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Area 7
Galen School is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places! On May 18, 1992, the Macon County Legislative Body granted the Historic Preservation Society of Macon County permission to develop, sponsor and manage the Galen School site in northern Macon County as a Heritage Museum to help preserve the county's history. The school building was erected by community labor between 1928 and 1929. It is the society's main goal to preserve the four-room building. Galen School was the first school in Macon County to secure a federally-funded lunch program and sanitary water system, thanks to the principal, Harold G. Blankenship. Many former students have become leaders in various types of industries and professions. Galen School holds a special feeling in the hearts of its former students and each year, on the last Sunday in May, they hold a Galen School Reunion. They are able to see old friends and neighbors and to catch up on events and happenings in their lives. This is potluck lunch and is usually eaten outside. However, thanks to the efforts at restoration by the Preservation Society, lunch can now be served in the old kitchen at the long table where students used to eat together. The Society was organized in 1990 and began research on the Galen School. This information was submitted to the Tennessee Historic Commission, which then approved the school for listing on the National Register of Historic Places. Preserving Macon County heritage since 1842 into the future is the goal of the preservation society. The search is ongoing for artifacts to display in the museum. On December 7, 1993, the museum was dedicated and was attended by state and county officials as well as many local citizens. To make a donation, loan or give artifacts or to see the museum by appointment, please call or write the Historic Preservation Society of Macon County, P.O. Box 326, Red Boiling Springs, TN 37150, or telephone members at 615-666-4167 or 615-666-2470 for appointments. The museum is open to the public on the last Sunday in May and every fourth Sunday in June, July, August, September and October from 1:00 p.m., until 4:00 p.m. Please come.
Directions: From the Macon County Courthouse on the square, go north on Scottsville Road for 0.4 miles. Turn right onto Galen Road. In about 0.4 miles, you will cross Sneed Blvd. (There is a flashing yellow light.) Keep going straight on Galen Road. Go another 6 miles. Galen School Museum will be on your left at the corner of Galen Road and Swindle Road. |
