NEW Docent Information Sessions
Come to one of our Docent Information Sessions for a tour, light lunch, and information on how to become a volunteer in Autrey Mill's heritage program.
Call 678-366-3511 or email with questions.
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January 16, 2012, For Immediate Release Heritage Docent Information Sessions at Autrey Mill Autrey Mill Nature Preserve and Heritage Center is developing a volunteer docent program to provide guided tours of its historic buildings. Docents will be trained to assist with heritage field trips and special events as well. “We are frequently asked why the buildings are closed, but because of limited operational funds, we do not have staff available to lead tours on a regular basis,” says Director Ben Team. Beginning March, tours will be offered on most Tuesdays and Fridays at noon, $3 for members/seniors, $5 non-members. “In the past we’ve opened one heritage building on Saturdays, but are concerned with possible damage and wear and tear when they are left unsupervised,” states Heritage Coordinator Claudette Lopez. “As some of the buildings are also rented for weddings, special events, etc. and are of historic importance, we are reluctant to take risks with their condition. Offering weekly tours will safely satisfy public demand, and also cultivate our heritage volunteers. As the docent staff expands, eventually we’d like to offer daily tours.” The informational sessions will be held Friday, January 27th at 12pm and again on Friday, February 24th in the historic Summerour House. Light lunch and refreshments will be served, so RSVP is required. Ages 18 and up are invited, and volunteers will be required to complete a background check prior to training. Please contact Claudette Lopez at 678-366-3511 or visit our website www.autreymill.org for more information. |
Autrey Mill Nature Preserve & Heritage Center has a new exhibit.
The Forsten Exhibit opened on November 12, 2011 during Native American Day. The exhibit contains a selection of artifacts recently donated by the Forsten family.
On October 17, 2011 our nonprofit Autrey Mill Nature Preserve Association was thrilled to receive a donation of Native American artifacts from the Forsten family. The collection contains 288 pieces of Southeastern American Indian projectile points, gorgets, atlatl weights and other artifacts. Part of the large collection will be on permanent display, with other pieces used for educational programming and future research.
The projectile points and other artifacts were collected from the Tennessee Valley region during the 1950s and 1960s by Ernest John Forsten. Originally born in Germany, Mr. Forsten and his family immigrated to the United States after WWI and eventually settled in East Tennessee. He became an American citizen and had many interests including Native American history and collecting historical items. The donation of this collection is made in loving memory of Ernest John Forsten (1911-1972), his son Dr. Ernest A. Forsten (1935-2008) both from Dayton, Tennessee and his grandson, John Hayes Forsten (1970-2010) of Johns Creek, Georgia by the Forsten family.
Our sincere gratitude goes to the Forsten family for their wonderful gift. Thanks also to Autrey Mill board member Pam Sutton who facilitated the donation, to Ed Shaver of Shaver Woodworks for custom-building the display case, and to archeologist John Compton for his research and exhibit signage.
Forsten Family with archaeologist John Compton (left) at the opening of the Forsten Exhibit at Autrey Mill.
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Nov. 12, 2010 - Tepee Repaired
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Sagging tepee
Visitors over the past few months may have noticed that our tepee was sagging.
Just in time for our November 13th Native American Day event (in fact just the day before), our heroes arrived - disassembling the tepee and rebuilding it.
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Dismantled tepee November 12th.
Our thanks to all 3 from Autrey Mill and its visitors!
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John Compton and Tom Blue Wolf pull the skin taught and stake the tepee
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Richard McMahan attaches cording for staking
Our website now has a page updated by our director Ben Team
Our nature preserve is teaming with a variety of wildlife that most of us don't notice or can't identify. Not true for our director Ben Team who is familiar with all the critters that inhabit our preserve!
Visit his new website page and read what Mr. Ben has observed - first posts include a hawk altercation, update on white tailed deer Goldie and Kate, and sighting a large garter snake. [see Mr. Ben's postings]
2010 Events and Special Exhibits
In 2010 we’re proud to be providing new, and unusual, ways for the community to experience Autrey Mill. It’s an exciting endeavor to encourage visitors to Autrey Mill, to promote local talent, and to bring cultural and educational opportunities to the Johns Creek area.
Events are hosted throughout the Nature Preserve and Heritage Village and include photo exhibits, theater performances, festivals, animal exhibits, celebrations of local heritage and the natural environment, and much more.
Take a look at our events for 2010, then come on over to the Mill and experience it in new ways!
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Autrey Mill ducks enjoy their new home
Autrey Mill has a New Duck Pond!
On June 8, 2010 the new duck pond built by Leadership Johns Creek was dedicated and is now open to the public.
Attendees included Mayor Bodker, City Council members, and representatives from Leadership Johns Creek, the Johns Creek Chamber, Autrey Mill Board, and the businesses who contributed to the project. [more pictures]
Thanks to the businesses who generously supported this project:
- Home Depot
- Atlanta Lawns
- Gwinnett Medical Center, Duluth
- Optech-Monette, LLC
- Alliance Stone
- Higgins Design Group
Autrey Mill is getting famous!
Look in the Autumn 2009 issue of Georgia Back Roads magazine and you'll find "Relics of a Country Crossroads Community" by Walter Lawrence - a three-page article about the history preserved at our own Autrey Mill Nature Preserve & Heritage Center!
In November 2009, the Miami Herald Newspaper highlighted Autrey Mill in their travel article about things to do and see with children when visiting Atlanta.
Autrey Mill is partnering with other Johns Creek non-profit organizations
Autrey Mill is proud to be part of the Arts Alliance of Johns Creek founding committee. This alliance will be a non-profit partnership of individual artists, arts organizations, educational institutions and other entities whose mission is to promote the visual, literary and performing arts in order to enhance the quality of life within the greater Johns Creek area.
With this alliance we hope to increase the public's awareness of these organizations and encourage participation in their services. This alliance will also offer opportunities to combine the various art forms with the natural environment and history to create exciting cultural entertainment and learning experiences.
Founding members of the Arts Alliance of Johns Creek