Lecture Series: Part One "Two Centuries of Architecture in Lowndes County, Ga"

Lecture Series: Part One
“Two Centuries of Architecture in Lowndes County, Georgia”
Part I: “1825 - 1885: From Shelter to Sophistication”
Part II: “1885 - 1945: Celebrating the New South, Building a Modern South”
Part III: “1945 - 2025: Modernist Achievements, Post-Modernist Alternatives”

Location: Lowndes County Historic Courthouse
Cost: Free
Dates/Time: December 15 - 17, 2025 (3-part series)/5:30 p.m.

Project Narrative: Alfred Willis will deliver three illustrated FREE public talks celebrating the Lowndes County Bicentennial (1825-2025). The three-part series will enhance public understanding of the transition in this economically vital South Georgia area from a vernacular-built environment to one characterized by widespread expressions of stylistic sophistication. Willis will contextualize Valdosta’s shift in architectural styles within statewide, national, and international frameworks to foster a deeper appreciation of Georgia’s architectural heritage. This series will also promote recognition of the connection between historic preservation and contemporary architectural design over recent decades. The aim of these talks, especially relevant given the recent hurricane damage and the permanent loss or alteration of structures, is to strengthen our community, a sense of shared identity, and regional pride.

Presenter: Alfred Willis, PhD
Education:
· Ph.D. Art History & Archaeology with an emphasis on Architectural History, Columbia University, 1984.
· M.A. Library Sciences, University of Chicago, 1986
· B.A. Architecture, Clemson University, 1976

Experience:
Dr. Willis has extensive teaching and consulting experience. He taught at Syracuse University, the University of Illinois at Chicago, Kent State University, Hampton University, and is currently a part-time contract librarian for the Mississippi Department of Archives and History. Dr. Willis remains active as an independent scholar and has authored two successful National Register of Historic Places nominations and one pending nomination.

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