Chris Cannon posted on July 09, 2010 14:34
ROME, GA. – Oak Hill and The Martha Berry Museum will be closed July 18-26 so that renovations can be completed on the museum building. Preparations for this work will be ongoing through July 17, during which time the popular landmark will be open but no admission will be charged. Normal operations are expected to resume July 27. For more information, contact Patrice Shannon at 706-368-6775 or pclonts@berry.edu.
Recognized as a “Star Attraction” by AAA and a “Must Do” by the Georgia Destination Guide (http://georgia.destinations2discover.com), The Martha Berry Museum first opened its doors to the public in 1972. Its purpose is to share the legacy and story of the founding of the Berry Schools through exhibits and educational programming. Features include a permanent exhibit tracing the evolution of the Berry Schools into Berry College, as well as an art gallery and temporary exhibition space.
The renovation work that is set to take place will involve new paint and flooring for the museum building, which is separate from the Oak Hill home. In addition, some furniture and art work previously in storage will be put on public display for the first time.
The purpose of the renovation is to make the museum a more welcoming destination for guests from the local community and beyond. Martha Berry herself commissioned a similar renovation of the Oak Hill home and grounds in 1927 with the goal of making the estate the “welcome” place for her schools. This renovation, while not as extensive, is meant to improve the quality of the Oak Hill experience.
Oak Hill and The Martha Berry Museum is a popular attraction and the former home of Berry College founder Martha Berry (1865-1942). It is located at the intersection of Georgia Loop 1 and U.S. Highway 27 in Rome, Ga. More information is available via the Web at www.berry.edu/oakhill.