Jimmy Carter Presidential Library & Museum

Presidential Legacy in Georgia

Following his inauguration, President Jimmy Carter voiced his desire to establish a presidential library in his home state of Georgia. The National Archives and Records Administration set up an advisory office within the Old Executive Building, where archivists worked alongside White House staff to organize and safeguard the extensive collection of twenty-seven million pages and related historical materials accumulated during the Carter administration.

As Carter's term concluded, a comprehensive search for an appropriate location commenced. Among numerous potential sites evaluated, a thirty-acre parcel emerged as the ideal choice. This land, originally designated for interstate highway construction, belonged to the state of Georgia. In a notable historical twist, the highway project had been halted by then-Governor Carter himself.

Architectural Achievement

The architectural vision for the Carter Presidential Library was realized through a partnership between Atlanta-based Jova/Daniels/Busby and Hawaii's Lawton/Umemura/Yamamoto. The complex encompasses both the presidential library, which was donated to the federal government, and privately operated facilities including President Carter's personal office, foundation headquarters, and The Carter Center of Emory University.

This $26 million endeavor was funded entirely through contributions from President Carter's supporters worldwide. Construction commenced with a groundbreaking ceremony on October 2, 1984, culminating in the grand dedication of the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum on October 1, 1986.

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