Brookhaven unveils rebuilt Historic Resources story map with public submission portal

Mike Edelson, the city’s GIS manager, on Jan. 27 presented a rebuilt Brookhaven Historic Resources story map that consolidates historic-district boundaries, archival maps and community submissions and links to National Register application documents.

Edelson said the map, recreated in 2025 with Community Development, includes four historic districts (three listed on the National Register of Historic Places), 1938 mosaic maps, Civil War-era Library of Congress maps and detailed write-ups for properties such as the Samuel House and Fisher House. “This is our historic, Brookhaven Historic Resources map,” Edelson said, adding that the map includes hyperlinks to National Register applications and other primary sources.

Councilmembers asked about whether small or overgrown monuments in parks should be included; Edelson said historically significant monuments should be layered into the historical-resources layer and that a separate signage layer could capture non-historic park signs. He also encouraged residents to use the embedded submission form: “Submit a resource and that's it,” he said, noting the underlying GIS data and source list are available for download so others can reproduce the map.

The presentation highlighted several local finds, including interpretive materials at Oglethorpe University, historic features along Nancy Creek and remnants of a mid-20th-century botanical garden near Fisher House. Edelson noted one unusual item in the map: the Crypt of Civilization at Oglethorpe, a time capsule not scheduled to be opened until the year 8113.

City staff said the map will be an ongoing, living resource that staff can expand as residents and researchers submit new information. The council did not take formal action on the map during the work session; staff said they will return with further updates if the submission tool yields significant new entries.