About Us

Our Mission

The Rabun County Historical Society collects, preserves and displays an extensive range of materials that document our 200-year history.

Our museum houses a growing collection of artifacts, photographs and records that illustrate the major historical themes and events that have shaped the development of Rabun County and northeastern Georgia. The Society’s archives encompass research materials of historical importance not only to Rabun County but also to the surrounding region. Land records include title abstracts dating to the original 1820 land lottery and a hand-drawn map of the original land lots. Other archived records include:

  • Church histories
  • School histories
  • Indexed back issues of the Clayton Tribune
  • Railroad maps
  • Family histories and genealogies
  • Census records
  • Cemetery records
  • Obituaries
  • County histories
  • Civil War records
  • Marriage records

We also publish articles about Rabun County’s history in newspapers and regional publications; make presentations at civic organizations, schools and churches; and commemorate buildings of historical importance with special markers.

The Society’s Leadership

  • George Prater, President
  • Rebecca Peterson, Vice President
  • Linda Barden, Secretary
  • George Prater, Treasurer
  • Ron Barden
  • Dick Cinquina
  • Pat Coleman
  • Wanda Dunn

The board meets at the Society’s museum at 81 North Church Street, Clayton at 4:30 PM on the third Thursdays in January, March, May, July, September and November. Anyone interested in the history of Rabun County is welcome to attend.