Outdoor Dramatization Tells History Behind State Historic Site

The Nacoochee Valley, with its graceful Italianate mansion across from a gazebo-topped Indian mound, offers scenic beauty and a little mystery to visitors headed to the Alpine village of Helen. How old is it? Who built that mound, and who built the gazebo?

For the next two weeks, people can see an outdoor dramatization of how the area came to be settled, including the answers to those questions.

The Friends of Hardman Farm State Historic Site, in partnership with Piedmont University’s Department of Theatre, will present Valley Voices on an outdoor stage at the Hardman Farm. Written by local author and playwright Emory Jones, the play takes theater-goers through the centuries of life in this area adjacent to the Chattahoochee River.

“Several of us locals, along with Georgia Department of Natural Resources officials, have wanted to see an outdoor drama come to North Georgia for years,” Jones said. “That finally happened when Valley Voices made its premiere in June of 2022 to sellout audiences. Hopefully, this revised and enhanced outdoor drama will continue to grow and become an annual event at Hardman Farm.”

Gates open at 5 p.m. and visitors are encouraged to come early and bring their own lawn chair or blanket for the outdoor performance. Food will be available and the area is conducive to picnicking on the grounds. The site’s numerous historic outbuildings will be open and guests can interact with the actors prior to their performance.

Live music will be provided by Joe and Debbie Lee Whelchel and singer Katie Deal. Valley Voices, with live horses and an antique car will begin at 7:30 p.m.

Tickets are $25 plus taxes and fees. Children 5 and under are free. To learn more, visit: www.valleyvoicesplay.com. All proceeds go towards future events and restoration projects at the historic Hardman Farm.

Photos by Tom Johnson.