Instructor, Leslie Barker Thomas, has been a historical researcher for the last fifteen years. She retired from the medical field after 25 years working with people and another 5 years with animals.

Retirement allows her to pursue her love of historical research and writing.

She currently serves as Vice President of the Georgia Chapter of the Trail of Tears Association, President of the Gilmer County Historical Society, board member for Chieftains Museum in Rome, board member for Gilmer County Genealogy Society, and editor for several newsletters including one for her church.

She is also an author, editor and writer of several historical magazine and newspaper articles.

As a “hobby genealogist” for more than 35 years, she spends many hours helping others to organize their research and track down their Native American ancestors.

She currently lives in Ellijay with her husband Roddy Thomas.

New Echota State Historic Site is located one mile east of 1-75, exit 317, on GA Hwy. 225 N.

For more information, call 706-624-1321 or visit www.gastateparks.org.

Georgia’s state historic sites are operated by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources

Location: New Echota State Historic Site

Date: Saturday, July 28, 2012

Time: 10:00 am to 12:00 pm

Fee: $20 cash or check only fee covers handouts and admission to the site