Plow & Pew Democracy Center Program
Rooted in Hawkinsville. Powered by people. Building a stronger democracy for all.
Overview
Our Mission
The Plow & Pew Democracy Center isn’t just a place—it’s a movement. Housed within The Newberry Institute, the Center is a cultural, educational, and civic hub committed to honoring the African American experience, protecting democratic values, and empowering local voices. Through archives, forums, and hands-on engagement, we connect history to action and community to opportunity.
Program Pillars
Explore History & Education
At the heart of the Center is the Plow & Pew Reading Room—home to the largest collection of books on the African American experience in middle Georgia. Visitors can also access rare political journals, official Civil War records, piano rolls, and over five terabytes of digitized archives, including speeches, photographs, and civic documents. Whether you’re a researcher or a curious neighbor, these materials offer deep context, critical insights, and untold stories that shape our democracy today.
Mobilize Voters Now
Civic participation is a right and a responsibility. The Center works with faith leaders, schools, and community partners to provide nonpartisan voter education, registration drives, and GOTV (Get Out the Vote) campaigns. We equip residents with the tools and confidence to engage in elections and civic life year-round—not just during voting season.
Amplify Community Voices
From policy discussions to storytelling circles, the Center is a platform for dialogue and advocacy. We host lectures, town halls, youth workshops, and speaker series that explore the intersections of race, democracy, justice, and rural life. These gatherings foster shared understanding, elevate local perspectives, and activate grassroots leadership.
Join Porch Forums
Settle into Annie Lee’s Porch—a scenic, welcoming space for open conversations and idea exchange. Here, residents reflect on shared values, debate hard questions, and dream aloud over a warm cup of coffee. Part reflection, part action lab, the Porch is where community healing and democratic imagination take root.
Get Involved in Civic Engagement & Education
Every voice matters—and every action helps build a stronger, more inclusive democracy.
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Host a Civic Dialogue or Workshop
Bring your congregation, class, or community group to the Center for a forum, film screening, or democracy dialogue. We’ll help shape the experience to fit your goals.
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Support with a Donation
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Volunteer with Archives or Events
Help catalog historic materials, set up for community forums, or support speakers during public events. A few hours of your time can preserve decades of history.
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Support with a Donation
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Sponsor a Porch Forum or Exhibit
Support open dialogue and cultural memory by funding a forum, panel discussion, or mini-exhibit on Annie Lee’s Porch. Let your values take center stage.
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Support with a Donation
Menu
info@thenewberryinstitute.org
Tel. 478-285-9358
Contact Us
Address
89 Commerce St, Hawkinsville, GA 31036, USA
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© 2025 The Newberry Institute