To mark the legacy of the catastrophic April 6, 1936, tornado, the Northeast Georgia History Center (NEGHC) will host a special 2026 Chautauqua Series event on Saturday, June 27 at 6:00 and Sunday, June 28 at 2:00, and reservations are already being accepted.
NEGHC NEWS RELEASE:
“This historical program features retired editor of The Gainesville Times Johnny Vardeman and his fascinating research on our local history as well as a riveting first-person performance by interpretive historian Ken Johnston. Johnston will portray William Malcolm (W.M.) Brice, who survived the disaster and penned the definitive account, “A City Laid Waste: Devastation of Gainesville, Georgia.”
In addition to the performances, attendees will be able to touch a tornado in The City Laid Waste exhibit and view the temporary exhibit, The Cocktail Hour: Fashion and Entertaining in the 1960s. Reprints of Brice’s original text, “A City Laid Waste,” exclusively available at the Northeast Georgia History Center, will also be available for purchase.
Seating is limited and early arrival is highly encouraged. For more information, ticket reservations, or accessibility requests, please visit: negahc.org, email [email protected], or call 770.297.5900.”