storing artifacts and research materials. At their last meeting, they heard from Claude Burgess of the Thomaston-Upson Archives who gave them tips on how to plan and organize the archive.’Pike County is always doing wonderful things and its historical society is no exception,’ he said. ‘The history of Pike is so rich. The idea to preserve such a history is a profound expedition. One day someone will look back at the individuals who have precipitated this facility and think of them with amazement and gratitude.’ The archive is housed at the Zebulon Opportunity Center. The countydonated a large map for the archive room. Any residents who have family histories or papers they would like to donate to the archive can contact Historic Society president Lynn Cunningham at cunningham53@bellsouth.net. Burgess gave those working on running the archive tips for keeping it community oriented.’Make certain the patron comes first and their needs are met,’ said Burgess. ‘Make certain they feel welcomed and ensure the community feels that the archives and history is theirs.’He suggested using technology such as taking digital photos and emailing them rather than making copies and mailing them. He suggested the archive work on exhibiting rotating displays to interest different visitors. ’People always look at the displays no matter what they come into the archive for,’ he said.