Documentary highlights Nacoochee Indian Mound

CLEVELAND - A group of about 25-30 people from across northeast Georgia had the opportunity this week to be the first to view a locally-produced documentary about the well-recognized Nacoochee Indian Mound, located at the intersection of Georgia Highway 75 and Georgia Highway 17 just south of Helen.

The documentary is based on the book, Distant Voices, written by local author Emory Jones. Jones teamed up with noted Helen photographer and historian David Greear for the project.

Jones said it's been about two years in the making, but was well worth it.

He said they utilized the talent and knowledge of several notable people in the area to make the video.

"We have everybody from Max White over at Piedmont, Dr. Tom Lumsden up here in the mountains, to Gordon Sawyer in Gainesville," Jones said. "I mean the history that these people know and are telling on this movie it's going to be priceless. Years to come, people will still find this a valuable thing to watch and learn from."

The documentary covers many aspects of the popular tourist attraction, from the pre-Indian settlement days through current times.

"I think it's going to be a long-lasting educational piece that will last a long time and people will get some enjoyment out it for a long time," Greear said.

The actual DVDs are not ready for sale to the public yet. Jones said it will be another week or so before they are ready.

The project received financial support from the White County Historical Society, Habersham Electric Membership Corp. and Piedmont College.

There will be a public showing of Distant Voices at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 8, in the Swanson Theatre at Piedmont College in Demorest.