Experience History Together
Go beyond the gallery with lectures, excursions, and behind-the-scenes experiences at the Thomasville History Center.
Current Experiences
Lectures
2026 Bicentennial Lunch & Learn Series
In celebration of Thomasville and Thomas County’s Bicentennials, the History Center is hosting a special Lunch & Learn lecture series throughout 2026.
These programs bring together historians, community leaders, and local experts to explore the people, places, and moments that shaped our community over the past two centuries.
Each session offers an engaging midday opportunity to learn something new while connecting local stories to broader themes in regional and American history.
Lunch & Learn programs are typically held on campus and include time for audience questions and discussion.
The 2026 Bicentennial Lunch & Learn Series is presented in partnership by the Jack Hadley Black History Museum, Pebble Hill Plantation, and the City of Thomasville’s Bicentennial Committee.
Excursions
Join the History Center as we explore historic sites, museums, and landscapes across the region. Our Excursions offer convenient day trips that combine meaningful destinations with great company.
These curated trips often include guided tours, special access opportunities, and time to explore places connected to the broader story of the Red Hills region.
Typical excursions include transportation, a curated itinerary, and a boxed lunch.
Untold Stories
Go beyond the exhibit labels with Untold Stories, a behind-the-scenes tour experience led by the History Center’s curatorial team. This one-hour tour offers a deeper look at how the museum collects, preserves, and interprets the history of Thomasville and the Red Hills region.
Participants will explore areas and stories not typically included in regular visits, with possible access to the archives, collections storage, select exhibits, and unique spaces such as the campus fallout shelter, along with insight into the research and decision-making that shape the museum’s exhibitions and programs.
Each tour highlights artifacts, archival materials, and the often-unseen work that goes into preserving local history.
Untold Stories tours are offered by appointment only and must be scheduled at least two weeks in advance, subject to staff availability.
Show & Tell
Each January, the History Center hosts Show & Tell, an opportunity for the public to explore a curated selection of artifacts recently added to the collection.
This annual program offers a behind-the-scenes look at how the museum collects, preserves, and interprets objects connected to the history of Thomasville and the Red Hills region.
Show & Tell is held in conjunction with the Thomas County Historical Society’s Annual Meeting, providing members and the community with a chance to reflect on the past year and look ahead to future initiatives.
Future Experiences
Hangouts
Hangouts at the History Center are relaxed community gatherings held on The Grounds. These casual events invite friends, families, and neighbors to enjoy the campus with lawn games, music, and time together in a historic setting.
Past Hangouts have included opportunities to bowl in the historic 1896 Ewart Alley bowling lane, listen to local musicians, and enjoy picnics on the grounds.
Hangouts are not currently scheduled for the 2026 season, but the History Center hopes to bring them back in future years with the support of sponsors and partners.
Interested in sponsoring a future Hangout? We would love to hear from you.
Workshops
Hands-On Heritage Workshops give participants the opportunity to learn traditional crafts and skills connected to the history of the Red Hills region. Led by experienced instructors and local artisans, these sessions have explored techniques such as basketmaking, rug hooking, woodworking, and other historic crafts.
Workshops are not currently scheduled for 2026, but the History Center hopes to revive this program in the future with the support of sponsors and community partners.
If you are interested in sponsoring a workshop series, please contact the History Center.
Upcoming Experiences and Events
