The photographs, documents, letters and artifacts that tell the story of the history of Central are, for the most part, being carefully preserved by the Baby Boomers and our parents.  As the years roll by this group grows smaller, and with each passing a little piece of the history of Central passes with them.  In many cases, we lose individuals who have spent many years collecting, documenting and preserving photos, documents and artifacts from the early days of the Central area.  But take heart, help is on the way.

    The creation of the Central Cultural Foundation (see press release on page 1) is certainly a timely happening in Central.  Vicki Carney and others have done a heroic job in trying to collect and preserve as much Central history as possible, and they are now welcoming the help that the CCF promises to be.  I challenge everyone to consider doing two things.  First, read the press release from the CCF and consider how you might get involved in one of the many areas this foundation seeks to support.  Second, and maybe most important, begin to consider making the pieces of Central history in your possession available to the History Society to scan, copy or preserve.

    Central has a window of opportunity to identify and preserve our history.  Watch Central Speaks for more announcements from the Central Cultural Foundation.  In the meantime consider the following as significant sources of Central history:  Family Bibles, old letters, family genealogies, old yearbooks, old newspaper clippings, photos, and artifacts.  One valuable resource is our most senior family and neighbors.  Consider making video or audio recordings of your parents or grandparents just talking about the good old days, remembering their childhood or talking about THEIR grandparents.  The preservation of Central’s history is OUR responsibility.  Consider pitching in.

Volunteers needed to preserve Central’s history and promote the arts

    With all of the new and exciting things going on in Central, some people may not be aware of the area’s rich and varied history spanning many generations. There are also multiple groups and individuals who are actively involved in all areas of the performing and visual arts. History and the arts are a vital component of the quality of life in any community; with this in mind, the Central Cultural Foundation has been established. The CCF is a non-profit foundation whose purpose is to promote and support historical preservation, artistic expression and appreciation, and the development of a cultural identity in the greater Central community. The foundation is inviting all of the existing history and arts groups (and interested individuals) to come together and work toward common goals which benefit each group and the Central Community as a whole. Two of the initial efforts of the foundation will be to establish an Arts Council with representatives from all area arts organizations, and to promote and expand the Central/Greenwell Springs Area Historical Society. There are small informal groups and many community members who have a wealth of historical information which needs to be preserved and shared with the Central community.

    This is a major undertaking with unlimited potential, whose success will be determined by the volunteers who will make it happen. Whether your interest is History, Genealogy, Theater, Music, Dance or Fine Art, we encourage you to contact us and get involved – we need your input, especially in these formative stages. Even if you have no particular “area” of interest, but simply see this as a benefit to the Central Community and you want to help, there will be a place for everyone. Please contact Ti Barnes at 262-2212 or [email protected], Angie Rabalais at [email protected], or Lee Rome at [email protected] for more information. Watch the local papers for updates on the progress of the Central Cultural Foundation – we are excited about this newest opportunity for Central to unite behind an effort that can bring benefits for generations to come.