The Society will be open Saturdays from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. beginning January 5, 2008. Please come see the renovated building and do your research in the Society's Library. Our telephone number is 904-259-0587.
Board of the Baker County Historical Society
P.O. Box 856
Macclenny, FL 32063

The Baker County Press, February 17, 2005
Barber, Historical Society Honored

The Florida State Genealogy Society awarded both Gene Barber and the Baker County Historical Society Outstanding Achievement Awards. The awards recognize Contributions toward the promotion of Florida genealogy, heritage and/or history.

The awards were presented on November 12 at the Florida State Genealogy Society's 28th Annual Conference in Melbourne, Florida, and accepted on behalf of the recipients by Ann Staley, Conference Coordinator and a member of The Jacksonville Genealogy Society and The Southern Genealogists Exchange Society.

BCHS President Karen Thomas, who sent in both nominations, said, "Mr. Barber's contributions to the recording, and preservation of our community's history and heritage are extensive. This recognition and appreciation of his lifelong passion and commitment is exceedingly well deserved.

"The award to the Historical Society is timely because in large measure it reflects the tremendous response of the entire Baker County community to the challenge of raising matching funds for the Old Jail Restoration. The matching funds are essential for obtaining an Historic Preservation grant for the building."

A group of citizens founded the Baker County Historical Society, Inc. in 1978 to preserve the history and heritage of Baker County. The Society sponsors programs, school tours and festivals. Its home since the 1980s has been the Old Baker County Jail, built in 1910 and 1938.

The Society published a marriage record book, and reprinted two books on Baker County families: The Knabb, Brown, Raulerson Families and The Williamses of Baker County.

The Society publishes cemetery records from Baker County and other locations as an ongoing project. This makes available cemeteries information in Baker, Bradford, Columbia, Levy, Nassau and Union Counties, and also includes records of Charlton County, Georgia. Other available individual cemeteries include Long Branch Cemetery in Clay County, Memorial Cemetery and Forest Lawn in Lake City, Woodlawn Cemetery in Perry, Taylor County, and Bethel Cemetery in Echols County, Ga.

In May 2001, the society launched a major effort to restore the old Baker County Jail. With the help of the society and the community, the Baker County Commission has applied for funds to repair the structure and update the electrical system and has been awarded one grant. A second major grant is under consideration. The society has raised over $33,000 for the restoration project. The goals are to preserve an important landmark in the County's history and provide a safe environment for the books and archives, as well as a comfortable place for visitors and researchers.

The society's genealogical and historical library is open and staffed by volunteers on a regular basis. Information available for the researcher includes books, microfilm, and unpublished information. The library's collection highlights the southern United States, with emphasis on Georgia and Florida. The library houses numerous unpublished records on Baker County. The collections of two genealogists, Loyce Knabb Coleman and Lt. Col. Mace Harris, were donated to the Society and are available for research. Additionaly, much of the researach of noted county historian Gene Barber is on file for use.

Gene Barber was the Charter President in 1978 when the Society was started.

Officers for year 2008:

Kevin Shell - President
Karen Thomas-Vice-President
Gail Rowe - Assistant Vice-President
Gail Elledge - Recording Secretary
Glenda Owen - Corresponding Secretary
Timothy Whelan - Treasurer
Terri Beasley - Historian

Directors-

Officers for year 2007:

David Richardson-President
Karen Thomas-Vice-President
Gail Rowe- Assistant Vice-President
Gail Elledge-Recording Secretary
Glenda Owen-Corresponding Secretary
Timothy Whelan-Treasurer
Olga Carr-Historian

Directors-

Officers for year 2006:

David Richardson-President
Karen Thomas-Vice-President
Gail Rowe, Assistant Vice-President
Joyce Linsley-Recording Secretary
Glenda Owen-Corresponding Secretary
Timothy Whelan-Treasurer
Olga Carr-Historian
Directors-Carol Rowe (Public Relations), Joan Waters (Educational Resources), and Kevin Shell (Historic Resources)

Officers for year 2005:

President: Karen Thomas
Vice-President: Joyce Linsley
Asst Vice President: Gene Barber
Corresponding Secretary: Anita White
Recording Secretary: Glenda Owen
Treasurer: Timothy Whelan
Historian: Olga Carr
Directors:

The Baker County Historical Society is next to the Emily Taber Public Library on McIver Street between CR 121 and CR 228 in downtown Macclenny, Florida.

The Baker County Historical Society Library is staffed by volunteers.

We are open Saturdays 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.; 2nd and 4th Tuesdays 1 p.m. - 4 p.m.
If you are unable to come during the hours we are open, you may call the Society at (904)259-0587 to make an appointment.

The Baker County Historical Society meets the second Thursday of each month (except July) at the Old Jail at 6:30 p.m. All members and interested persons are welcome.

We invite you to join the Baker County Historical Society. Memberships are for the calendar year.

Send your check to the Baker County Historical Society P.O. Box 856 Macclenny, FL 32063.
Individual $15 / Couple $20 / Individual - Life $100 / Business $25 / Business - Life $250

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