About Us

Greetings from the Historic Athens Welcome Center, your one-stop-shop for all things Athens! Located in the charming c.1820 Church-Waddel-Brumby House Museum, our center offers a wealth of local knowledge and statewide resources. From must-see attractions to hidden gems, our knowledgeable staff can create a personalized itinerary just for you. Whether you're a visitor or a local hosting out-of-town guests, stop by and let us help you discover the best of Athens.

Our Story

The Historic Athens Welcome Center is located in the heart of historic downtown Athens.. We opened in 1973, when the Church-Waddel-Brumby House was saved from demolition during the Urban Renewal period in downtown Athens. Our visitor center is unique in that we are located inside what is believed to be the oldest residence in Athens. The Church-Waddel-Brumby House built c. 1820, constructed by the Peck Brothers for former University of Georgia president Alonzo Church though he himself was never a resident of the house. The House was eventually moved to its current location in 1967 after a group of citizens united to save the House from demolition. The House has been restored to its 1820-1829 time period when Franklin College (University of Georgia) President, Moses Waddel, lived in the House.

Timeline created by Hannah Skinner, Historic Athens Welcome Center Fellow

Michelle Nguyen, MPA 
Historic Athens Welcome Center Director
E-mail: director@athenswelcomecenter.com

As Director of the Historic Athens Welcome Center, Michelle Nguyen coordinates numerous staff members and interns who serve our Athens visitors 362 days a year. The Historic Athens Welcome Center, like many visitor centers throughout the State, is affiliated with the Georgia Department of Economic Development’s Tourism Division.

The Historic Athens Welcome Center serves among a network of over 100 Regional Visitor Information Centers, who strive to make every visit to Georgia a memorable one. The mission of the Regional Visitor Information Center Program is to create synergy, partnership, increased communication and provide professional development between Georgia’s Visitor Information Centers and the Regional Visitor Information Centers that operate in Georgia.

The Historic Athens Welcome Center Committee

The Historic Athens Welcome Center Committee is a dedicated group of individuals passionate about shaping the future of our beloved institution.

  • We are committed to guiding the Historic Athens Welcome Center as both a visitor information hub and a house museum. Our mission is to ensure that this vital institution continues to enrich the community, residents, and visitors of Athens.

  • Our committee consists of diverse members, each bringing their unique perspectives, skills, and expertise to the table. From hospitality professionals to history enthusiasts, we represent a wide cross-section of our vibrant community.

  • Influence and Impact: Committee members play a pivotal role in steering the Welcome Center's strategic direction, contributing to its growth and service enhancement.

    Collaboration: Connect with like-minded professionals and community leaders, fostering invaluable relationships.

    Preservation: Help preserve and promote Athens' rich cultural and historical heritage, ensuring its accessibility to all.

  • We meet quarterly, providing ample opportunities for engagement, idea sharing, and collaboration. These meetings are a forum for creativity and innovation, where ideas become actions.

  • If you're passionate about Athens, its history, and its continued growth as a vibrant destination, we invite you to join us. Express your interest, share your expertise, and be a part of the team shaping the Historic Athens Welcome Center's future. Email Michelle Nguyen at director@athenswelcomecenter.com for more information.