In a historic decision, the annual Historic Oglethorpe award didn’t go to one person. Instead, it was presented to a project and its dedicated team.
The organization honored the Digital Atlas of Oglethorpe County, a digital map of the county’s historic sites. Awardees include Elaine Collier Neal, Tom Gresham, Ashley Simpson and Greg Yoder.
“Each of these individuals have spent hundreds of hours researching,” said Kathleen deMarrais, the organization’s president. “All have been active in the history and historic preservation in the Athens and Oglethorpe County area for most of their adult lives.”
About 25 people gathered around two long tables to enjoy a potluck dinner and unveil the 2026 recipient of Historic Oglethorpe’s annual award on Feb. 27 at the Oglethorpe County Library. The accolade recognizes significant contributions to the county’s
historical preservation.
In presenting the award, deMarrais highlighted the scope of the project, which documents historic schools, churches, mills, cemeteries and former post offices across the county. She noted that the team has also led programs and walking tours in recent years.
Gresham and Neal accepted the award on behalf of the entire team, expressing their gratitude and dedication to sharing their research in an easy-to-use, free and safe way.
“We feel that you presenting this award to us is your way of saying you like and appreciate what we’re doing,” Neal said.
Neal thanked residents who have shared photographs, documents and firsthand knowledge, and in some cases guided researchers to former building sites. She added that the award serves as encouragement to complete the project.
Since 2020, the Digital Atlas Project team has been working to digitize a wealth of archival material and create an online database for the county. The project is in the research phase, so there’s not a website or link to view it yet.
“Even though we’re of the older generation, we are aware and realize that the future must be digital,” Neal said.
Fueled by their shared love for history, the team operates on its own time with its own resources.
Neal specializes in cartography, genealogy and government information.
Simpson researches historic schools and churches; Oglethorpe County has been home to hundreds over the centuries.
Gresham, an archeologist and longtime resident of Oglethorpe County, has been mapping cemeteries since the 1990s, and also received the Historic Oglethorpe award in 1995.
Yoder is the bibliography expert, keeping track of deeds, land records and other public sources.
“We have become friends with many people in the county who know their local history and who are very gracious in sharing it,” Neal said.
As the atlas grows, they hope it will serve not only as a research tool, but also as a lasting resource that connects neighbors to the places and stories that shaped their community.
The project reflects the broader mission of Historic Oglethorpe: ensuring that the county’s past remains visible and relevant to future generations.
“The Digital Atlas of Historic Oglethorpe County is a monumental undertaking,” deMarrais said, “That has the potential to make a substantial impact.”