FRIENDS OF HISTORIC WOOLSEY

“We search and we ask because it matters. Because history,

without understanding the hearts of the people who made it,
is just a bunch of dates. Let us change the course of that wind.
Let us teach the next generations what it is that truly matters.”
–Joanne Bischof, from The Gold in These Hills

Our initial project includes the restoration, rehabilitation, and preservation of the Historic Woolsey Church, the Historic Woolsey Cemetery, and the surrounding land. In addition to working with national, state, and/or county historic preservation organizations, Friends of Historic Woolsey also works with the mayor and the town council in historic preservation efforts providing current residents of and visitors to Woolsey with historic, educational, and cultural opportunities. Woolsey's yesterdays matter; we hope that you will join us on our journey, one that will connect us through the lessons, stories, and people of the past.

FROM THE MAYOR OF WOOLSEY, GEORGIA

After seeing how the restoration of the old mercantile store revitalized the identity of Woolsey, I'm truly thrilled to see the same level of care and effort now being put into restoring Historic Woolsey Church. The building sits at the heart of our town, and bringing it back to its original, vibrant state will not only strengthen Woolsey's identity but also deepen the connection among all who call this community home.

Preserving this church is deeply important to me—not only as a piece of our shared history but as a way to honor the Woolsey family and the vision they had when they founded this town so long ago. It's now up to all of us to carry that legacy forward—to maintain our small-town character, protect our sense of community, and preserve this historic centerpiece so future generations can gather here with pride and purpose.

Ron Smith
Mayor, Town of Woolsey

“WHERE LIFE IS SLOWER AND SIMPLER”

Upcoming Appearances/Events

Date	Venue	Address
Date: March 7, 2026 10:00am - 2:00pm	Venue: Historic Woolsey Cemetery Clean Up	Address: 242 Hampton Road Fayetteville, GA 30215
Notes: Join Friends of Historic Woolsey and community members on March 7, 10 AM–2 PM, to help care for the Historic Woolsey Cemetery located at 242 Hampton Road in Woolsey, GA. Lend a hand to preserve this sacred space, honor those laid to rest, and protect an important part of our local heritage.
Date: May 2, 2026 10:00am - 2:00pm	Venue: Raise the Roof Celebration	Address: 242 Hampton Road Fayetteville, GA 30215
Notes: Join us to celebrate the completion of our new roof, made possible in part by a grant from The 1772 Foundation, Inc. and The Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation, and through the incredible support of the Fayette County Development Authority, the Town of Woolsey, and our generous donors and supporters. The celebration will feature a silent auction supporting ongoing preservation, a look at the project’s history and progress, flower planting in the memorial garden, tasty treats, and time with neighbors and friends. Come celebrate preservation, progress, and community with us! Rain or Shine!

Recent Appearances/Events

Date	Venue	Address
Date: October 20, 2024 3:00pm - 4:00pm	Venue: Fayette County Historical Society	Address: 195 Lee Street Fayetteville, GA 30214
Notes: Legendary Stories of Fayette County - Dana Sams will tell the story of Thomas B. Gay - the Woolsey Ghost.
Date: April 21, 2024 3:00pm - 4:00pm	Venue: Fayette County Historical Society	Address: 195 Lee Street Fayetteville, GA 30214
Notes: Friends of Historic Woolsey, Inc. will share about our organization with the Fayette County Historical Society. Please consider joining the Historical Society to help with historic preservation in Fayette County.
Date: October 28, 2023 11:00am - 4:00pm	Venue: Join Us at Historic Woolsey Church Open House	Address: 242 Hampton Rd Fayetteville, GA 30215
Notes: Join us for an Open House at the Historic Woolsey Church to see the work we've accomplished so far! Also, you can see our plans for the historic church. While there, stop by and support our neighbors at Davidson Masonic Lodge #334 at their annual Fall BBQ!