Mission and Goals of the Marble Valley Historical Society

  Mission of the Marble Valley Historical Society
     To gather and record the history and happenings of Pickens County.
     To promote an interest in and appreciation for local history.
     To promote exhibits and recordings of the history of the area.
     To encourage a strong, active interest among our youth in the history of the area.
     To solicit and receive funds for the accomplishment of these goals.

The Society was organized in 1980 with the intent of preserving the historical resources of Pickens County: buildings, sites, public records, and other historically significant items.

Past experiences: MVHS, Inc. completed all efforts to preserve the 100 year old Pickens County Jail, placing it in the National Register, and stabilizing and restoring the building. Grants were received from private foundations for a small portion of the $100,000 expenses incurred in the stabilization and preservation of the Old Jail. No public funds have been received. Plans for 2007 are to put a new roof on the building. The Old Jail and Cabin are closed until spring due to lack of heat.

The Kirby-Quinton Cabin, formerly the native American Charles Tsali Dunbean's cabin, had been donated by former 9th District Congressman Ed Jenkins to the Pickens County School Board and teacher Tom Quinton. It was moved adjacent Jasper Elementary School. Upon the death of Tom Quinton, the BOE donated the building to MVHS, Inc. and it was moved adjacent the Old Pickens County Jail on Main Street. All funds for restoration and preservation of the 200 year old cabin have been raised by MVHS, Inc, including $7000 for new permanent chinking in 2006. It is the most valuable native American structure in Pickens County, where most have been destroyed by neglect or development.

   MVHS Officers for 2010:
     President: Ruth M. Wall
     lst Vice President: Maria Boling
     2nd Vice President: Bob Perdue
     Secretary: Mimi Jo Butler
     Treasurer: Peggy Perdue
Board members:
     Director: Tammy Bell
     Director: James Hefner
     Director: Lucille Hefner
     Director: Charles Luke McClain
     Director: Gloria Beaudet
     Director: Margo Coleman
     Director: Mary Farinholt
     Director: Webmaster: Linda Geiger

   MVHS Projects are numerous

• 2010: The garden around the cabin was reclaimed by the Master Gardners
• 2009: Began repointing the building and repairing the flashing and roof damage on the Old Jail.
  Final repairing the external part of the Old Jail and remoring of two rooms downstairs and main cell block upstairs was completed at a cost of over $20,000 to the Society.
• 2008: 15 new windows all customed made were added to replace the original windows in the Old Jail
• 2007: a new roof was added to the Old Jail
• On-going- Projects
  Collecting and preserving local genealogical and historical resources
  Administration of the Honea-Worley Award for Scholarship
• Activities:
  MVHS sponsors 6 historical programs are scheduled during the year
  MVHS conducts tours of the Old Jail and Log Cabin during the spring, summer, and fall months

You can help support the Marble Valley Historical Society by
Becoming a Member
Visiting our Gift Shop