Norcross History Center Presents Plan to Locate in Historic Church Rectory

The Norcross History Center, Inc. Board has presented a comprehensive plan to the city for use of the Church Rectory for its planned Museum. The group presented a 3-year cost analysis and summary of its needs to City Manager Warren Hutmacher in July.

The proposed museum would complete a triad of cultural attractions in the city that includes the Community Center and Kudzu Arts Zone. Previously, the city council voted to lease for $1 dollar a year the Old Telephone Exchange building on Carlyle Street to The Kudzu Arts Zone, a group recently relocating to Norcross from Berkley Lake, and a house to the Latin American Association.

Citing the need to tell the Norcross story before it is lost to time, Museum boosters point to other successful small museum models operating in the county. Besides creating a home to showcase historical collections, artifacts, and memorabilia, museum promoters plan to encourage senior citizens to volunteer as docents and share their rich knowledge of the past through oral histories gathered and archived for future generations.

Mr Hutmacher told the council the city has funds available to help jump-start the museum. Mr. Hutmacher promised his own recommendation of a site location within 45 days of the Rectory and the former Weathers House in front of the new fire station becoming available. Both properties are now vacant as the Cameron family moved out of the Rectory this month.