The Northeast Georgia History Center has named a new leader.
The history center in Gainesville recently appointed Peter Gordon as interim executive director. Bringing a wealth of experience in education, leadership and community engagement, Gordon has been selected to guide the center through a transitional period in 2025.
In 1981, Gordon’s began his career as a social studies instructor at Brenau Academy, where he remained for seven years
After gaining international experience in a cultural exchange program in Japan, Gordon returned to Gainesville as an instructor and program manager for Lanier Technical College’s Adult Literacy Program – later joining the Elachee Nature Center in 1992.
Gordon spent 25 years as education director at Elachee, where he transformed the center into one of the more well-known nature organizations in the southeast. His contributions to environmental education would earn him the Eugene Odum Professional Achievement Award from the Environmental Education Alliance of Georgia in 2018.
Since retiring from Elachee in December 2020, Gordon will now head the Northeast Georgia History Center to continue its mission of preserving and sharing history of Northeast Georgia.
“I am very happy and excited to have become a part of the Northeast Georgia History Center family,” Gordon said. “I look forward to working with our talented staff and committed board to promote, interpret, and share our rich and unique regional history with our community.”
Board Chair Barclay Rushton expressed confidence in Gordon’s leadership and described his skill sets as invaluable.
“We are fortunate to have Peter’s expertise and leadership during an important chapter of the museum’s long history in the community,” he said. “Despite the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic coupled with a transitional phase in leadership, the history center has remained a resilient and vital part of our community thanks to our dedicated members, staff, volunteers, visitors and school groups.”
The Northeast Georgia History Center, located in Gainesville, is open Wednesday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. It features the historic White Path Cabin, the American Freedom Garden, the N.C. White Photography Collection, and thousands of artifacts. The center also hosts events, educational programs, and field trips throughout the year.
