BankSouth announces April 8, 2016 as the official opening date of the Lake Country Discovery Museum.  The new 3,500 sq. ft. facility features most notably a stunning 8ft x 10ft scale model of Lake Oconee and the surrounding “Lake Country” area. Visitors will enjoy historical exhibits, interactive multi-media displays, informational kiosks, videos, nostalgic memorabilia, an art gallery and hundreds of photographs depicting “Georgia’s Lake Country.” The museum is a free community service from BankSouth and open to the public 6 days a week. Details about a Grand Opening Commemorative Celebration in mid-May are forthcoming.
 
“The Lake Country Discovery Museum will appeal to visitors and residents alike, and we’re excited to share this comprehensive resource with the community. Visitors will learn about the geography, history, culture, recreation and many other treasures found in nearby Greene, Putnam, Morgan and Baldwin counties. There is much to be celebrated in this beautiful region with its rich natural resources and plentiful opportunities to live, work, raise families and simply enjoy life. We hope this 360-degree view of just how special “Lake Country” is will be a favorite destination in the region and source of valuable information to newcomers” said Harold Reynolds, chairman and CEO, BankSouth.
 
Some of the museum’s many highlights include a new documentary about the building of Wallace Dam and Lake Oconee and high tech access to regional information about local schools, churches, entertainment and more. Lively photo slideshows will spotlight the sights and sounds of everyday life in Lake Country. Volunteers will be onsite to answer questions and assist visitors seeking information. In addition, the museum will be the potential location of future traveling exhibits, social events, lectures, storytelling, demonstrations, school field trips and visiting tour groups.
 
“BankSouth is honored to have been a part of our community for 70 years, and the Discovery Museum reflects the vibrancy and growth of today’s Lake Country. We want to build strong alliances for shared economic growth and hope the many exhibits inspire others to engage further as they explore the region’s rich historical legacy and exciting future” stated Reynolds.
 
“We extend our gratitude and appreciation to the local chambers of commerce as well as several businesses, associations and residents who contributed significant resources, information and media to help us develop content for the museum. Special thanks to Georgia Power Company for providing access to archived photos, records, footage, maps and rare interviews with individuals who were actually part of the original Wallace Dam engineering and construction crews. We are also extremely proud to host a portion of locally discovered artifacts collected by the late E.H. Armor, former Greene County Historian and beloved local character. According to respected archaeologist Scott Jones, author of “Postcards to the Past” and other publications, many items in the collection ‘reflect nearly 12,000 years of Native American prehistory in the central Oconee River valley.’ This will be a dynamic destination in our area and will continue to grow and evolve with changing exhibits and periodic events.  We invite you to come experience all that the museum has to offer,” said Reynolds.
 
The Lake Country Discovery Museum is located at 6340 Lake Oconee Parkway Greensboro, Georgia 30642 inside the BankSouth building.  Admission is free and open to the public Tuesday through Saturday from 9:00am-5:00pm and Sunday, 1:00pm-5:00pm.  For more information, please visit www.lakecountrydiscoverymuseum.com or contact Debra Shine, Director/Curator, at (678) 936-6986.