Chattooga County Historical Society Hosts Summer Meeting Today

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The Chattooga County Historical Society is inviting the public to its Summer Meeting today, featuring a firsthand account from a Chattooga County native who took part in one of the most significant military operations in American history.

The meeting begins at 2 p.m. today at the Historic Summerville Depot in downtown Summerville. Admission is free, and everyone is invited to attend.

Featured speaker Jim Lenderman will share his experiences as a U.S. Marine helicopter pilot during the 1980 Iranian hostage rescue attempt, known as Operation Eagle Claw. Lenderman will also discuss his later service flying President Ronald Reagan aboard Marine One, providing a unique perspective on both military and presidential aviation.

The Historical Society says the presentation offers a rare opportunity to hear an inspiring story from one of Chattooga County’s own while learning more about an important chapter in American history. The event is free and open to the public.

Chattooga County Historical Society to Host Summer Meeting Sunday

The Chattooga County Historical Society will welcome members and the public tomorrow afternoon for its annual summer meeting at the Historic Summerville Depot, featuring a presentation from a local veteran whose military career included some of the nation’s most historic moments.

The meeting begins at 2 p.m. Sunday, July 19, at the Historic Depot in downtown Summerville. Admission is free, and everyone is invited to attend.

Featured speaker Jim Lenderman, a fellow Chattoogan and former U.S. Marine Corps helicopter pilot, will share firsthand accounts of his role in the 1980 Iranian hostage rescue attempt, known as Operation Eagle Claw. He will also discuss his military service flying President Ronald Reagan aboard Marine One, offering attendees a unique perspective on presidential aviation and military history.

Organizers say the program combines local history with an extraordinary personal story from one of Chattooga County’s own. The Historical Society encourages anyone with an interest in history, military service, or the community’s heritage to attend.

For more information, visit www.chattoogahistory.org.

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The event will be held from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. at the Summerville Depot and will feature food vendors, craft vendors, live bluegrass, country and gospel music, and free admission.

The Summerville Turntable will also be in operation, turning the iconic 4501 steam engine for the first time in 2026. The locomotive is returning in classic Southern Railway green and gold passenger livery as TVRM celebrates its 65th anniversary and the engine’s 115th birthday.

Visitors can enjoy the market inside and outside the depot, with food options including jams and jellies, fried pies, corndogs, pizza, specialty breads, barbecue, homemade lemonade and more.

Suggested parking is in Downtown Summerville. Train excursion tickets are available through the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum at www.tvrail.com.

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