Historic Preservation Gala Breaks Fundraising Record, Honors Preservation Champions

CANTON, GA – History Cherokee’s annual Historic Preservation Awards Gala set a new fundraising record, raising $27,275 to benefit the Cherokee County History Center. The sold-out event at The Timbers on Etowah brought together more than 200 community leaders and residents to celebrate the organization’s 50th anniversary and recognize the 2025 preservation award winners and volunteers.

“Preserving Cherokee County’s historic places and buildings is key to saving the stories of our past for future generations and to educate our community about that history,” said History Cherokee Executive Director Stefanie Joyner. “We appreciate the support of the community in our efforts.”

Lifetime Achievement Honoree

A highlight of the evening was the presentation of the Judson A. Roberts Lifetime Service Award to Nell Galt Magruder for her lifelong dedication to preserving Cherokee County’s heritage.

Magruder’s family has deep roots in Canton—her great-great-grandfather, William Grisham, helped found the town and built the home where she still resides, constructed in 1841. Throughout her life, she has supported numerous preservation initiatives, including saving the original 1914 Canton High School, chairing the city’s Sesquicentennial Celebration in 1983, and donating a generous naming gift to the History Center, where Gallery Two honors her family legacy.

“One of her finest gifts to preserve our history is maintaining and sharing the Grisham-Galt home and its treasure trove of historic photographs and archival documents with historians, researchers and writers such as me, so that rich history is recorded and left for future generations,” said Rebecca Johnston, president of History Cherokee’s Board of Directors.

2025 Preservation Award Winners

Three local governments were recognized for their significant preservation efforts:

• City of Canton – Continued preservation of the 1910 Canton Theatre, including recent façade restoration in partnership with the Fox Theatre and Fox Gives.
• Cherokee County, Cherokee County Recreation and Parks – Long Swamp Creek Park project in Ball Ground, a site of major Native American significance acquired in 2019 for archaeological preservation.
• City of Holly Springs – Restoration of the c.1870 Hardin House, now serving as offices for Cherokee Focus, a nonprofit supporting local children and families.

Preservation Partner Awards were presented to the Cherokee County Airport and Reinhardt University for their stewardship of historic resources.

Other honorees included:

• Phillips House (Canton, 1920) – Perry and Belinda Phillips, for maintaining its original Craftsman features.
• Meriweather House (Canton, 1929) – Judy Meriweather, for a meticulous renovation uncovering original features such as a double-sided fireplace.
• Gayton House (Waleska, 1952) – Josh Gayton, for preserving family history and original elements.
• The Farmhouse at New Ground Farm (1910) – Kevin and Gwen Williams, for transforming the property while honoring its past.
• Historic Ball Ground School – Lee and Brittani Lusk, for renovating the 30,000-square-foot former school into a co-working space, now known as The Elm.

Celebrating Volunteers and Community

Volunteer of the Year was awarded to Marjorie Boeshans for her extraordinary service to History Cherokee’s mission. Guests enjoyed live music from Kurt Lee Wheeler, watching Shann Coulter do a live painting of the historic Rock Barn, and a lively outdoor finale with Rian Davis and the Chairmen of Swing.

Sponsors included Bob and Debra Hulsey; Trey and Jeannine Rollins; Coosa Valley Credit Union; Hogan Construction Group; Lisa Morton; TPG Keller Williams; Winter Construction; Nothing Bundt Cakes; Croft & Associates; Reformation Brewery; Jericho Design Group; The Mill on Etowah; Canton City Lifestyle; Harry and Rebecca Johnston; Edward Jones – Sarah Kendall; and Artha IP.

About History Cherokee

History Cherokee operates the Cherokee County History Center and the Historic Rock Barn. History Cherokee’s mission is the collection, preservation, and interpretation of Cherokee County history.

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