Today we’d like to introduce you to Trevor Beemon.
Trevor, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
In the first grade, my school took a field trip to the Atlanta History Center to see the Smith Family Farm. I fell in love with history and historic buildings right then and there.
Afterwards, I would ask my parents to take me to museums and historic sites any chance I got. Eventually, I was old enough to start volunteering at museums. I began volunteering for Cobb Landmarks when I was twelve years old. I was a tour guide at the William Root House Museum & Garden, which was operated by Cobb Landmarks. I also volunteered at the Marietta Museum of History, Marietta/Cobb Museum of Art, Marietta City Cemetery, as well as the Southern Museum.
But Cobb Landmarks and the Root House Museum held a special place in my heart, so I spent most of my time volunteering there. I volunteered at the Root House all through middle and high school. When I started college at Kennesaw State University, I began working for the Southern Museum. A Smithsonian Affiliate, the Southern Museum was the perfect place for me to learn the ins and outs of museum operations while I studied Public History at Kennesaw State.
Upon graduating, I began working at the Atlanta History Center. It was a surreal moment for me because I was working at the very place where my interest in museums and historic buildings began. I worked in the Marketing Department at the Atlanta History Center for eight years, running their social media accounts, operating the website, and designing graphics for exhibits, programs, and marketing materials. During that time, I joined the Cobb Landmarks Board of Trustees and volunteered my time as Chair of the Marketing Committee. I was excited to be able to use my skills to help the organization that meant so much to me growing up.
After a few years, the Executive Director position became available at Cobb Landmarks, and I applied. Cobb Landmarks had suffered through the recession, and the organization was at a crossroads. I was excited about the possibilities and where the organization might be able to go. I was thrilled when I was offered the position, and took over operations in September 2014.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
The biggest challenge I faced was how to make the organization relevant to a new audience. Having the Historical Society operate as a social organization was not enough to support our efforts. I wanted Cobb Landmarks to be more active in the community – and not just in Marietta, but all throughout Cobb County.
Furthermore, I wanted to change the way we operated the Root House Museum. I wanted to find ways to bring in new visitors and to use the museum in interesting ways.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Cobb Landmarks & Historical Society – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
The mission of Cobb Landmarks is to Preserve, Protect, and Promote the irreplaceable historic places and cultural heritage unique to Cobb County for the economic welfare, education, and pleasure of current and future generations of residents and visitors.
Cobb Landmarks will define preservation leadership in Georgia through the execution of visible, tangible, and disciplined projects and programs which support the preservation of historic places and cultures, educate the public and private sector on preservation, and promote Cobb County’s heritage.
Founded in 1974, Cobb Landmarks has succeeded in preserving and protecting some of Georgia’s historically relevant buildings through the generosity of dedicated supporters—people who care deeply about local history. Each year, Cobb Landmarks provides engaging programs and activities that reach thousands of preservationists, tourists, teachers, college students, and school-age children.
Many of these programs are centered on the organization’s two historic properties, the William Root House Museum & Garden and the Power Cabin.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
Cobb Landmarks plans to move the historic 1830s Manning Cabin to the William Root House Museum property in Marietta. Once relocated to the Root House site, the 875 sq. ft. cabin will be used as an exhibit space and as an event and lecture space. A large addition to the cabin will contain executive offices, a research library and conference room, public restrooms, and a small catering kitchen. Cobb Landmarks also plans to make the space available to rent for private events and meetings.
Cobb Landmarks has been successful in attracting thousands of preservationists, tourists, teachers, college students, and school-age children to the Root House Museum every year. From 2013 to 2016, visitation numbers grew from 1,742 to 8,064, an increase of more than 300 percent. However, a lack of space limits the types of programs and number of visitors Cobb Landmarks is able to accommodate. In order to serve the next generation of visitors, students, educators, and preservationists, the Root House site must be enlarged.
The property occupied by the William Root House is leased to Cobb Landmarks from the City of Marietta. In 2016, the Marietta City Council approved a request by Cobb Landmarks to add .082 acres adjacent to the Root House to the lease. This additional land, along with modifications to the existing property, will enable the cabin and smokehouse to be relocated to the Root House property. The addition of these structures will allow Cobb Landmarks to begin hosting temporary and traveling exhibitions, lectures, and large-scale educational programs, which will expand our reach in the community.
An early estimate for construction is $600,000. Cobb Landmarks does not plan to incur any debt related to this project. Funds raised exceeding the $600,000 goal will be set aside for an endowment for the operation and perpetual care of the cabin and additional structures. Construction should be completed by September 2019.
Contact Info:
- Website: cobblandmarks.com
- Phone: 678-594-4994
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cobblandmarks/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CobbLandmarks/
- Other: roothousemuseum.com
Image Credit:
Matt Alexandre
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