Funk Heritage Center Celebrates Ten Years
In 1999, the Funk Heritage Center welcomed the first visitors to this unique museum. In the past ten years, more than 110,000 adults and children have visited and enjoyed many outstanding programs and tours. See the Funk Center's
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Dr. James Funk, Founder of Funk Heritage Center
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special tenth anniversary newsletter (PDF) detailing the Center's history and accomplishments.
On Saturday, April 18, 2009, an anniversary celebration was held honoring the late Atlanta physician, Dr. James Funk, the museum's founder, and others who played key roles in the development of this dream. Dr. Jamil S. Zainaldin, President of the Georgia Humanities Council, was the guest speaker during a brief program. He focused upon the importance of museums and what they mean to communities and universities. He stressed the necessity of preserving the past for future generations and complimented Reinhardt College for having such a wonderful resource on the campus.
A letter of congratulations was received from Governor Sonny Perdue. It was presented to Dr. Joseph Kitchens by Mr. Roger Wise. The 3 million dollar center was designated as Georgia's Official Frontier and Southeastern Indian Interpretive Center by the Georgia legislature in 2004.
The recently completed water-wise landscape was dedicated and Dr. Kitchens thanked all of the businesses and individuals who donated time, talent and resources to the project. Mr. John Bennett, Jr., co-chair of the FHC Advisory Board and a member of the College's Board of Trustees, presented landscape architect and contractor William Blair Ross a special award. Mr. Ross developed the landscape plan and dedicated hundreds of hours of work to achieve the final project. Only native plants are included in the Xeriscape landscape which will conserve water.
Visitors toured the Lou Reeta Barton Northcutt Native Garden to view some of Georgia's native plants that have been identified by number. Many of the guests also walked to the Appalachian Settlement to see the historic cabins and farm buildings.
Guests also received a special tenth anniversary newsletter (PDF) detailing the Funk Heritage Center's impressive history and accomplishments.
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