Graphic Arts students from Golden Isles Career Academy and Needwood Middle School visited Ashantilly's Print shop. The students learned how type is set, how formes for printing are composed, and how the presses operate. Everyone printed a small broadside on the Vandercook proof press. Students were given a brief history of Ashantilly, the Haynes family, and the Ashantilly Press as they toured the National Register main house, affectionally called "Old Tabby". 

In spite of a rainy morning, lots of folks turned out for the Churn-Off! Churners had quite a variety of flavors to taste! Live music by Skeeter Truck provided a nice feel to the afternoon. Lots of popcorn and lemonade were also enjoyed. A generous friend donated a vast supply of jewelry which was sold during the event. Ashantilly would like to thank volunteers Jeanne, Kay and Barbara for their help in handling this for us. The Judges selected Keep McIntosh Beautiful 's  "Mean Green Mint Chocolate" as this year's Business/Organization winner. Their Individual Winner was Jan and Barry Lollis for their "Jan's Blueberry Best" (made with blueberries  received locally from Jan Durrance.) The People's Choice went to Jan Chamberlain for her "Key Lime" flavor.

ASHANTILLY was pleased to welcome Joe Sanders to the Print Shop! Joe is the Alan F. Rothschild Distinguished Chair of Art at Columbus State University. He came to finish a project he had started a while back. Using the Vandercook Uni 1, he was able to complete his project. In addition, he has designed and printed a unique Holiday card. We will have some for sale at the Center.

The Darien-McIntosh Chamber of Commerce selected Ashantilly Center for their Nonprofit of the Year for 2016. The Center's outreach to the community, dedication to local history and environment, and preserving the art of Letterpress printing were integral in the selection. 

Mr. Johnson spoke about his latest book, Blood on the Marsh, a sprawling epic tracing the families that settled Darien, Georgia, from their ancestral home in the Scottish Highlands to the southern frontier of colonial America. A reception followed the talk.

Ashantilly's President, Harriet Langford, was selected as an Honoree for the YMCA's Tribute to Women's Leaders. The generosity of Ashantilly Friends was responsible for her sponsorship. Harriet is a great ambassador for the Center and much progress is due to her passion and dedication. Congratulations, Harriet!

Ashantilly welcomed Jekyll Island’s historian June Hall McCash, the author of twelve books, including three novels, eight nonfiction works, and a book of poetry. Her novel, Almost to Eden, won the Georgia Author of the Year award for first novel in 2011. It was followed by a second novel, Plum Orchard, which was the recipient of the Georgia Author of the Year Award for best novel in 2013. McCash’s new historical novel, Marguerite’s Landing, tells the story of the duBignon family of Jekyll in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. A book-signing and reception followed the talk.

This educational workshop focused on USDA EQIP and other programs that promote the planting of Longleaf Pines, the importance of the ecosystem

for wildlife, and the Agricultural Conservation Easement Program.  Sponsored by Athens Land Trust, USDA NRCS (Natural Resources Conservation Service), and Ashantilly Center.

 Coastal Wildscapes and Ashantilly presented a Lunch and Learn focused on the importance of providing habitat for native bees in your home landscape.

Kris Braman, University of Georgia Entomologist presented the lunch-time lecture. A catered lunch followed.

Carol Denhof of the Longleaf Alliance, presented this lunch-time lecture focused on the importance of restoring the rich diversity of the Longleaf Pine groundcover. Ashantilly and Coastal Wildscapes collaborate to provide this series of Lunch & Learn sessions to heighten awareness of our natural environment.