History of the Center

In the late 1970’s, a group of community members joined together to protect the beautiful and historic Nacoochee Valley. They were successful in having the Valley placed on the National Register as a Historic District. Spurred by this success, they formed the Sautee Nacoochee Community Association. Their mission was to conduct preservation work.

By Fall of 1981, the SNCA submitted a rural preservation study to the State of Georgia. The following May, the National Trust for Historic Preservation honored the young organization with an award for its preservation study. Within months, notice came of a second national award, this one from the American Society of Landscape Architects.

The group turned to protecting the Sautee Valley. In 1986, the Sautee Valley was added to the National Register of Historic Places. Later that year, the Association broadened its mission and purchased the 1928 Nacoochee School building and property with the intent of developing an arts and community center. A ten-year renovation project began.

In 1990, the Association hosted its first major summer event, the Echota Performing Arts Festival. Two years later, the first art exhibit featuring local artists and the first History Museum Exhibit were opened. Meanwhile, the group’s environmental work continued, and in Fall of 1993, the SNCA became a charter member of the Environmental Fund for Georgia.

Now, on an 8.5-acre campus, the Center has gallery shops, a newly renovated History Museum, an African American Heritage Site and an intimate 98-seat theatre. The Folk Pottery Museum of Northeast Georgia opened in 2006. The Native Peace Garden was dedicated in 2019 and a native plant nursery was built in 2024. A greenhouse is currently under construction. Classes, concerts and festivals are offered year-round. And, there is so much more!

Largely due to a dedicated staff, the large volunteer work force and the generosity of SNCA members and friends, the Association has become a vital resource in White County. “Community” now includes not only local residents but over 500 members from Maine to California, along with visitors from near and far. 

The Center seeks to be a model of what can be accomplished with commitment, hard work and team effort. We hope you will visit us and consider joining us. Your membership support will help continue the work of fulfilling our mission to nurture creativity and preserve the beloved resources of this area and serving Northeast Georgia as a regional cultural and environmental destination.