Erik Gallman Appointed as Executive Secretary of Whitfield-Murray Historical Society

Erik Gallman was appointed as Executive Secretary (Director) of Whitfield-Murray Historical Society in 2009, replacing Marcelle White, Whitfield County's official historian, who retired that same year. Gallman served as Executive Director until 2011, when he left to pursue other business interests. Gallman was replaced by Jennifer Detweiler, who has a Master of Library Science.

While serving as Executive Secretary of the Historical Society, Erik Gallman wrote the bimonthly newsletters and edited the quarterlies. He also acted as Director of Crown Gardens and Archives. The Historical Society has its headquarters at the Archives, which was once the offices of Crown Cotton Mill. During his two-year stint as Director, Gallman oversaw extensive renovation of the Archives. The renovations were done in the spirit of historic restoration. Gallman with the help of assistants, searched out hidden features of architecture, such as old fireplaces and doors. He also gave his personal touch to such renovations as repainting the gilt-work on the vault, which houses old Crown Mill record books. Other renovations, such as re-routing storm drainage, were done as a physical necessity. The low-lying building often suffered flash-flooding during rain storms.

Gallman is a graduate of Murray County High School in Chatsworth, Georgia. He has a Bachelor of Science Education from Kennesaw College. Gallman taught eighth grade at Bagley Middle School for two years. He has also owned and operated Cohutta Springs Greenhouse. Gallman has always been interested in local history. In 2008 he organized a school reunion for Hall's Chapel, a Murray County school that closed in 1954. His avocations include historical research and writing, painting historical subjects, and gardening.

Article written March 2009; updated August 2011. Photo of Gallman. News Article from THE DAILY CITIZEN.