Take a journey through over 150 years of Nacoochee Valley history this week in an outdoor drama at Hardman Farm. Valley Voices–Stories from Hardman Farm will run June 2 through June 5 at the historic site near Helen.
a reporter for The Atlanta World. (photo submitted)
Written by locally renowned author, playwright, and columnist, Emory Jones, Valley Voices is directed by Piedmont University’s Kathy Blandin. Those involved in the production say it’s more than a play, “it’s a whole outdoor theater experience.” This compelling drama uses live horses, a 1932 Model-A Ford, and a black powder rifle to bring history to life.
Valley Voices tells of the Indians forced to leave the hills they’d called home for centuries and how early settler Daniel Brown and his family arrived in the Nacoochee Valley on a wagon train in 1822. The play will also introduce audiences to Captain James Nichols, who built the grand mansion and the iconic gazebo on the nearby Indian Mound; farmworker Josh Moss and his brother Jody who lost their parents in the 1918 influenza epidemic; and Georgia governor L.G. Hardman who turned his homeplace into one of the South’s finest farms.
MORE: Exploring Northeast Georgia: The Hardman Heritage Trail
Pre-show entertainment includes bluegrass music by Debbielee and Joe Whelchel and a 19th-century style magic show with Doc Johnson and his Travelling Medicine Show. Food and drinks will be sold on the grounds for evening shows, but not the Sunday matinee: Guests may bring their own food to enjoy Sunday.
Gates will open early before each performance to allow guests time to picnic, mingle with the cast, and explore Hardman Farm. Those who attend should bring their own lawn chairs.
Tickets are $20 plus tax and fees. Children 5 and under are free. To purchase tickets click here or visit Hardman Farm State Historic Site on Facebook.
The production is a fundraiser for The Friends of Hardman Farm State Historic Site. All proceeds will go toward future restoration projects and events at Hardman Farm.
