Jimmy Carter Presidential Library

Join the Georgia Historical Society for a special conversation with Dr. Kevin Gaines, the Julian Bond Professor of Civil Rights and Social Justice at the University of Virginia, and Dr. Stan Deaton, Dr. Elaine B. Andrews Distinguished Historian at GHS.

Together, Gaines and Deaton will explore how civic engagement changed America in the years following World War II. How did the right to vote and the meaning of citizenship expand and evolve during those years? How has the right to vote been challenged over time? What is the role of frequent, free, and open elections, and how have Americans participated in them? What does history say about the peaceful transfer of power?

We hope you’ll join us for a timely conversation about civic engagement and the ways Americans have participated in and changed America over time.

The program takes place on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, beginning at 7:00 p.m., at the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library. The program is free and open to the public.

The event is free and open to the public. Learn more at https://www.georgiahistory.com/events/how-civic-engagement-changed-america-in-the-20th-century/

We have several incredible programs scheduled for next week! Join us in person 7pm-9pm each night. Check out our website for more information and other programs.

As she was a fellow Southerner whose childhood was spent in a farm environment, it's no wonder that Jimmy Carter counted Dolly Parton as his favorite female country singer. This mailgram in our collection from April 1977 shows Dolly's enthusiasm at this news and her invitation to one of her concerts.

This month marks 48 years since the Camp David Accords. To mark this monumental achievement during the Carter Administration, let's read Lawrence Wright's "Thirteen Days in September" and meet virtually to discuss. Register at www.jimmycarterlibrary.gov/events to get the meeting link.

Twenty-five years ago today, our nation was forever changed.

On September 11, 2001, nearly 3,000 people lost their lives in acts of terrorism that brought unimaginable grief to families and communities across our nation and around the world. Today, we remember those who were lost, honor the first responders and countless others who answered the call to serve, and recognize all those who continue to carry the memories of that day.

Down in Plains, Georgia, that commitment to remembrance has found a permanent home. Inspired by a visit to the National September 11 Memorial in New York, local Eagle Scout Grady Young spent years working to create a memorial for his community. At its heart stands a piece of steel recovered from the World Trade Center. A tangible connection between a small town in southwest Georgia and a day that touched the entire world.

The memorial reminds us that remembrance is itself an act of service. Twenty-five years later, a new generation has grown up with no personal memory of September 11. Preserving its history ensures that the courage, sacrifice, and unity demonstrated in its aftermath are not forgotten.

As we remember the past, we also reflect on our continuing responsibility to defend the freedoms and democratic ideals that define our nation—not only in moments of crisis, but through service, civic participation, compassion, and a shared commitment to one another.

From Plains to Atlanta, and all across America, we join communities in solemn remembrance.

We remember. We honor. We will never forget.

Image: WALB 10 News, Albany, GA

1976 in Chicago, Jimmy Carter campaigned during a nighttime torchlight parade with Adlai Stevenson III and Mayor Richard Daley.

Torchlight parades have long been tied to campaigning political figures, including one held for Abraham Lincoln in New York City in 1860.

Image courtesy of the Richard J. Daley Library, UIC.

With less than two months to go until the Presidential election, Jimmy Carter stopped at the former home of Franklin D. Roosevelt in Warm Springs, Georgia to make a speech to formally kick off his campaign and define what he hoped to accomplish in the White House.

The crux of the speech can likely be summarized as such: "It is obvious that good leadership makes a difference, and it is also obvious that if our government is concerned about all our people instead of selfish special interests, then the whole nation prospers."

If you froze your peak strawberries back in spring/early summer, now’s the time to take them out and use them! We suggest using them for Rosalynn Carter’s strawberry cake recipe.

In 1977, the First Lady submitted the recipe to the Marine Officer’s Wives Club cookbook, which can be found in our collection, but also on the U.S. National Archives Letters To The President website, where you can copy it from the transcription here: https://letterstothepresidents.org/letter/card-marine-officer-wives-club-guantanamo-bay-cuba-terry-to-mrs-carter-thank-you-so-much-for-the-recipe-pg-7-strawberry-cake-recipe-11-11-1977/

Note - reuploaded to fix image quality

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The Carter Center mourns the loss of Dolly Parton — a legendary artist and dedicated humanitarian whose talent and generosity touched the lives of millions. Her legacy of compassion and service will inspire generations to come. We extend our deepest condolences to her family, friends, and the fans who will always love her.

The Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum joins people across America and around the world in mourning the loss of Dolly Parton.

A proud daughter of the South, Dolly brought joy to generations through her music, her unmistakable humor, and a spirit of generosity that extended far beyond the stage. Her commitment to literacy, education, and improving the lives of others reflected a belief shared by President and Mrs. Carter: that our greatest measure is what we do for one another.

President and Mrs. Carter were fortunate to know Dolly and shared with millions an admiration for her extraordinary talent, warmth, and kindness. From evenings celebrating country music together in Washington to their shared commitment to improving the lives of others, theirs was a friendship rooted in a deep love of people and the place they called home.

Today, we remember an American original and a wonderful friend. Dolly, we will always love you!

Our thoughts are with the Parton family and all those who loved her.

Image: President Jimmy Carter and First Lady Rosalynn Carter greet Dolly Parton at the White House on October 2, 1979, before attending the Country Music Gala at Ford’s Theatre. NAID 84150