Berry College, nestled amidst the picturesque landscapes of Georgia, is more than just a college; it is a living museum that chronicles the legacy of its founder, Martha Berry, and the stories of students and community members alike.

Members of the Berry community are profoundly concerned about recent plans by the upper administration to demolish some of our cherished historic buildings—the former general store and soda fountain, now the Moon Building (currently home to the art program), and the former carpentry shop, now the Laughlin Building (now home to the communications program). These rumored plans follow the unannounced destruction of two other historic buildings on Berry's mountain campus, both of which were more than one hundred years old. At the same time, Berry College's preservation expert was relieved of her duties, leaving Berry's historic sites completely unprotected from potentially catastrophic decisions.

Berry's buildings do not merely stand as architectural relics; they are physical symbols of Martha Berry's vision and her commitment to education and community service.

For generations, these historic structures have inspired countless students, faculty members, and visitors. They serve as reminders of the college's enduring values and as educational tools that bring history to life. Each brick and every timber tells a story from the past, providing insight into the early twentieth-century educational revolution led by Martha Berry. To lose these buildings would be to erase a chapter of history that continues to inspire and educate future generations.

Replacing these structures with modern facilities not only threatens to erase physical chapters of the college's history, but also risks severing our community's connection to a shared past that unites us all. There are alternative solutions that can be explored, such as renovating and repurposing these buildings to meet contemporary needs while preserving their historic character. These buildings can be given new life in a way that honors their heritage. Demolition is not the answer. We must fight to preserve Martha Berry's legacy.

We urge the college administration to reconsider its plans and to engage the broader Berry community in an open dialogue about the future of these historic buildings. By working together, we can find innovative solutions that respect the past while accommodating the needs of the present and future.

Please join us in signing this petition to protect the historic buildings at Berry College. Let's save the heart and soul of our irreplaceable institution together.