Purpose
When the Losing Georgia Project began in June 2005, there was only one motive - to document new development in Douglas County through a camera lens. Back then the Project was slated to last a year, depicting a quick changing landscape. As time wore on and patterns became evident in documentation, the purpose began to evolve into something more.
The story was not just about growth, but of a livelihood that was disappearing to a greater push for urbanization. Not only was Douglas County losing land to growth, but its rich history was being forgotten while dangers to the environment were not being dealt with. Losing Georgia then took on the role to document many other issues that were affecting the community. Also efforts were made to rediscover and further preserve the history of the county.
Following in the footsteps of local historian Fannie Mae Davis, the Losing Georgia Project uses Davis’ work as a basis for understanding the past as well as redefining historical doctrine. Today Losing Georgia is refocusing efforts to explore Douglas County and other parts of the state of Georgia. Although the purpose of the Losing Georgia Project will always grow and change, it is the simple effort that one person can make a difference. On December 31, 2007 the webumentary aspect of the Losing Georgia Project came to an end, while the project ceased to function as of April 2008.
Directive 1 - Phase 1 [Complete]
- Document new development
- Provide statistics on populous growth
- Understand development impacts
Directive 2 - Phase 1 [Complete]
- Document environmental hazards
- Raise awareness about environmental concerns
- Submit issues to the proper authorities
Directive 3 - Phase 2 [Complete]
- Locate and document historical places
- Expand the historical record
- Create resources for the community
What is Losing Georgia?
The Losing Georgia Project/Losing Georgia: The Douglas Story are one and the same, created by local artist and writer Andrew A. Powell. Beginning in the summer of June 2005, the Project was to photograph the immense changes to the landscape while incorporating the prospects of the future. As the photography turned into research, information was made available through Google Earth and later LosingGeorgia.com, where two years later the Project has proven to be an invaluable local resource.
Who wrote the articles?
Andrew wrote a majority of the articles since there was no staff that makes up Losing Georgia, while some articles were written by contributors. For close to two years the Project had been a voluntary effort to document Douglas County, Georgia in ways that are not traditional to the area.
When will Losing Georgia end?
The Losing Georgia Project ended on December 31, 2007 and ceased operation April 2008.
Will Losing Georgia come back?
The project has been completed and will not return. A book on the Losing Georgia Project is in the works.
