Manny Carvalho

Manuel B. Carvalho

In recognition of his outstanding service to the Lumpkin County Historical Society and the preservation of Lumpkin County history.  

Manny Carvalho has been an active member of the Lumpkin County Historical Society since 2008.

In the years 2010–2013, Manny was personally involved in the research, restoration, and display of the historic 1875 Chestatee River Diving Bell and boat.  Once the diving bell was placed on permanent display in Hancock Park, he took it upon his own initiative to pressure wash and clean the diving bell and pavilion area in preparation for the Gold Rush and Bear on the Square festivals.

Beginning in 2011, Manny created and continues to maintain a permanent website for the Lumpkin County Historical Society.  Since its inception, the website has grown steadily and has attracted interest not only from the local region, but also from individuals around the world interested in learning more about the unique history of Lumpkin County.

In 2013, Manny received the Madeleine K. Anthony Award for his accomplishments in creating the LCHS website and for highlighting the significance and historical importance of the Chestatee River Diving Bell.

In the years 2010–2016, Manny served as a member of the Board of Directors for six years.  In the years 2017–2022, he served as Vice President, and he is currently serving once again in that role.

When Marilou Kinney stepped down as Director of the Old Jail Museum in 2012, Manny volunteered to serve as the new director.  In this role, he coordinated with the county buildings manager to update many historic features of the old jail, including light fixtures, floorboards, windows, and roof shingles, using local SPLOST funds.  He also served as a liaison between Lumpkin County and the Historical Society and submitted reports as requested.

In 2015, Manny assisted in petitioning the county commissioners for additional display space for the museum.  This effort resulted in making the two remaining downstairs rooms, previously used as county office space, available for new display rooms.

As Museum Director, Manny has devoted many hours of his own time to scheduling docents for annual festivals, small group tours, and regular openings, often filling in when no one else was available.  He moved and reassembled displays, designed and printed directional yard signs, and took steps to ensure that museum exhibits are safe, well arranged, clean, and inviting for public viewing.

When the Historical Society began recording its monthly programs in 2011, Manny created a link on YouTube for public viewing and has personally helped record and edit numerous programs over the past 14 years.

In the years 2020–2021, during the COVID-19 pandemic, Manny helped facilitate Zoom meetings so members could continue to attend monthly meetings remotely.

In the years 2022–present, Manny has consistently assisted guest speakers who are not familiar with technology in creating presentations using the information they have available.

Manny Carvalho has been, and continues to be, a great asset to the Lumpkin County Historical Society, and is truly deserving of the Isabella T. Lynn Lifetime Achievement Award.