Tuesday, March 22, 2022

Friday, March 18, 2022

Smyrna, Georgia: An Episodic History 6-week Lecture Series Announced


Smyrna, Georgia: An Episodic History

6-week lecture series

April 4 - May 9, 2022

Instructor: Dr. William P. Marchione, Ph.D.

Each lecture will address two broad themes, with a half hour devoted to each. The series will begin on Monday, April 4, 2022 and conclude six weeks later on May 9, 2022. The class will meet in the first floor meeting room of the Smyrna Public Library from 6:30-7:30 p.m.

Pre-registration is required. Space is limited. RSVP: sreference@smyrnaga.gov.

Topical Outline:

1. Native Society: Assimilation & Expulsion, 1825-1837; Transportation Challenges and Economic Opportunities, 1837-1851. (Monday, April 4, 2022)

2. The Antebellum Economy, 1851-60; The Impact and Legacy of the Civil War, 1861-1880. (Monday, April 11, 2022)

3. Agricultural Diversification, 1880-1905; The Suburbanizing Impulse, 1905-1930. (Monday, April 18, 2022)

4. The Nadir of Race Relations, 1918-38; The Impact of the Depression Era and the New Deal, 1930 to 1942. (Monday, April 25, 2022)

5. The Economic Stimulus of the World War II and Cold War Economies, 1943-70; An Era of Fevered Development, 1970-1985. (Monday, May 2, 2022)

6. The Transformative Years, Smyrna since 1985; Looking Backward and Forward (Monday, May 9, 2022)

Reading material:

Marchione, A Brief History of Smyrna, Georgia (History Press, 2013). The library owns eight circulating copies of this history. Copies are also be available for purchase at the Library’s circulation desk and from on-line booksellers like Amazon. Also, a kindle version of the book can be ordered online.

Material posted on the instructor’s blog, “Local Historian North & South,” which can be accessed via wpmarchione.com.

Recommendations will be made from time to time of books and other material housed in the Smyrna Public Library’s Local History Collection.

Wednesday, March 2, 2022

Photography by Charles Stannard Opens at Smyrna Public Library Art Gallery


The March/April 2022 Art Gallery exhibit has opened – Photography by Charles Stannard.  Mr. Stannard’s exhibit is on display through April 28. The Art Gallery is located on the 2nd floor of the Smyrna Public Library.

Art Gallery exhibits are organized by the Friends of Smyrna Library. 

Artist Statement

Though born in Georgia, I grew up in Connecticut. I worked in advertising and marketing research, my last job being at Earthlink in Atlanta. Upon retiring I decided to rekindle my interest in photography. I took a course at the Showcase School, attended a number of photo workshops, joined two camera clubs, and upgraded my camera to digital. I am a Canon shooter, as much by accident as preference. The one thing I have learned from photo competitions is all camera brands produce great images.

I process my images with Photoshop and print them on my own printer. I do not overly process my images in Photoshop, though I do find the Nix suite of plug-ins useful. My printer is a Canon Pro9500 and it generally does a better job than CVS or Costco.

I do not have a subject matter specialty. As the exhibit shows, I shoot just about anything: flowers, birds, animals, landscapes, people. Regarding style, I do not have one though I do try to shoot things a little differently, frequently using multiple exposures when shooting flowers.

To find out more about any of the images or to purchase one, contact me at cistannard@yahoo.com

Peace Art from the Heart by Shelia McBrayer Opens at Smyrna Public Library Display Gallery


The March/April 2022 Display Gallery exhibit has opened – Peace Art from the Heart by Shelia McBrayer.  Ms. McBrayer’s exhibit is on display through April 25. The Display Gallery is located on the 2nd floor of the Smyrna Public Library.

Display Gallery exhibits are organized by the Friends of Smyrna Library. 

Artist Statement

Shelia McBrayer is a local artist. Her exhibit in the Display Gallery features beautiful designs created with Alcohol Ink.