St. Patrick’s Day Greetings from
“The Just Imagine Cottage”
St. Patrick was born around 400 AD on the west coast of Britain. At age 16, pirates captured him and sold him into slavery in Ireland. He escaped and later had a dream that he was called to preach the Gospel. He became a priest and returned to Ireland to spread Christianity throughout the island. In America, we remember one of Ireland’s patron saints on St. Patrick’s Day, March 17 th .
A Record-Breaking Turnout for “Moonlight” with the Swingin’ Medallions
Over 280 guests turned out for “Moonlight on The Depot” with rave reviews for the Swingin’ Medallions, Octagon Café, the Silent Auction, and the Beach-themed Decorations. Thanks to all who attended and supported this fundraiser for the Museum’s Destination: Depot renovation project. Kudos to Sally Holmes and her volunteers who made the event run so smoothly.
Be sure to circle August 10 th when The Tams take the stage for another great evening of Music, Dancing, Dinner, and Fun.
Back By Popular Demand
“A Toast to The Tams”
Be Young, Be Foolish, Be Happy

Saturday, August 10 th
6-10:00 PM CSH Auditorium

Dinner- Music - Dancing - Auctions -Raffles - Fun

Reserved Table Seating & Stadium Seating
Tickets available July 1 st
Announcing A New Name
Georgia’s Old Capital Heritage Center at The Depot
It is now official and the sign is out! The new name for the former Central State Hospital train depot is “Georgia’s Old Capital Heritage Center at The Depot”.

Thanks to GOCMS Board member Jim Edwards for managing this project to get the sign erected and to Shawn Humphrey at Signs & Designs for the printing.  
Alas, No Treasure Found!
Unfortunately, the excavation along the east wall of The Depot has failed to turn up any treasure or even any interesting artifacts. Fortunately, however, the water standing under The Depot is drying up. Thanks to a generous grant from the E.J. Grassmann Trust and help from Dyer Construction, we were able to remove the steps (a late addition) and close holes in the foundation of the east wall of The Depot, install a new gravel drain bed and pipe to connect with an existing drain, and made provisions in the pipeline for adding two new downspouts in the future.   
We want YOU as a Heritage Partner!
Thanks to GOCMS Board member Lyn Chandler and a donation of supplies from Lowes and labor from Georgia Power Area Manager, Greg Tyson, Chuck Ayers, and Tim Nipper, our Heritage Partners sign is ready for your name. Click below for information on how you or your business can become a Heritage Partner.
Coming this Fall: A Driving Tour of Central State Hospital 
David Wells, GOCMS Board member and Past President, wants to make sure people have a safe way to tour the former Central State Hospital campus. Coming this Fall, area residents and visitors can pick up a complimentary CSH Driving Tour brochure with QR codes from the “Just Imagine Cottage” and the Convention & Visitors Bureau. Learn about the buildings and history of what was once the World’s Largest Mental Institution.
Museum volunteer Sara Brantley talks to students about Letter Writing During the Civil War as part of the Museum’s “War Comes to the Capital” Tour

Do you have a heart for teaching, cooking, planning events, hosting visitors, helping with fundraisers, writing, gardening, or any of the myriad other projects needed to support our operation? Want to get involved? Give us a call at 478-453-1803. There is a project waiting for YOU!
What will we call him?
For the past 5 years, this handsome mounted black bear has lived at the Museum without a name. He is a favorite part of the Chipmunk Tour and an excellent listener when young visitors come to learn about local Native American culture. Although not fond of the part of the tour known as the “Bear Hunt” game, he patiently endures the activity and is pleased that all ends well for both hunter and bear.
Black bear sightings in central Georgia are rare. The Museum’s bear was killed illegally by poachers in Jones County. A generous businessman in Milledgeville had the bear professionally preserved to be used in an exhibit for area schools to promote conservation. The bear then spent a number of years in a local science class before finding a home at Georgia’s Old Capital Museum.
After five years of anonymity, students and staff decided the bear needs a name.  The “What Will We Call Him?” contest to select a name was launched January 26 th . To date, over 100 students have submitted names. The contest is open to all ages, and entries may be submitted up to May 15, 2019. Each entrant participating in the contest will receive a tiny silver bear charm on a ribbon from the Museum bear.