Still PURE Gold

The Dahlonega Gold Museum State Historic Site will re-open its newly renovated building and exhibits to the public in a highly-anticipated grand re-opening ceremony scheduled for Monday, June 18th. Visitors will enjoy a ribbon cutting ceremony and speeches from V.I.P. guests including: U.S. Georgia State Senator, Steve Gooch, Dahlonega Mayor, Sam Norton, Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Mark Williams and Director of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Parks, Recreation & Historic Sites Division, Becky Kelley.

Steeped in gold and rich history, the historically prominent Dahlonega Gold Museum State Historic Site previously served as the acting Courthouse of Lumpkin County from 1836 to 1965. When beginning the renovation process, the collective goal of site staff was to capture the ambiance of a court session by creating displays that would take visitors back in time to the 1940s. This goal was accomplished by building a scrim wall and using a photo taken from 1942 as wallpaper throughout the facility. The photo utilized as a visual aid to transport guests back in time was previously featured in Life Magazine and effectively highlights the eclectic city of Dahlonega and the Old Lumpkin County Courthouse.

“The renovations consisted of a complete overhaul of our exhibits.” Historic Site Manager, Sam McDuffie said. “Signature Design, LLC really captured the History of Dahlonega through their design and Building Four, LLC brought the vision to life.”

The design inspiration for the renovation was in the process for three years and construction officially began in January of 2018. The new exhibits were based on three specific themes: the Dahlonega Gold Rush, the Dahlonega Branch of the Federal Mint and the Lumpkin County Courthouse. The Gold Rush narrative incorporates Benjamin Parks, the Georgia Land Lottery, the Trail of Tears and Life during the gold rush days of Dahlonega. Through the new Dahlonega mint exhibit, guests will gain insight into the coining process via captivating displays of the coin and gold collections.

“Dahlonega’s Gold Museum is the history and heritage centerpiece of the city’s charming and award-winning Historic Public Square,” Tourism Director of the Dahlonega-Lumpkin County Chamber & Visitors Bureau, David Zunker said. “This revitalized treasure is the best place to learn the history behind how Dahlonega became the city it is today through an authentic experience, state-of-the-art displays and a magnitude of rare and priceless Dahlonega-minted coin collections.”
Not only will visitor’s experiences and senses be heightened by the visually pleasing and intricate exhibit renovations, but the museum will continue to also offer their two popular escape rooms in July. Venture through history by choosing from either the “Hung Jury” which is set in the year 1855 or the “Mystery at the Mint,” set in 1862. During both formats, guests will look for clues, solve puzzles and examine real historical documents as the group works together to escape the room. Tickets are $15 per person and must be purchased in advance. To make a reservation, please call the museum at 706-864-2257. For more information on the escape rooms, museum hours of operation and additional information, visit GaStateParks.org/DahlonegaGoldMuseum.

Listed in the National Register of Historic Places, the one-of-a-kind town of Dahlonega is an all-encompassing destination where guests can enjoy shopping, sightseeing and panning for gold. Prolong the visit and indulge in nearby offerings including hiking and boating at Don Carter State Park, ziplining at Unicoi State Park and refreshing waterfall views at Georgia’s gem, Amicalola Falls State Park.

Reservations and additional information for any of the surrounding park's facilities, including the campsites and cottages, can be made by calling 1-800-864-7275 or by going online to GaStateParks.org/Reservations or GaStateParks.org.

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About Georgia State Parks & Historic Sites
Georgia’s State Parks are affordable destinations for vacations and quick getaways. Waterfalls and lakes, salt marsh and mountains are just some of the beautiful environments of the state parks. Georgia State Park Golf Courses offer the best variety and value around. With eight golf courses to choose from, each features natural settings and picturesque surroundings, as well as fun and challenging play. Most state parks offer fishing, boating, hiking, camping, geocaching, birding and more. Accommodations include campsites, cabins, lodges, even yurts, and vary by park. Among the Georgia State Historic Sites are presidential homes, ancient Indian mounds, battlefields, plantations and even a gold museum. Georgia’s public libraries have ParkPasses and Historic Site Passes that can be checked out like a book. GaStateParks.org/thingstoknow.

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