Research Symposium

23rd annual Undergraduate Research Symposium, April 6, 2023

Laina Leslie She/her/hers Poster Session 3: 2:45 pm - 3:45 pm/ Poster #211


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BIO


I am a freshman currently working on my Bachelor's in Psychology. Some of my hobbies include reading, drawing, writing, photography, playing the saxophone, running, and drinking tea. One day I hope to have my own business based around one of my hobbies. Until then, Psychology will have to do.

Documenting Historical Homes in Thomasville, Georgia

Authors: Laina Leslie, Anne McCudden
Student Major: Psychology
Mentor: Anne McCudden
Mentor's Department: History
Mentor's College: Department of Anthropology
Co-Presenters:

Abstract


In southwest Georgia, about thirty minutes from the Florida-Georgia border, there lies a town named Thomasville. Thomasville, Georgia was founded in 1826. It is a small town packed with a rich history. In the 19th century and early 20th century, there were distinct economic areas of the community with the different structures representing the availability of resources or the lack thereof. From dilapidated sheds to majestic mansions owned by wealthy politicians, Thomasville has been home to all types of people and stories. Over the last several months, as a part of an internship through the Thomasville History Center, I have been documenting historical homes and other structures by means of photography. There are nearly 400 houses and buildings that have been recognized by the Thomasville Historical Society. Many of the houses in Thomasville are 100 years or older, with some even pre-date the Civil War. Today, although many houses are adorned with a sign including the date it was built and the name of the previous owners, there is still no formal record of each of these structures. My role in this project was to ensure that this history is well-preserved and organized for future generations, as well as to create a foundation for further research. Through my documentation, researchers will be able to explore the architectural history of Thomasville for years to come.

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Keywords: Thomasville, historical houses, photography