12 Dec Elizabeth DuBose Honored with Governor’s Award for the Arts and Humanities
Elizabeth DuBose, Executive Director of the Ossabaw Island Foundation, was honored with a Governor’s Award for the Arts and Humanities. The awards were announced by Governor and First Lady Kemp and presented in partnership with the Georgia Council for the Arts, part of the Georgia Department of Economic Development, and Georgia Humanities. Economic Development Commissioner Pat Wilson presented the awards in a ceremony at the State Capitol on December 5.
DuBose has led the Ossabaw Island Foundation (TOIF) since 1998. As Executive Director, she has focused on sharing the cultural and natural resources of the state-owned barrier island in Chatham County, while preserving them for future generations. During her tenure, annual island visits for natural, scientific or cultural education, research or study have risen from 500 in 1999 to over 3,000 in 2024. She has supervised the restoration or stabilization of 12 historic buildings on Ossabaw in the past 26 years. She has expanded public access trips from one per year to 15 per year through TOIF’s Public Use and Education Program—including programming on indigenous, African American, and coastal Georgia history; creative arts; and indigo-dyeing.
DuBose is one of ten Georgians to receive this recognition in 2024, following a competitive nominations process.
“This year’s honorees demonstrate the many and profound ways the arts and humanities enrich lives and strengthen communities across Georgia,” said Georgia Humanities President Mary McCartin Wearn. “We’re proud to honor their creativity and celebrate their commitment to making our state a more vibrant place to call home.”
“Being recognized and honored for my work on Georgia’s first Heritage Preserve, Ossabaw Island is a bit overwhelming,” said DuBose. “It has been a privilege to work to reveal the voices and mystery of Ossabaw Island over the past 26 years. Sharing Ossabaw’s wonder with learners of all ages is the most
rewarding aspect of my job. Preserving Ossabaw’s built environment is a legacy I am humbled to have been a part of. “ A program guide, which includes a description of each of the recipients, is available online.
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About the Award Partners
Georgia Council for the Arts (GCA) empowers the arts industry in Georgia and artists around the state to cultivate healthy, vibrant communities that are rich in civic participation, cultural experiences, and economic prosperity. As part of the Georgia Department of Economic Development, Georgia Council for the Arts provides grant funding, programs, and services statewide that support this vital industry, preserve Georgia’s cultural heritage, and create increased access to meaningful arts experiences. Funding for GCA is provided by appropriations from the Georgia General Assembly and the National Endowment for the Arts. Visit gaarts.org for more information.
Georgia Humanities connects people and communities to encourage understanding and inspire hope. Through grantmaking and public programs, Georgia Humanities engages people of all ages and backgrounds to explore what shapes us as individuals and binds us together as Georgians. Funding for Georgia Humanities is provided by the Georgia General Assembly, the National Endowment for the Humanities, foundations, donors, and partners. Visit georgiahumanities.org for more information.
About Ossabaw Island and the Ossabaw Island Foundation
Ossabaw Island is a 26,000-acre undeveloped barrier island on the Atlantic Ocean, owned by the State of Georgia and located in Chatham County. Georgia’s first Heritage Preserve, accessible only by boat, is undeveloped and set aside by an Executive Order for natural, scientific and cultural study, research and education; and for environmentally sound preservation, conservation and management of the island’s ecosystem.
The Ossabaw Island Foundation (TOIF) is a non-profit 501 (c)3. Through a partnership with the State of Georgia, TOIF inspires, promotes, and manages exceptional educational, cultural, and scientific programs that are designed to maximize the experience of Ossabaw Island, while minimizing the impact on the island’s resources. For more information visit ossabawisland.org.
