South Gwinnett News

Gwinnett County has recognized five individuals and organizations for their efforts in preserving the county's history during the 2024 Preservation Hall of Fame ceremony held on December 15. The event underscores Gwinnett's dedication to honoring its cultural and historical assets.

Ann Bender, chairwoman of the Gwinnett Historical Restoration and Preservation Board, explained the selection process: “Every two years the Historical Restoration and Preservation board reaches out to the community to identify individuals, groups, businesses, community leaders and professionals who have contributed to the preservation of Gwinnett County history.” She added that nominations are reviewed with help from County Historian Amelia Lewis and a five-member advisory group. "It has been my honor to preside over two Preservation Award ceremonies," Bender noted.

The awardees were acknowledged for their contributions in areas such as historic restoration, artifact preservation, oral history documentation, and publication of written records about Gwinnett's past.

This year's honorees include Betty and Charles Warbington for their work on historic sites predating Gwinnett County’s founding; Brandon Hembree for establishing historical resources in Sugar Hill; journalist Elliott Brack for documenting local history through his writing; Pleasant Hill Baptist Church for fostering community knowledge over a century; and the Suwanee Creek Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution for preserving an important cemetery.

Each recipient will have their name marked on a stone monument at both the Isaac Adair House and Lawrenceville Female Seminary.