Towns County Historical Society Receives $10,000 Matching Grant for Berrong-Oakley House Restoration

Tyler Osborn

Guest Writer

The Towns County Historical Society is pleased to announce it has received a $10,000 matching

grant from The 1772 Foundation, administered in partnership with the Georgia Trust for Historic

Preservation, to support continued restoration work at the historic Berrong-Oakley House in

downtown Hiawassee.

The grant funds will be used to help restore the home’s exterior foundation from continued

spalling and install drainage improvements along the house. These repairs are a critical next step

in protecting the structure from ongoing water damage and ensuring the property's long-term

stability.

Built in 1905, the Berrong-Oakley House is one of Hiawassee’s last remaining examples of

Victorian-era residential architecture. The Towns County Historical Society has been leading

efforts to restore the house for future use as a community event center and heritage and cultural

center.

“This grant is an important investment in the future of the Berrong-Oakley House,” said Tyler

Osborn, President of the Towns County Historical Society. “We have to make sure the foundation

and drainage issues are properly addressed. This funding helps us take care of the kind of

behind-the-scenes work that is essential to preserving the house for future generations.”

The project will focus on repairing areas of the foundation where spalling has occurred and

installing drainage features to continue moving water away from the structure. The work is

intended to reduce moisture problems, protect the foundation, and support the broader restoration

of the property.

Because the award is a matching grant, the Historical Society will match each dollar spent on the

grant. Community donations, sponsorships, and continued fundraising efforts will help complete

this phase of the project.

The Berrong-Oakley House restoration has been supported by local donors, volunteers,

businesses, and community partners. The Historical Society continues to work toward creating a

space that will preserve local history while serving the community through exhibits, educational

programs, meetings, and events. Those interested in supporting the project may donate online

at townscountyhistory.org/boh.

The Society is also planning a gala on July 25 in support of the project. Lace, Laurel, & Legacy

is a Victorian-themed gala where attendees will have an evening of fun, music, and support local

preservation. Tickets are $75 and on sale at townscountyhistory.org/gala.

The Towns County Historical Society is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving,

protecting, and promoting the history, culture, and heritage of Towns County, Georgia. Through

preservation projects, educational programs, museum exhibits, archives, and community events,

the Society works to keep local history accessible for future generations.