The Barrow County Historical Society operates the museum housed in the old Barrow County jail. Built in 1916, the building is located on West Athens Street directly behind the original county courthouse. It was renovated and opened as a museum in 1993. The architecture is unique in this very interesting and extraordinary building. On the National Register of Historic Places, the museum features a "hanging tower" which was never used, three original jail cells, as well as hundreds of artifacts donated by the citizens and friends of Barrow County. It is truly a place to discover the county's past.

A reading and research room is located on the second floor and holds archives of the local newspapers dating back to the origination of Barrow County in 1914. Make sure you visit the Richard B. Russell exhibit honoring the Senator from Winder who served 38 years in the United States Senate.

You can purchase a copy of Beadland to Barrow (A History of Barrow County) and take home a free brochure about "Nodoroc" and the tale of a strange animal called "The Wog." Read the legend "Ballad of Barrow" and learn about the creation of the county. The volunteer on duty can show you items for sale and guide you through the museum.

You can see the last two bales of cotton grown and ginned in Barrow County, a sculpture done by Marian Sanford in 1939 for the post office, photographs and uniforms of World Wars I and II, an old barber chair, a corn sheller and an extensive display of early tools, pictures and memorabilia of our early schools, churches and much more.