Who we are

The Folk Pottery Museum of Northeast Georgia showcases the handcraft skills of one of the South's premier grassroots art forms, and explores the historical importance and changing role of folk pottery in southern life.

Northeast Georgia's pottery tradition is nationally known. The Meaders family of White County was featured in Allen Eaton's 1937 book, Handicrafts of the Southern Highlands, and was honored with a special event at the Library of Congress in 1978, when the Smithsonian Institution's documentary film on the Meaders Pottery was released.
Shown here is a Lanier Meaders face jug.

In the year 2000, northeast Georgia received a Library of Congress "Local Legacies" designation for its pottery heritage. The tradition also has been featured in magazines, books, videos, exhibits, and festivals such as the Southern Crossroads Marketplace at the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta.

Until the first decade of the 21st century there had been no institution devoted to Northeast Georgia folk pottery, not even in its home area. Dean and Kay Swanson, former owners of the Standard Telephone Company, committed to erect this museum as their way of giving back to the people of the area. Collector and folk potter Michael Crocker helped assemble the core collection. Folklore Professor, Author, and Folklife Advocate, Dr John Burrison is the Museum Curator and a Lifetime Trustee.

The Folk Pottery Museum of Northeast Georgia is a property of the Sautee Nacoochee Community Association, a member-driven, 501(c)3 nonprofit serving White and Habersham Counties and all of Northeast Georgia. The Sautee Nacoochee Center is a regional cultural and environmental destination serving residents and visitors with museums, youth and adult classes, educational programs, concerts and events. There is no admission to visit the Center, and all are welcome.

Folk Pottery Museum Trustees

  • Dean Swanson

    Founding Patron & Lifetime Trustee

  • Kay Swanson

    In Memory

    Founding Patron & Lifetime Trustee

  • Stewart Swanson

    Lifetime Trustee & Co-Chair

  • Chris Swanson

    Lifetime Trustee & Co-Chair

  • Dr. John Burrison

    Curator & Lifetime Trustee

  • Emily DeFoor

    Museum Director & Ex-Officio Trustee

  • Mel Whitehead

    SNC Executive Director & Ex-Officio Trustee

  • Todd Marks

    SNC President & Trustee

  • Garrison Baker

    Trustee

  • Jeanie Daves

    Trustee

  • Walter Daves

    Trustee

  • Bill House

    Trustee

  • Emory Jones

    Trustee

  • John Luhn

    Trustee

  • Charlie Thomas

    Trustee

  • Steve Winter

    Trustee

Begin Your Journey