Georgia Secretary of State Press Office

Secretary Handel announces retirement of Capitol Museum and Tours Director

Atlanta- Secretary of State Karen Handel announced today the retirement of Dorothy Olson, the Capitol Museum and Tours Director. Dorothy has worked with the Tours and Museum divisions of the Office of the Secretary of State since 1991. Her last day will be September 28.

“Dorothy has truly left a lasting legacy that will be enjoyed by thousands for years to come,” Secretary Handel said. “We are thankful her for her dedication, determination and hard work and wish her all the best in her retirement.”

Dorothy began her career as a tour guide for Georgia’s Capitol and soon became the director of the Secretary of State’s Tour Program. Dorothy has served as Capitol Museum Director since 1991. In 1995, when the Capital Museum and Capital Tour areas were combined, Dorothy assumed responsibility for both.

Over the course of her career, Dorothy played an integral role in the restoration of the Capitol, which included restorative work on the House and Senate Chambers, the renovation of Miss Freedom, the refurbishing of marble and oak wainscoting, and replication of historic finishes and historic light fixtures. She also re-designed the Capitol Museum during this time to include information about Georgia history and the Capitol building. Dorothy worked to expertly display the many different plaques and portraits throughout the Capitol that pay tribute to some of our state’s great leaders. Through her hard work and commitment, over $300,000 has been raised for the restoration of historic flags through private donations, as well as the sales of Capitol Christmas ornaments and the historic flag book Hallowed Banners.

Over the years, Dorothy has been tapped to serve on numerous commissions and she has received scores of awards. She served on the Capitol Centennial Commission, Capitol Preservation Commission, and Governor’s Commission on Georgia History and Historical Tourism. She has received the Governor’s Humanities Award, LaGrange College Shackelford Distinguished Alumni Award, Friend of Georgia Social Studies Award, and more recently, the Governor’s Award for Historic Preservationist Steward.

For Immediate Release September 17, 2007	FFI Contact:Matt Carrothers Director of Communications 404.656.4269

Secretary Handel announces retirement of Capitol Museum and Tours Director Atlanta- Secretary of State Karen Handel announced today the retirement of Dorothy Olson, the Capitol Museum and Tours Director. Dorothy has worked with the Tours and Museum divisions of the Office of the Secretary of State since 1991. Her last day will be September 28. “Dorothy has truly left a lasting legacy that will be enjoyed by thousands for years to come,” Secretary Handel said. “We are thankful her for her dedication, determination and hard work and wish her all the best in her retirement.” Dorothy began her career as a tour guide for Georgia’s Capitol and soon became the director of the Secretary of State’s Tour Program. Dorothy has served as Capitol Museum Director since 1991. In 1995, when the Capital Museum and Capital Tour areas were combined, Dorothy assumed responsibility for both. Over the course of her career, Dorothy played an integral role in the restoration of the Capitol, which included restorative work on the House and Senate Chambers, the renovation of Miss Freedom, the refurbishing of marble and oak wainscoting, and replication of historic finishes and historic light fixtures. She also re-designed the Capitol Museum during this time to include information about Georgia history and the Capitol building. Dorothy worked to expertly display the many different plaques and portraits throughout the Capitol that pay tribute to some of our state’s great leaders. Through her hard work and commitment, over $300,000 has been raised for the restoration of historic flags through private donations, as well as the sales of Capitol Christmas ornaments and the historic flag book Hallowed Banners. Over the years, Dorothy has been tapped to serve on numerous commissions and she has received scores of awards. She served on the Capitol Centennial Commission, Capitol Preservation Commission, and Governor’s Commission on Georgia History and Historical Tourism. She has received the Governor’s Humanities Award, LaGrange College Shackelford Distinguished Alumni Award, Friend of Georgia Social Studies Award, and more recently, the Governor’s Award for Historic Preservationist Steward.