Research & Guidebook

The Jaeger Company is assisting the State of Georgia in documenting the gravesites of the state's former Governors. The result of this effort will be a guidebook that will assist the citizens interested in visiting these gravesites, many of which are situated in historic cemetery settings. Specifically, The Jaeger Company will locate each former governor's gravesite and determine the condition of both the hardscape and landscape of each site from a preservation viewpoint. Each gravesite survey will include inscriptions, photographs, measurements, and precise locations using GPS technology. Recommendations to preserve and repair each site and its landscape will be included in the final report. Copies of available portraits of each Governor will be obtained for inclusion in the guidebook and contact will also be made with interested family members as possible to solicit their involvement in the project.

Ultimately, a Guidebook to the Gravesites of Georgia's Governors will be produced for publication. Important reference information to be included in the guidebook for each governor includes: dates of tenure in office; biographical sketches; birth and death places; burial locations with driving directions; and associated burials. Seven of Georgia's former governors have unknown burial locations.

This project was initiated by Governor Roy Barnes and is administered by the Historic Preservation Division of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources. Completion is scheduled for late November 2002.