In times of uncertainty, we look to the past to make sense of the present. When the COVID-19 pandemic closed schools in March, the New Georgia Encyclopedia was ready to support teachers, parents, and students as they navigated virtual learning. And in June, when the deaths of Ahmed Arbery, George Floyd, and Breonna Taylor sparked protests across the country, the NGE provided historical context to national conversations on race, equality, and justice.

Sharing Georgia’s stories has always been at the heart of our work, and that work took on renewed meaning in 2020. This past year has underscored the need for digital, accessible, and reliable resources like the NGE. To better meet the needs of our users, in 2021 we’ll launch a newly redesigned website. This new site will allow us to share new stories with our readers and connect more people to the state’s unique history and culture.