The James W. Woodruff, Sr. Center for Natural History of Georgia collects, preserves, and makes accessible collections that reflect and document the natural history of the state of Georgia and funds student scholars in the areas of geography, geology, botany, ecology, and archaeology.
The Center includes the James W. Woodruff, Sr. Natural History of the Chattahoochee Valley Collection comprised of publications, manuscripts, and ephemera. A native and lifelong resident of Columbus, Georgia, James W. Woodruff Sr. (1879-1963), known as the “Father of the Chattahoochee,” devoted his life to developing the Chattahoochee River for commercial navigation, power generation, and recreation while preserving the natural beauty of the river.
Select Research and Projects Funded by the Woodruff Center:
- John Abbot, Early Georgia's Naturalist Artist exhibit
- Gold-digging in Georgia: America’s First Gold Rush exhibit