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
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Dean Swanson
Founding Patron & Lifetime Trustee
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Kay Swanson
In Memory
Founding Patron & Lifetime Trustee
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Stewart Swanson
Lifetime Trustee & Co-Chair
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Chris Swanson
Lifetime Trustee & Co-Chair
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Dr. John Burrison
Curator & Lifetime Trustee
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Emily DeFoor
Museum Director & Ex-Officio Trustee
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Mel Whitehead
SNC Executive Director & Ex-Officio Trustee
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Todd Marks
SNC President & Trustee
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Garrison Baker
Trustee
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Jeanie Daves
Trustee
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Walter Daves
Trustee
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Bill House
Trustee
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Emory Jones
Trustee
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John Luhn
Trustee
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Charlie Thomas
Trustee
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Steve Winter
Trustee