The Chattooga County Historical Society will hold its annual autumn meeting today, Sunday, November 1, at the historic Finley-Sanford home in Lyerly. The meeting begins at 2 PM and will offer visitors an opportunity to tour one of Chattooga County’s oldest surviving homes.

The house, located at 3065 Holland-Chattoogaville Road, dates back to 1835 and was built on land that once belonged to Samuel Finley. The property has connections to some of the county’s earliest families and to the history of the Cherokee Removal.

Historical Society members say the original plantation was developed by enslaved craftsmen and that descendants of people who lived and worked on the property have continued to maintain connections to its history.

The home later passed through several generations of the Finley and Sanford families. Tippy Sanford, whose grandmother was born on the Finley plantation, has been invited as a guest of honor at today’s gathering.

The property was purchased in the early 1970s by Carl and Miriam Sanford, who began restoration and preservation efforts that have continued through the years.

Today’s meeting will include refreshments featuring old-fashioned baked goods, along with a presentation by Historical Society President Gene McGinnis. Visitors will also have an opportunity to ask questions about the house and its history.

The Chattooga Garden Club will provide seasonal arrangements for the tour of the home.

The meeting is free and open to the public. The Historical Society welcomes both longtime members and anyone interested in learning more about Chattooga County’s history.