Ochlocknee, GA, May 20, 2025– The Georgia Historical Society (GHS) dedicated a new historical marker in Ochlocknee on May 17, 2025, about local self-taught artist Laura Pope Forester and Pope’s Museum. The historical marker was dedicated in partnership with the City of Cairo, Grady County Board of Commissioners, and Georgia Humanities.
Pope’s Museum has preserved the work of Laura Pope Forester for more than 90 years. Forester, who lived through both World Wars, transformed her home and yard into a vibrant tribute to American military heroes and the patriotic, religious, and literary women who inspired her. Her collection of over 200 hand-crafted sculptures and murals, made using hand-mixed materials and found objects, first opened to the public in 1924.
“An outsider artist from rural Georgia, Laura Pope Forester was creating works in the early 1900s that depicted the ideas and people she valued, particularly women,” said Breana James, GHS Historical Marker and Program Associate. “Pope’s Museum has endured and is now not only recognized but is also known as one of the oldest of its kind. The Georgia Historical Society is pleased to dedicate a marker about Laura Pope Forester and Pope’s Museum.”
"Nearly a century ago, Laura Pope Forester was a trailblazer in the arts and women's opportunities,” said Michelle Dean, Executive Director, Pope’s Museum. “In focusing on women's successes, Laura became a success herself. We are grateful to GHS and the sponsors for sharing Laura's story and her message."
Although the museum closed and much of the artwork was lost after the property was sold in 1975, Pope Forester’s contributions have since gained national recognition. Restored and reopened in 2019, Pope’s Museum is now considered one of the oldest documented art environments in Georgia and the Southeast, and among the oldest remaining sites of its kind in the country.
Dan Dean, Member of the Board of Directors for Pope’s Museum, and Breana James, Historical Marker and Program Associate at the Georgia Historical Society, unveiling the new historical marker (top). Rich Curtis, Chairman of the Board of Directors for Pope’s Museum (middle) and Tim White, Member of the Board of Directors (bottom), speaking at the historical marker dedication.
The marker dedication took place at Pope’s Museum. Speakers included Professor Rich Curtis, Chairman of the Board of Directors for Pope’s Museum; Tim White, Member of the Board of Directors for Pope’s Museum; Dan Dean, Member of the Board of Directors for Pope’s Museum; and Breana James, Historical Marker and Program Associate, Georgia Historical Society.
The marker text reads:
Laura Pope Forester and Pope’s Museum
Self-taught artist Laura Pope Forester (1873-1953) used hand-mixed mediums and everyday objects to fill her property with more than 200 sculptures, dozens of murals, and architectural embellishments. Many sculptures showcased the contributions of women in history by portraying women religious, patriotic, and literary figures. Her artwork also depicted her support of the nuclear family and American military. In 1924, Pope Forester informally opened her home for public visitation, later establishing it as “Pope’s Museum.” After her family sold the property in 1975, the museum closed, and much of the artwork was destroyed. Pope Forester and her art have since gained national recognition. Restored and reopened in 2019, the property is among the oldest documented art environments in Georgia and the Southeast and is believed to rank among the oldest documented extant art environments in the US.
Erected by the Georgia Historical Society, the City of Cairo, Grady County Board of Commissioners, and Georgia Humanities
For more information about the Laura Pope Forester and Pope’s Museum historical marker dedication or the Georgia Historical Society marker program, please contact Breana James, Historical Marker and Program Associate, at 912.651.2125, ext. 122, or by email at bjames@georgiahistory.com.
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ABOUT THE GEORGIA HISTORICAL SOCIETY
The Georgia Historical Society (GHS) is the premier independent statewide institution responsible for collecting, examining, and teaching Georgia and American history. GHS houses the oldest and most distinguished collection of materials related exclusively to Georgia history in the nation.
To learn more visit georgiahistory.com.
ABOUT THE GEORGIA HISTORICAL MARKER PROGRAM
The Georgia Historical Marker Program is an important part of the Georgia Historical Society’s (GHS) statewide educational mission. Through a public-private partnership with the State of Georgia, GHS is responsible for erecting new historical markers and maintaining more than 2,000 markers installed by the State prior to the program’s privatization in 1998. Online mapping tools allow users to explore themed marker trails and design custom driving routes. Visit georgiahistory.com for more ways to use Georgia’s historical markers and experience history where it happened.