DNR preserves Georgia’s
history in the face of disasters
By Lisa Rodriguez-Presley
B
eyond the modern homes
and businesses affected
when Hurricane Irma
struck South Georgia,
coastal historic sites also bore the
brunt of the storm. With flooding
and wind damage across the
sprawling property of Hofwyl-
Broadfield Plantation in Brunswick,
the Georgia Department of Natural
Resources Parks, Recreation and
Historic Sites Division began the
work of recovering from the storm
and continuing their mission of
preserving Georgia’s history.
Georgia DNR is responsible for
maintaining 63 state parks and
historic sites, some dating back
to colonial times. While there are
very few with historical structures,
protecting the integrity of landmarks
like Hofwyl-Broadfield Plantation
is critical to preserving Georgia’s
history for future generations.
“We only have a few structures
we have to maintain,” said James
Hamilton, Assistant Director of
State Parks and Historic Sites. “In
the case of Hofwyl-Broadfield,
the main home and structures date
back to the 1850’