Reservations due Thursday, September 25th.
AMERICAN EXPRESS CARDS: We cannot accept American Express on this platform, but you may purchase admission with an AMEX card over the phone at 770-297-5900 during our normal hours Wed-Sat 10 AM - 5 PM.
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As the History Center welcomes its new Executive Director, we reflect on the impact we’ve made on history education—and the challenges that lie ahead. Mary Hemmer, who began her leadership in July, comes from a family deeply rooted in North Georgia and committed to preserving our community’s heritage. At the 2025 Taste of History, we invite you to stand alongside Mary and celebrate our shared legacy with some of Hall County’s most influential and forward-thinking citizens. Join us as they share how Northeast Georgia’s past can help shape a brighter future.
Johnny Vardeman
A graduate of Gainesville High School, Johnny spent his professional life in journalism, most of it at the Times, for over
forty years. During that time he came to know everyone and had his pulse on everything going on in and around Hall
County. This, coupled with his vast knowledge and passion for history means that Johnny knows a thing or two about
where we've been, and where we're going.
Mytrle Figueras
Georgia born and raised, but also educated internationally, Myrtle's experiences and deep involvement in the
community as a teacher, city council member and mayor, advocate, and organizer provide unique perspectives on
Gainesville's challenges and potential.
Jeff Payne
A Gainesville native, Jeff attended Gainesville High and North Georgia College before graduating from the Medical
College of Georgia with a degree in opthalmology. He served as CEO and Chief Medical officer of North Georgia Eye
Clinic for 30 years before becoming involved in real estate full-time. As Chairman of Capstone Property Group, Jeff not
only sees the growth potential of Hall County, he's actually taking an active hand in making that vision a reality.
Letrell Simpson
Healthcare has been, and continues to be, a central part of Hall County... and if there's one person who's seen that
growth from the inside, it's LeTrell. For more than 30 years, she served in multiple roles on a variety of senior
management teams that created one of the premier regional healthcare systems in the country. A Gainesville native?
No... she's only been here for 58 years, so you'll have to give her a little grace.