To further the educational component of its mission, Pebble Hill Plantation, Thomasville, has conserved and repurposed an existing building for use as a Learning Center.

The building was built in the early 1930s as a chicken coop. At some point, the structure’s use changed to be a maintenance supply storage area. Over the years, the building had fallen into disarray and reached a critical point regarding its stability. Working with Thomasville architect Charles Olson as a consultant, Pebble Hill undertook the project to renovate and repurpose the building. Wood from salvaged trees on Pebble Hill was used to replace all the necessary boards. All electrical and plumbing was updated, HVAC installed and audiovisual classroom equipment was added. 

 The project took one-and-a-half years to complete and the opening reception was held last week.

In order to make all the necessary repairs and improvements, Pebble Hill reached out for donations and grant funding assistance. Special thanks to the donors who made this project possible: Parker Poe Charitable Trust, Lewis Hall and Mildred Sasser Singletary Foundation, Williams Family Foundation, Thomasville Antiques Show Foundation, Louise Dunlap, Elisha-Bolton Foundation, Haskell Fund, George M. and Pamela S. Humphrey Fund, Louise H. and David Ingalls Foundation, Claire H. B. Jonklaas Foundation and the Cherokee Foundation Charitable Fund.

Both children and adults throughout south Georgia and north Florida will be able to expand their knowledge through firsthand involvement with various projects and activities in the unique setting of Pebble Hill. The multi-faceted space will be used for, but not limited to, custom designed, curriculum matched, hands-on activity space for students, presentation space for workshops and educational classes for adults and children and exhibit space for visual arts projects.

Pebble Hill enjoys being a strong community partner and works regularly to support nonprofits and other area organizations with their events, programs, activities, and tours. The addition of this Learning Center will allow for furthering these partnerships and offering new collaborative opportunities within the region.

Kitty Spivey has been hired as program coordinator for Pebble Hill and she is working to develop programming for the Learning Center space. 

“I am thrilled to have this opportunity to work with Pebble Hill in offering an array of programming to our area,” said Spivey. “Through partnerships with local organizations, educators, and businesses, we hope to bring together great minds and great ideas to create a unique and special learning environment for the citizens of our community and region.”

The first two programs for the facility are scheduled for June. On Saturday, June 15, families are encouraged to celebrate National Camera Day by coming for a morning of photography fun at Pebble Hill. On Saturday, June 22, join Georgia Department of Natural Resources wildlife biologist Phil Spivey for a herpetology field trip to learn about the reptiles and amphibians that call southwest Georgia home. Space is limited for both events and tickets must be purchased in advance. Contact (229) 226-2344 or email kspivey@pebblehill.com for information.

About Pebble Hill Plantation

Pebble Hill Plantation was developed into a prime 20th century shooting plantation by the Hanna family of Cleveland, Ohio. Elisabeth (“Pansy”) Ireland Poe, a Hanna granddaughter and the last family member to own the property, willed that the plantation become a museum at her death. This remarkable plantation has been open to the public since October 1983 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. For additional information, visit the plantation’s website at  www.pebblehill.com.

Pebble Hill Plantation is located at 1251 U. S. Hwy. 319 South in Thomasville.