<![CDATA[William Harris Homestead Foundation Inc - News]]>Mon, 04 May 2026 22:02:02 -0700EditMySite<![CDATA[Enchanted Forest Festival]]>Tue, 23 Apr 2024 15:47:55 GMThttps://www.harrishomestead.com/news/enchanted-forest-festival
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Enchanted Forest Festival
at the William Harris Homestead

May 4, 2024
10:00 - 2:00

Tickets on Sale Now at www.harrishomestead.com

Every Year the foliage fairies and woodland sprites return to the William Harris Homestead to sing, dance, and enjoy the enchanted forest...and maybe grant a few wishes for children who believe in fairy magic.

Tickets are $10 per person and include entry to the Homestead grounds, guided tour of the historic log house and walking trails, plus all crafts * and activities. Children of all ages will enjoy a hayride; Maypole dance; Story Time; Scavenger Hunts; and demonstrations by Andrew Minnick, of Authentic Primitive Living.

Make a fairy wand to wave at frolicking fairies; paint magical toadstools; create beaded bracelets; make your own fairy or butterfly; have fun with sticker crafts for our younger visitors; and decorate delicious cookies. don't forget to wander the pathway to find the secret spots where the homestead fairies live and take a magical selfie at Fairy Arbor to remember this magical day.

*enchanting crafts for boys and girls ages 2-10 while supplies last!

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]]><![CDATA[Fairy Festival]]>Tue, 11 Jul 2023 18:21:03 GMThttps://www.harrishomestead.com/news/fairy-festivalThe Fairy Festival was held on May 6th, 2023, at the William Harris Homestead Museum & Education Center (circa 1825), an award winning Walton County historic site. Guests had a magical time making fairy wands and fairy houses, painting rocks, decorating cookies, and painting their own miniature fairy friend to take home with them. There was a Maypole dance and music making, story time, and a picturesque walk in the woods with our local fairies. Visitors were also able to tour the historic log house and grounds, and learn about the history of the land.

​A "fairy" good time was had by both guests and staff at the William Harris Homestead Museum & Education Center. 
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]]><![CDATA[Archaeology Day]]>Tue, 11 Jul 2023 18:10:25 GMThttps://www.harrishomestead.com/news/archaeology-day8518528Archaeology Day was celebrated on Saturday, April 15th, at the William Harris Homestead Museum & Education Center (circa 1825), an award-winning Walton County historic site. Guests observed Georgia Gwinnett College's, Dr. Kate Deeley, and her archaeology students as they conducted Shovel Pit Testing excavations on site. In addition, guests attended a presentation on Dr. Deeley's work with the Homestead with a Q&A session.


Visitors went on a wild edible plant foray with "The Forager Chick", Anne-Marie Bilella, and enjoyed spinning and weaving demonstrations in the historic log house. Guests toured the historic log house, outbuildings, and the grounds, as well as went on a hayride to see more of the beautiful historic property.


Doc Watson and his apprentice were at the forge, demonstrating the hard work of blacksmithing. Robert Dinwiddie used his tools, a sharpened froe and maul, to make cedar shingles by hand, like those on the roof of the historic log house.


Archaeology Day was a fun learning experience for all ages at the Homestead property on a beautiful Saturday in Walton County. Dr. Deeley’s research focuses primarily on excavating the foundations of homes of the enslaved people who lived and worked there in the first half of the 19th century. Through this ongoing research, the William Harris Homestead is now listed as a Georgia archaeological site ]]><![CDATA[Settlement Day]]>Mon, 04 Oct 2021 07:00:00 GMThttps://www.harrishomestead.com/news/settlement-day6190678Join us at the William Harris Homestead Museum & Education Center on Saturday, November 6th for Settlement Day! Come watch, learn, and experience the way people used to live hundreds of years ago.

For ticket information visit: https://whhsettlementday@eventbrite.com
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​Join us for Settlement Day at the William Harris Homestead Museum & Education Center on Saturday, November 6th. Come watch, learn, and experience the way people lived hundreds of years ago.

Make a day of it! Tour the log house, stroll through the grounds or take a hayride and enjoy the beautiful sights of fall. Pack a lunch and enjoy a picnic under the pavilion.

FREE birdpoint arrowheads to the first 50 guests through the gate!

*Adult permission required for guest 12 and under

Event admission $10 (all ages) advance tickets suggested, limited quantities will be available at the gate.Tickets available at https://whhsettlementday@eventbrite.com​
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​Images from Past Settlement Days

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​Public Tours are Back!

The William Harris Homestead Museum & Education Center has reopened to the public! Come spend the day touring this award winning Georgia landmark. Learn about life in the 19th century through the lens of the Harris Family while touring our historic log house (circa 1825), outbuildings, gardens, and exhibits.

The Helen Arnold Pavilion is the perfect place to enjoy a picnic lunch after your tour!

We are open on the first Saturday of each month March – December from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Guided tours are offered on the hour from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Ticket information is available at https://harrishomestead.com/public-tours/.

We thank you for your continued support and look forward to seeing you again soon!
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​Gather Here…For Your Special Event

The William Harris Homestead Museum & Education Center, a Georgia historical site, offers a beautiful property – 1825 log house and outbuildings, lush gardens, stunning landscapes – as a backdrop for a special and memorable wedding venue.

The Homestead is a perfect location for outdoor weddings, receptions, rehearsal dinners, bridal showers, and photo shoots. The property is designed and maintained for picturesque settings for your outdoor event for up to 300 guests.

The Helen Harris Arnold Pavilion is the perfect place for birthday parties, family reunions, or weddings. The Pavilion can easily seat up to 100 people and boasts a kitchen, an 18×18 patio (perfect for dancing!), accessible bathrooms, and the ability to have vinyl walls and heaters in the case of inclement weather needs.

Worried about scheduling conflicts during these unprecedented times? We currently offer the ability to reschedule your special event for up to a year from your original date at no additional charge, or you can select a partial refund on your deposit due to full cancellation. Contact hhtours@harrishomestead.com for prices and availability.

The Homestead offers a place with a sense of forever, a long history of people who lived and loved there, a feeling of serenity and a spirit of goodness. How else would you want to begin a marriage? Come and visit the William Harris Homestead Museum & Education Center. We want to share in your destiny.
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​Holiday shopping on Amazon? 

Don’t forget you can help us while you shop by going through Amazon Smile before checking out!

Amazon Smile will donate 0.5% of the purchase price from your eligible Amazon Smile purchases to the charity of your choice!

It’s easy! If your using the Amazon Shopping app on your mobile device simply open the app, go to settings, Programs and features, tap ‘AmazonSmile’, search for William Harris Homestead and then hit select. Shopping on your computer? Just go to https://smile.amazon.com to sign up. It’s an easy way to make a huge difference while you shop.

Thank you for your continued support!

Copyright © 2021, William Harris Homestead Foundation, Inc., All rights reserved.

Our mailing address is:
William Harris Homestead Foundation, Inc.
3636 Hwy 11
Monroe, GA 30656
]]><![CDATA[Spring into History with These Great Events!]]>Tue, 04 May 2021 07:00:00 GMThttps://www.harrishomestead.com/news/spring-into-history-with-these-great-events
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Meet Jim Sawgrass

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Jim Sawgrass is a native Floridian of Muscogee Creek (Mvskoke) descent and living historian of the southeastern tribes of Florida, Georgia, and Alabama. He became more involved with his Native American heritage by attending Pow Wows, Native festivals, and historical reenactments. He learned more about Native culture and history from many elders, outdoors-men, and reanactors he was surrounded by. He is also an Eagle Scout and applies his scouting skills to this day.

Sawgrass has been sharing his knowledge of the Southeastern Native American tribes for over 25 years. He served on the Florida Indian Council from 1991-1995. Sawgrass has been sharing his knowledge of the Southeastern Native American tribes for over 30 years.

In 1988, Sawgrass began presenting programs professionally on Native American history and started the “Deep Forest Historical Native American Programs.” Since then, he has performed at places like schools, Pow Wows, state and national parks, Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, Sea World, New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festivals and many other places around the U.S. He also been featured on many television networks such as History Channel, Travel Channel and Discovery Channel.

Public Tours

The William Harris Homestead Museum & Education Center has reopened to the public! Come spend the day touring this award winning Georgia landmark. Learn about life in the 19th century through the lens of the Harris Family while touring our historic log house (circa 1825), outbuildings, gardens, and exhibits.

The Helen Arnold Pavilion is the perfect place to enjoy a picnic lunch after your tour!

We are open on the first and third Saturdays of each month March – December from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Guided tours are offered on the hour from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Ticket information is available at https://harrishomestead.com/public-tours/.

We thank you for your continued support and look forward to seeing you again soon!
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​The William Harris Homestead Museum & Education Center
is proud to be a part of
Monroe-Walton Center for the Arts
2021 Garden Tour

Nature Meets Art

Take an up-close and intimate look at some of the prettiest gardens in our community.
Saturday, May 15th 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
ticket information at monroewaltonarts.org
770-2078937
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Join us for a fun filled evening in the Helen Arnold Harris Pavilion! Get creative with Leah, from In Home Paint Parties and paint a lovely lavender arrangement while surrounded by our lush gardens. This fundraiser will help us continue our mission to serve as a cultural and educational center dedicated to the advancement of heritage, agricultural, and environmental scholarship.

Ticket information available at https://whhpaintpartyfundraiser.eventbrite.com
Light refreshments will be served.
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Did you attend our last event?

April 17th was a Beautiful Day for a Fun Foray…

The day featured a hike through the scenic, natural parts of the William Harris Homestead Museum & Education Center. Participants learned about the different kinds of mushrooms that grow in the area during the spring as well as edible, indigenous plants.

A Mushroom Foray at the William Harris Homestead Museum & Education Center is a great way to get out and into nature while visiting and supporting a local historic site, too. Join us at our next foray — date coming soon!
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Learn about other ways to support the William Harris Homestead Museum & Education Center!
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]]><![CDATA[Spring is in the Air at the William Harris Homestead Museum & Education Center]]>Mon, 01 Mar 2021 08:00:00 GMThttps://www.harrishomestead.com/news/spring-is-in-the-air-at-the-william-harris-homestead-museum-education-centerSpring is in the Air!
The William Harris Homestead Museum & Education Center will reopen for Public Tours beginning Saturday, March 6th from 10:00 to 2:00 and continuing on the first and third Saturday of each month. Ticket Information is available at https://harrishomestead.com/public-tours/.

Come spend the day touring this award winning Georgia landmark. Learn about life in the 19th century through the lens of the Harris Family while touring our historic log house (circa 1825), outbuildings, gardens, and exhibits.

The Helen Arnold Pavilion is the perfect place to enjoy a picnic lunch after your tour!

In accordance with Governor Kemp’s recommendation, Covid protocol in effect. Small groups, masks, and social distancing are encouraged.
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We thank you for your continued support and look forward to seeing you again soon!
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​You can find out more about our renowned field trip program,“A Day in the 19th Century” and NEW tour options, including in-school options, by visiting https://harrishomestead.com/school-field-trips/.

For scheduling availability email Melissa Basta at melissa@harrishomestead.com.
​
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​Gather Here…For Your Special Event
The William Harris Homestead Museum & Education Center, a Georgia historical site, offers a beautiful property – 1825 log house and outbuildings, lush gardens, stunning landscapes – as a backdrop for a special and memorable wedding venue.

The Homestead is a perfect location for outdoor weddings, receptions, rehearsal dinners, bridal showers and photo shoots. The property is designed and maintained for picturesque settings for your outdoor event for up to 300 guests.

The Helen Arnold Harris Pavilion is the perfect place for birthday parties, family reunions, or wedding. The Pavilion can easily seat up to 100 people and boasts a kitchen, an 18×18 patio (perfect for dancing!), accessible bathrooms, and the ability to have vinyl walls and heaters in the case of inclement weather needs.

Worried about scheduling conflicts during these unprecedented times? We currently offer the ability to reschedule your special event for up to a year from your original date at no additional charge, or you can select a partial refund on your deposit due to full cancellation. Contact dixie@harrishomestead.com for prices and availability.

The Homestead offers a place with a sense of forever, a long history of people who lived and loved there, a feeling of serenity and a spirit of goodness. How else would you want to begin a marriage? Come and visit the William Harris Homestead Museum & Education Center. We want to share in your destiny.
]]><![CDATA[Cheers to New Beginnings and Great Adventures in 2021!]]>Fri, 15 Jan 2021 08:00:00 GMThttps://www.harrishomestead.com/news/cheers-to-new-beginnings-and-great-adventures-in-2021

Cheers to New Beginnings and
Great Adventures in 2021!
Thank You to Our Donors for 2020!

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In 2020,  the William Harris Homestead Museum & Education Center was fortunate to have received many donations from supporters as Friends of the Homestead, gifts “in memory of” and “in honor of” loved ones, and In-Kind donations. All donors have received individual letters of thanks for their generosity. For further recognition, the following is a list of contributors for 2020.
​Individual
Mr. and Mrs. Aaron Alender
Mrs. Ann Dangar
Mrs. Eleanor Queen
Mr. and Mrs. Travis Rutkiewicz

​Family
Anonymous via Facebook
Mrs. Janet Avant
(IMO Shirley Sauls)
Mrs. Nancy Baumgardner
Mrs. Patti Berry
Mrs. Sue Diamond
(IMO Elvy Harris)
Mr. and Mrs. Roger Hale
Mrs. Judy Hardegree
(IMO Shirley Sauls)
Mr. and Mrs. Darrell Harrison
Mr. and Mrs. Bert Harrington
Mrs. Judy Hayslett
Mr. and Mrs. Terry Luck
Mr. and Mrs. T. S. McFerrin
Mr. and Mrs. Boyce Norris
Mr. and Mrs. John Perry
Mr. and Mrs. John C. Porter, Jr.
Mr. Robert Sauls
(IMO Shirley Sauls)

Homestead
Mr. and Mrs. John Bell
Mr. and Mrs. Robert Benowitz
(IMO Mr & Mrs Dan Coker,
Mr & Mrs Wayne Towler)
Ms. Morgan Berry
Mr. and Mrs. Ronald Bobo
Ms. Susan Borrelli
(IMO Elvy Harris)
Mr. and Mrs. Ed Everett
Mrs. Susie B Fouts
Mr. Gartrell Garrett
Mr. and Mrs. Glen Hamilton
Ms. Inger Harris
Mr and Mrs. Rufus Harris III
Dr. and Mrs. Thomas Hawk
Mrs. Anita Hoffman
(IMO Elvy Harris)
Homestead, continued
Mr. and Mrs. Kevin HooperMrs. Gail Huie-Smith
Mrs. Shannon Logue
Mr. and Mrs. Brent Nimmons
Dr. and Mrs. George Pabis
Dr. Charles H. Perry, Jr.
Mr. and Mrs. Greg Rosa
(IMO Elvy Harris)
Mr. and Mrs. Wes Swietek
Mr. and Mrs. Grant Tribble
Mr. and Mrs. Ronald Tucker
The Heritage Class
Peachtree Presbyterian Church
Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Wyche
Mr. and Mrs. Ronald Zazworsky, Sr.
(IMO Elvy Harris)
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Heritage
Mr. and Mrs. Ken Breedlove
(IMO Mildred Huff Breedlove)
Mr. and Mrs. W. Jim Clarke
(IMO Ione Huff Clarke)
Dr. and Mrs. James C. Kincaid
Mrs. Elaine Oakes
TPI Engineered Systems
Mr. and Mrs. John Webb
Mr. and Mrs. Vigil Webb
Mr. and Mrs. Blake Young
​
Preservation
Mr. and Mrs. Rob Goudiss
Mr. Harrison Goudiss
Mrs. Adriane Leader
Mr. and Mrs. Gary Miller

Historic
Mrs. Vivian Beasley
Ms. Susan Borrelli
Ms. Cate Borrelli
Mr. Stephen Borrelli
Mr. and Mrs. Robert Dinwiddie
Mr. and Mrs. Rich Mountain
Mrs. Pam Wakefield
Ms. Candis White
Mr. and Mrs. Ronald Zazworsky, Jr.
Mr. and Mrs. Ronald Zazworsky, Sr.
​
Angel
Mr. and Mrs. Hubert L. Harris, Jr.
​Friends of the Homestead Levels
Individual $25.00 +
Family $40.00 +
Homestead $100.00 +
Heritage $250.00 +
Preservation $500.00 +
Historic $1,000.00 +
Angel $10,000.00 +
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We cannot thank you enough for your generous heart and your support of the mission of the William Harris Homestead Museum & Education Center. Your membership helps support us, as we continue to provide meaningful learning programs for adults and children, southern history appreciation events, and a beautiful property for gatherings.You can find out more about  “Friend of the Homestead” by following this link.
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​A Special Thanks to our Friends and Supporters
​The William Harris Homestead Museum & Education Center is an award-winning Georgia landmark. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Homestead features a circa 1825 log house, outbuildings, lush gardens, and stunning landscapes.

William Harris Homestead Museum & Education Center Mission and Vision Statement
Mission (Purpose):
The historic William Harris Homestead Museum & Education Center serves as a cultural and educational center dedicated to the advancement of heritage, agricultural, and environmental scholarship.
Vision (Value):
To preserve an early Georgia homestead, and provide education and insight into its cultural and historic impact.
]]><![CDATA[Cancelled Winter Event]]>Tue, 29 Dec 2020 08:00:00 GMThttps://www.harrishomestead.com/news/cancelled-winter-event
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Due to the rising number of local Covid cases, concerns for the health and well being of our guests, and new recommendations suggested by the Georgia Department of Public Health (https://dph.Georgia.gov) the William Harris Homestead Museum and Education Center has made the difficult decision to cancel our upcoming event, “Walking in a Winter Wonderland”.

Current ticket holders may use those tickets at our Spring foray “The Homestead Springs Eternal—New Growth, New Beginnings with Andrew Minnick” (date to be announced) or request a refund by emailing tanya@harrishomestead.com.

All refunds will be processed through Eventbrite.

Thank you for your understanding and continued support during these unprecedented times.
]]><![CDATA[Closed for Winter]]>Sat, 28 Nov 2020 08:00:00 GMThttps://www.harrishomestead.com/news/closed-for-winterOut of concern for the safety, health, and well-being of our guests and docents, the William Harris Homestead Museum and Education Center has made the difficult decision to cancel or postpone the following upcoming events:
  • public tours and museum hours on the first and third Saturdays at the William Harris Homestead (November 21, December 5, and December 19) have been canceled until spring

Thank you for your understanding and continued support during these unprecedented times.

The William Harris Homestead Museum and Education Center staff will still be able to respond to calls and emails in a timely manner.

The William Harris Homestead is a nonprofit organization focused on serving as an educational center for the advancement of heritage, environmental, and agricultural scholarship. The support of our visitors, schools, Friends of the Homestead, and community is highly valued and is of the upmost importance. Revenue from our field trip program and special events play a large part in our daily operations, and we hope for your continued support for the William Harris homestead museum and education center during this time.

Please visit our “contribute here” page, here on the website, to learn more.
]]><![CDATA[See You in the Spring!]]>Wed, 18 Nov 2020 08:00:00 GMThttps://www.harrishomestead.com/news/see-you-in-the-springOut of concern for the safety, health, and well-being of everyone, the William Harris Homestead Museum & Education Center has made the difficult decision to cancel or postpone upcoming events.

Public tours and museum hours on the first and third Saturdays at the William Harris Homestead (November 21, December 5 and December 19) have been canceled until spring.

Thank you for your understanding and continued support during these unprecedented times.

The William Harris Homestead Museum & Education Center staff will still be able to respond to calls and emails in a timely manner.

The William Harris homestead is a nonprofit organization focused on serving as a cultural and educational center for the advancement of heritage, environmental, and agricultural scholarship. The support of our visitors, schools, Friends of the Homestead, and community is highly valued and is of the utmost importance. Revenue from our field trip program and special events play a large part in our daily operations, and we hope for your continued support for the William Harris Hampstead Museum & Education Center during this time. Please visit our “contribute here“ page on our website, www.harrishomestead.com to learn more.

We thank you again for your continued support and look forward to seeing you in the spring!
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