Gwinnett Environmental and Heritage Center features authentic, historical exhibits; engaging, hands-on water science experiments; real-world “green” building techniques; and beautiful rental capabilities in an environmentally sustainable architectural design. 2020 Clean Water Drive, Buford, GA 30519, 770-822-8849, www.gwinnettEHC.com
The Gwinnett Historical Society lovingly maintains the Elisha Winn House, site of the first elections and court sessions in Gwinnett County in early 1819. The grounds include the 1870s restored one-room Walnut Grove School, and the 1820s Lawrenceville log jail. Gwinnett Historic Courthouse, 770-822-5174, www.gwinnetths.org
The Gwinnett Historic Courthouse, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, serves as the site of many festivals, holiday events and concerts, including November’s “Lighting of the Tree,” the summer concert series, and veteran’s museum. The Gwinnett Historical Society and History Center are on the second floor. 185 Crogan Street, Lawrenceville, GA 30045, 770-822-5450, www.gwinnettcounty.com
The Landers-Cain House memorializes Eli Pinson Landers, a Confederate soldier born there who wrote moving letters memorialized in the book, Weep Not For Me, Dear Mother. The house sits behind Sweetwater Chapel and Cemetery, where you’ll also find more than 30 Confederate soldiers’ graves. 1000 Pleasant Hill Road, Duluth, GA 30096, 770-441-1645
The Lawrenceville Female Seminary/Gwinnett History Museum, built in 1838 and one of Gwinnett’s oldest buildings, houses a variety of artifacts relating to historic life in Gwinnett County. The museum includes exhibits about heritage, Home, Church, School, Business & Economics, Cotton Farming, Textiles & Crafts, Military & Civil Services, Music, and Historic Places. 455 S. Perry Street, Lawrenceville, GA 30045-4836, 770-822-5178, www.gwinnettcounty.com
The Plantation Houses of Gwinnett self-guided tour takes you to historic residences typical of plantation homes that dotted the countryside of Gwinnett in the 1800s. Fewer than 15 of these historic homes remain standing, most of them privately owned and not open to the public. Parking for photographs is available only at the Gwinnett County Historic Courthouse, The Elisha Winn House, The Wynne-Russell House, and Fairview Church. 770-822-5174, www.gwinnetths.org/Tour
The Southeastern Railway Museum, Georgia’s official state transportation history museum, houses more than 90 pieces of restored rolling stock and delights railroad buffs with actual rides behind steam or diesel locomotives. 3595 Peachtree Road, Duluth, GA 30096, 770-476-2013, www.srmduluth.org
