"Georgia nurses: Caring into the new century"

Georgia Nursing, Aug-Oct 2000

It seems very natural to bring our 2000 Annual Convention to Athens. The start of the new century seems to make all of us more aware of the need to combine a sense of history with our aspirations for the future, something the unique culture of this city does effortlessly. Located just below the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Athens combines the elegance of historical landmarks from the start of this Country with the vibrancy of today's technology, learning, youth, and music.

We all know that Athens is the home of the University of Georgia-- but did you know that the University was founded on January 27, 1785, and is the oldest state-chartered university in America? Did you know that the Georgia Museum of Art, the official state art museum, is on the UGA campus? Did you know that the UGA Chapel's painting of the interior of St. Peter's Cathedral in Rome is the largest framed oil painting in the world? You surely know the rich sports history of the University, but you can learn more by visiting Sanford Stadium, the Butts-Mehre Heritage Hall Sports Museum, and the ITA Collegiate Tennis Hall of Fame.

The city of Athens also has a wide range of beautifully preserved homes and other structures representing various architectural periods, including Antebellum, Victorian, and Early 20th Century. Spared on Sherman's "March to the Sea," Athens' antebellum structures are recognized today by 33 landmarks and 13 neighborhoods listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and the Taylor-Grady House, a National Historic Landmark. Perhaps foremost of the later structures is the Morton Theater. Completed in 1910, the Morton is the only remaining vaudeville theater on the National Register of Historic Places that was built, owned, and operated by an African-American, Monroe "Pink" Morton. In its heyday, the Morton featured headliners such as Louis Armstrong, Cab Calloway, and Duke Ellington.

The birthplace of the first garden club in America, Athens remains a city of beautiful landscapes and scenic views, even in the downtown areas. In addition to the Founders Memorial Garden on the University Campus, Athens is the home of the State Botanical Garden of Georgia and "the tree that owns itself," as recognized by Ripley's Believe It or Not!

So, come to Athens-and let this unique city give us the focus and inspiration we need for the work of this important Convention. See you there!