On June 30, the Bulloch County Historical Society welcomed over 80 guests to its 51st Annual Meeting, a gathering that showcased elegance and a deep dive into history.
Each guest received a commemorative booklet highlighting the Annual Meeting and a copy of the Downtown Statesboro/Historic and Architectural Walking Tour, adding an educational keepsake to the day.
Before the program began, members and guests enjoyed a delicious Southern buffet catered by Touch of Class by Annette, featuring chopped pork barbecue, potato salad, green beans, coleslaw, sliced bread, cheesecake, and assorted beverages.
Dr. Brent Tharp, Vice President of the Society, officially called the meeting to order and introduced the program and featured speaker, Dr. Paul M. Pressly. A noted historian and former Director of the Ossabaw Island Education Alliance, Dr. Pressly now serves as Director Emeritus. He is co-editor of Coastal Nature, Coastal Culture: Environmental Histories of the Georgia Coast and African American Life in the Georgia Lowcountry, as well as the author of On the Rim of the Caribbean: Colonial Georgia and the British Atlantic World.
His dynamic presentation, titled "Black Georgians and the Promise of Spanish Florida and Indian Country," was both interactive and thought-provoking. Dr. Pressly explored how the Georgia coast served as a critical link between African American self-emancipation during the American Revolution and the rise of the Underground Railroad in the antebellum period.
From the beginning of the Revolutionary War to the eve of the First Seminole War (1817), thousands of Africans and African Americans in Georgia and South Carolina crossed the borders and boundaries that separated the Lowcountry from the British and Spanish into coastal Florida and the Seminole and Creek people in the Southeast native territories in search of freedom.
Dr. Pressly introduced the concept of a ‘Southern Underground Railroad,’ offering a compelling counter-narrative to traditional stories of liberty centered on northern routes. He emphasized how enslaved individuals reshaped the political landscape by resisting bondage and forging new paths to liberation across contested southern borders.
Guests engaged eagerly, responding to Dr. Pressly’s questions and delving into the references and insights he provided. His talk highlighted the Black communities in the post-revolutionary South, revealing how their movements shaped regional dynamics and broader historical currents.
Following the presentation, Dr. Brent Tharp led the Society’s Business Meeting and delivered the report on proposed bylaws changes.
The Nominating Committee Report was delivered by Jenny Starling Foss, Chair, followed by the election of officers and directors.
President, Dr. Brent Tharp
Vice President, Tyson Davis
Secretary, Lee Waters
Treasurer, Deane Balleck
Director (term expiring 2026), Bill Waters
Director (term expiring 2027), Matt Hube
Director (term expiring 2028), Frank Parker
The Awards Committee Report was presented by Tyson Davis, Chair.
The Kemp Mabry Award for Education was presented to Dr. Fred Richter, for his work and gifts to establish and coordinate the Society’s annual scholarship award.
The President Emeritus award was presented to Rodney Harville. Harville served over 20 years in various roles, including President and on the board where he chaired the Cemetery Committee. At 90 years old, Harville is retiring from the board.
President Emeritus was awarded to Joe McGlamery in recognition of his lifelong commitment to historical education and public engagement. In a touching moment, his daughter, Nancy McGlamery, read her father's prepared remarks as outgoing president, highlighting his pride in the Society’s accomplishments and his hopes for its continued growth. McGlamery's wife Susan McGlamery and Nancy accepted the award on his behalf.
Dr. Tharp spoke on McGlamery's contributions to BCHS as well. “Joe selflessly served as President of the BCHS for over 15 years," Tharp shared.
Dr. Tharp adjourned the meeting with closing comments, thanking attendees, volunteers, and partners who made the event a success. Members were inspired, with a deeper appreciation and a renewed commitment.