When the group contacted the Brazell
descendants, the house was in need of a great deal
of repair. Not wanting to see their family home torn
down, the family graciously agreed to sell the house
to the Altama Museum of Art and History for artistic
and historical purposes. After extensive renovations,
the gallery opened to the public in February 1981.
M A I N T A I N I N G I N
T H E P R E S E N T
In 2016, Jennifer Martinez, Jen as most call her,
took over as Director of the Altama Museum. She
was perfect for the position with her degree in Art
from Berry College and a background in professional
theatre. Her past work included costume production
for the Atlanta Opera, Georgia Shakespeare Festival,
and Music Circus in California, among others. She
also held the position of Costume Shop Manager for
Kennesaw State University’s Theater and Performing
Arts program. Jen has brought the organization into
the next century through branding, online and social
media presence, and by focusing on high quality,
family-friendly Arts programming and seeking new
ways to engage with the public.
Over the years, the gallery’s collections have
grown considerably, and now include Southern
Contemporary art, antique prints, and decorative
arts, including fine furnishings and historic costume.
Pointing to one of the beautiful Audubon prints, Jen
said, “These were a limited production of very high
THE SISTERS The Brazells were the only
family to occupy the house. William and Mary
Brazell had five daughters. ABOVE Youngest
daughter Sara Brazell and her new husband
Eliza Meadows on their honeymoon.
BELOW The middle three daughters, Anna,
Nora and Rusha, never married and lived out
their days in the house.
70 TOOMBS COUNTY MAGAZINE