Michele Celani Receives Presidential Citation

Dr. W. Todd Groce, President and CEO of the Georgia Historical Society, presented Michele Celani of Monticello, with a Georgia Historical Society Presidential Citation for her ongoing contribution to the promotion of Georgia history in the classroom and her service to the Georgia Historical Marker program.

“Through her partnership with the GHS Programs Department, including her efforts to incorporate historical markers into the classroom and serving as the chair of the independent historical marker review committee, Mrs. Celani has helped carry out GHS’s mission to collect, examine, and teach Georgia history,” said Dr. Groce. “Her efforts are truly appreciated, and we formally recognize her work with this Presidential Citation.”

Throughout her career, Mrs. Celani has taught social studies at the elementary, middle, and high school levels in metro Atlanta and middle Georgia, as well as consulting for educational and historical initiatives across the state. As a lifelong learner with a passion for historical markers, Ms. Celani formed a relationship with GHS through educational initiatives, including the Georgia Historical Marker Program.

Mrs. Celani has been active in Jasper County much of this year leading the committee preparing for the Smithsonian exhibit “Change in Rural America” to come to Monticello.

The award was presented in a ceremony on Friday, Nov. 8, at the Georgia Historical Society’s Jepson House Education Center in Savannah.

The Georgia Historical Society Presidential Citation was created to recognize special achievements in the field of history and signal contribution toward the preservation and advancement of Georgia history.

Georgia Historical Society (GHS) is the premier independent statewide institution responsible for collecting, examining and teaching Georgia history. GHS houses the oldest and most distinguished collection of materials related exclusively to Georgia history in the nation. To learn more, go to georgiahistory.com