The Exhibitions:

Visit “Thomaston Goes to War…on the Home Front” exhibitions and discover how one small town made big contributions to the World War II Allied victory. This multi-site display is a collaborative project between the Upson Historical Society and the Thomaston-Upson Archives to tell the story of the endurance and mettle of the Greatest Generation and show how World War II brought the country together in such a meaningful way. Both sites illustrate how the people of Thomaston and communities across Georgia banded together as a collective whole to fight the axis. No job was too small, from the Armed Forces to American Red Cross volunteers, down to the children participating in scrap metal drives, winning the war was a joint effort by all.

Upson Historical Society

Day to day life in Thomaston did not end with the United States entering the war, but it did dramatically change. People worked longer and harder to help the war effort. There was a labor shortage and more women joined the workforce. Rations were started for food, tires, gas, bicycles, and even shoes.

Step back in time when you visit the Upson Historical Society’s Pettigrew-White-Stamps House Museum, c. 1833, where the inside of the home has been transformed into a typical residence during World War II and visitors can immerse themselves in 1940’s home life. Move from room to room to discover 1940’s interior design trends which included vibrant colors and patterns to bring cheer during unsettling times. Experience changes in technology such as the introduction of electricity and how it affected home life and the importance of radios inside the home. Unearth how a local novelist influenced the passing of the National Leprosy Act based on her experiences as a war bride and understand how community members contributed to the war effort each in their own way. In one area of the home dedicated to changing exhibitions 3 times per year, visitors will have to opportunity to absorb new featured topics which further express Thomaston’s World War II heritage and the critical role which Georgia towns like Thomaston played.

Thomaston Upson Archives

301 South Center Street, Thomaston, Georgia 30286 The archives are open to the public Monday through Friday 9 to 5:00. There is plenty of free parking and it is only a few blocks from the Upson Historical Society.

Enter the Thomaston-Upson Archives to be captivated by the extraordinary efforts put forth by the local industries in producing critical wartime materials, especially textiles. Upson County played a vital role in the war by supplying 3 out of 5 of the most needed wartime products: tire cord, duck cloth, and mica. You will see the textile production that took place in Thomaston and gain an understanding of textile processes and what it took to turn raw material into essential war time products. Find out how the war opened new opportunities for women including working outside the home and participating in the military effort by joining branches such as the Women’s Auxiliary Corps (WAC) and the Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service (WAVES). Explore military life by viewing authentic uniforms with arm patches that each have a story to tell, examine correspondence such a v-mail, and listen to oral history recordings of gripping war stories and experiences told by local veterans.