Date: Monday June 22nd, 2026
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The deadliest disaster ever recorded in the state of Georgia occurred in April of 1936 and a local historical society is going to hold a special event in remembrance.

Northeast Georgia History Center to hold special event for 1936 Tupelo-Gainesville tornado outbreak
Flyer courtesy of the Northeast Georgia History Center

The Northeast Georgia History Center will be holding a special series on June 27th and 28th to mark the 90th anniversary of the devastating Tupelo-Gainesville tornado outbreak.

The event is part of their 2026 Chautauqua Series, and will have Interpreter Ken Johnston portraying W.M. Brice, the author of "A City Laid Waste: Devastation of Gainesville, Georgia."

The history center said they will "explore the lasting impact of the devastating 1936 Gainesville Tornado" through interpretation, storytelling, music, and dance.

It will take place at the Northeast Georgia History Center's building at 322 Academy St. in Gainesville.

Pre-registration is currently open for Saturday, June 27 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, June 28 from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Saturday's pre-registration link: http://negahc.charityproud.org/EventRegistration/Index/27917

Sunday's pre-registration link: https://negahc.charityproud.org/EventRegistration/Index/27920

Members get in for free, and regular admission is $10. There is also another related event at the end of July that will have Interpreter Steven Bartlett portraying a Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) Worker brought by President Franklin D. Roosevelt as part of the New Deal.

That event will be Saturday, July 25 at 6 p.m. and Sunday, July 26 at 2 p.m. although a pre-registration link is not live yet.