History:

In 1999, the Funk Heritage Center welcomed the first visitors to this unique museum. Since opening, more than 135,000 adults and children have visited and enjoyed many outstanding programs and tours. See the Funk Center's newsletter detailing the Center's history and accomplishments.

On Saturday, April 18, 2009, an anniversary celebration was held honoring the late Atlanta physician, Dr. James Funk (shown at right), the museum's founder, and others who played key roles in the development of this dream. Dr. Jamil S. Zainaldin, President of the Georgia Humanities Council, was the guest speaker during a brief program. He focused upon the importance of museums and what they mean to communities and universities. He stressed the necessity of preserving the past for future generations and complimented Reinhardt University for having such a wonderful resource on the campus.

A letter of congratulations was received from Governor Sonny Perdue. It was presented to Dr. Joseph Kitchens by Mr. Roger Wise.

The recently completed water-wise landscape was dedicated and Dr. Kitchens thanked all of the businesses and individuals who donated time, talent and resources to the project. Mr. John Bennett, Jr., co-chair of the FHC Advisory Board and a member of the College's Board of Trustees, presented landscape architect and contractor William Blair Ross a special award. Mr. Ross developed the landscape plan and dedicated hundreds of hours of work to achieve the final project. Only plants native to Georgia are included in the Xeriscape landscape which will conserve water.

Visitors toured the Lou Reeta Barton Northcutt Native Garden to view some of Georgia's native plants. Many of the guests also walked to the Appalachian Settlement to see the historic cabins and farm buildings.

The $3 million center was designated as Georgia's Official Frontier and Southeastern Indian Interpretive Center by the Georgia legislature in 2004.