Keith Gaddie, Hoffman Chair of the American Ideal and political science professor, has a new exhibition showcasing images of historic Georgia courthouses at the University of West Georgia. Gaddie has published two books on politics and architecture, which inspired a closer look at county courthouses and how the variety of architectural styles, designs and historical experiences in communities shaped perceptions of courthouses and public spaces, he explained.
Gaddie, alongside colleague Jocelyn Evans, political science professor at the University of West Florida, embarked on a four-year journey visiting and photographing all 144 standing, historic Georgia courthouses built before 1964. They interviewed people, collected floorplans and histories and took photos – over 17,000 images, which are now being curated by Richard B. Russell Library and the Hargrett Rare Manuscripts Library at the University of West Georgia. Coastal Carolina University also has an installation drawing from this collection.
The images present the style and art of Deep South courthouses covering 150 years of history from roughly 1812 to 1962. In addition to the diversity of architectural styles found across the south and Georgia, many courthouses have interiors that are functional and aesthetically attractive, explained Gaddie.
“The 19th century use of colored and stained glass is especially unexpected in these buildings, and presents a contrast to modern government spaces,” he said.
“Just as compelling is the diversity of memorialization – there are more than Confederate monuments on the grounds – and also the beautiful historic advertising, public art and folk art that is present on the square in these small courthouse towns.”
Both exhibitions have a corresponding lecture series in which Gaddie will participate as a speaker, further bringing the work of TCU faculty beyond the North Texas region.
“Carrying our banner and creativity to the world raises the profile of the university,” said Gaddie. “Parents and high schoolers who attend these exhibitions and lectures are exposed to what we can do at TCU — the faculty they will know and the creativity we bring, teach and activate in students. Taking ourselves to the world helps bring the world back here.”
Images from Gaddie’s Georgia courthouse project have been used in four exhibitions to date. As an extension of the project, Gaddie and Evans are working to photograph, document and tell stories of 80 Texas courthouses for a future book.
