DOUGLAS COUNTY MUSEUM OF HISTORY AND ART & WELCOME CENTER
Museum in Crisis
The County Commission has voted to terminate the lease of the Douglas County Museum of History and Art, pending review by county legal staff.
The Museum has not yet been notified or consulted prior to this surprise action.
A brief look at history reveals the building would not exist today if not for determined efforts by concerned citizens in 1998. It was scheduled to become a parking lot. It was saved to be a Museum.
Per action of the Board of Commissioners, for the first twenty years of the Museum’s existence it was funded by a small portion of the Hotel/Motel tax. It never came from County funds, rather from the designated tax promoting tourism.The disbursement method of those funds was changed in recent years and that funding for the Museum ended.
The following information is in response to the video of the Board of Commissioners actions at the Oct. 21, 2025 meeting. This can be seen on the County’s YouTube page at the 1 hour 32 minute mark.
In addressing the Commissioners’ comments and actions several items they presented are addressed on the right column...
Check out some of our permanent Exhibitions
Take a virtual Tour Here!
Special Events & Exhibits See recent reviews
We were never consulted regarding this possibility and not informed of the pending action.
In expressing need for use as office space, it was not noted that 2/3’s of the building is currently used as County office space. The utility and maintenance costs for that portion are already county expenses.
The Museum does not generate county revenue. Neither does building use as a county office.
Fundraising continues by Museum staff with $30,600 raised through September with more events scheduled.
The building is on the National Register through the efforts of friends of the Museum. It is recognized for its unique architectural properties.
All artifacts and documents in the Museum have been gifted by citizens with a Douglas County history.
The educational, cultural and tourism benefits of the museum are assets to the county and its citizens and visitors. Thousands of in-person and on-line visitors are shown the magic that is Douglas County.
Free tours always are in tune with the visitors needs and interests. 18,000+ visitors since 2022.
Regarding the Kennesaw State report on the work of Museum, after spending hours with their staff, the report was never presented to us. We received no feedback. The report was done several years ago.
Regarding concerns over demographics that relate to the community, if citizens don’t give it, we don’t have it. Our motto is “Save Old Stuff”. We have received a very diverse collection of artifacts and stories from our citizens. That diversity can be seen throughout the Museum in existing exhibits. Our goal is to tell the whole of the “Magic That is Douglas County”.
Contact the Douglas County Commission - Join us as we save the Museum at the DC BOC Meeting Nov. 3 @ 10 AM @ the DC Courthouse
The Next Step - Share Your Voice
Join us as we save the Museum. The BOC voted to terminate our lease.
If you wish to register to speak be there at least ten minutes early to sign up.
NOTE: Parking at the current DC Courthouse is limited so arrive early.
If you have a Museum shirt, please wear it.
