Historic sites still in limbo

CHATSWORTH, Ga. -- Supporters of the Chief Vann House and New Echota historic sites say they'll continue efforts to return both locations to the operating levels that existed before statewide budget cuts.

State leaders recently declined a proposal from the Cherokee Nation in Oklahoma that offered about $40,000 for both sites if certain requirements were met, such as offering workers that were let go their jobs back.

"We're at a stalemate with the state of Georgia, but we're still hoping to work some things out in conjunction with the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (in Cherokee, N.C.)," said Cherokee Nation Council representative Jack Baker.

Kim Hatcher, public affairs coordinator for Georgia state parks and historic sites, said rehiring past employees is "not that easy" and "you can't just create a position once it's gone."

Sally Winchester, marketing and communications manager for state parks and historic sites in Georgia, said it would cost about $142,600 annually to return the sites to how they were before cuts. But, she said, operating hours could be restored for about $51,000.

For that figure, she said, two part-time employees could be replaced, but the sites would have to rely on some volunteers during operation hours.

The Chief Vann House also would have to remain under management with Fort Mountain State Park instead of returning to independent management, she said.

Tim Howard, a member of Friends of the Vann House, said the group has asked to meet with state officials to discuss various options.

David Gomez, site manager at New Echota, said a friends group is forming while community, state and Cherokee leaders are looking at "long-term solutions."

Ms. Hatcher said Dahlonega provides an example of a state and local partnership restoring a historic site's hours.

Mayor Gary McCullough said he started work to restore hours at the Dahlonega Gold Museum as soon as he found out it would be open five days instead of seven. The site is "the centerpiece of the (town) square" and vital for tourism, he said.

A friends group formed and community organizations and government pitched in the $25,000 needed to restore the museum's regular hours, and they've added volunteer staff, Mr. McCullough said.

Mr. Gomez and Jeff Stancil, site manager at the Chief Vann House, said the new, shorter hours make it tougher to accommodate school groups and other visitors.

"We've been real busy the three days that we're open," Mr. Stancil said. "We're trying to do the best we can despite the circumstances."

Ms. Hatcher said her department wants to keep the sites open as much as possible, but "all of the state agencies are having such a difficult time."

Chief Vann House:

* Background: Built in 1804 by James Vann, a Cherokee Indian leader and wealthy businessman. The Vann family lost its home when family members were forced west on the Trail of Tears.

* 2009 operating budget: $171,705

* 2010 operating budget: $138,482

* Staff before: 2 full-time, 6 part-time

* Staff now: 1 full-time, 2 part-time (plus 1 temporary federal employee)

* Hours of operation before: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday, half day Sunday

* Hours of operation now: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Thursday-Saturday

New Echota

Background: The Cherokee national legislature established its capital, called New Echota, at the headwaters of the Oostanaula River in 1825. It was the site of many historic events, including the assembly of Indians for removal west on the Trail of Tears. The site features 12 original and reconstructed buildings.

* 2009 operating budget: $203,030

* 2010 operating budget: $139,742

* Staff before: 4 full-time, 2 part-time

* Staff now: 2 full-time, 2 reduced part-time (plus 1 temporary federal employee)

* Hours of operation before: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday; half day Sunday

* Hours of operation now: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Thursday-Saturday

Sources: Sally Winchester with Georgia Department of Natural Resources, DNR Web site, managers at Chief Vann House and New Echota

BUDGET CUTS

Georgia Department of Natural Resources/State Parks & Historic Sites budget cuts, effective July 2009:

* 39 percent reduction in state appropriations, 24 percent projected loss of revenue

* Reduced services and access at five state parks

* Reduced operational days and/or pursuing community support at 12 state historic sites

Source: Georgia Department of Natural Resources

ON THE WEB

* Friends of Georgia State Parks & Historic Sites: www.friendsofgastateparks.org

* Georgia Department of Natural Resources: www.gadnr.org