The Vienna Historic Preservation Society (VHPS) is a non-profit organization founded in 1983 by a group of citizens concerned about the loss of Vienna’s historic structures. The Society has grown to over 50 members. Several charter members are still very active and there are also many longstanding members in this organization. The mission of VHPS is to preserve, protect and promote the Dooly County’s history, culture, and historic resources through education, restoration, special events and public relations. VHPS has an unmatched track record for historic preservation above any local & many surrounding entities. VHPS has saved from ruin & restored 4 historic structures, all 100+ years of age, using a variety of approaches:

1. The Walter F. George Law Museum - located in Busbee Park in Vienna restored in 1991.

2. The Georgia State Cotton Museum – a one-room schoolhouse restored in 1994 & was designated as the state’s official cotton museum by an act of the Georgia Legislature that same year. Located at I-75 Exit 109 the museum has seen a steady increase in visitors. It also serves as the gateway for a tri-county tourism collaborative.

3. The Vienna Cultural Center, originally the Prince of Peace Episcopal Church - restored in 1996. It is now used as a community center for meetings, weddings, and special events.

4. Powell-Mathews House Restoration – Circa 1905 historic house located in heart of Vienna’s Historic District. The endangered house was stabilized & restored in 2006 and sold as a private residence in January 2007.

Other accomplishments of the Society are:

1. Dooly County Heritage Education Curriculum that is being used in the local school system. This curriculum received the 2004 Outstanding Archives Award in the Educational Use of Historical Records presented by the Georgia Archives.

2. Establishment of a Visit Victorian Vienna Driving Tour spotlighting Vienna’s historic homes

3. Placement of Victorian street signs throughout the downtown Vienna area

4. Placement of Victorian lamp posts in the Vienna City Park

5. Completed the application & research for Vienna’s Downtown Historic District National Register of Historic Places listing

6. Publication of the Kingdom of Dooly (a pictorial history)

7. Development of promotional video that was used during the Georgia’s Cities Foundation’s “Heart & Soul” bus tour and for other tours to include “Leadership Dooly” Class and Vienna 101 Class.

8. Responsible for bringing the Smithsonian Traveling Exhibit to this rural community.
The Society also provides assistance with genealogical research, historic property research, and National Register listings.