Contact Us
Contact Us
Dalton State College
Roberts Library, Rm. 110
650 College Drive Dalton, GA 30720
Staff Biographies
Director
Matthew Gramling
Matthew Gramling has served as the Director of the Bandy Heritage Center for Northwest Georgia and as the B.J. and Dicksie Bandy Chair in American History at Dalton State College since September 2024. As Director, Gramling brings over five years of experience in museum operations and archival management, having served cultural heritage organizations across Northwest Georgia, including the Chieftains Museum/Major Ridge Home and the Bartow History Museum, and Etowah Valley Historical Society. He also holds a Master of Science in Information Sciences from the University of Tennessee, a Master of Divinity from Princeton Theological Seminary, and a Bachelor of Arts in History from Oglethorpe University. A Northwest Georgia native, Gramling has a natural passion for the material and cultural history which makes Northwest Georgia so unique as a region. Capitalizing on previous institutional successes, it is Gramling’s vision to enhance the Bandy Center’s institutional visibility as the premier public history organization in Northwest Georgia through its extensive collections, dynamic community engagement, public programming, and digital initiatives.
(706) 272-4587
mgramling@daltonstate.edu
Program Coordinator
Erica Perez
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Erica Perez is the Program Coordinator for the Bandy Heritage Center for Northwest Georgia since January 2025. With a bachelor's degree in history and a native to Dalton, Erica has a passion for preserving Northwest Georgia’s history and its rich community. As a Dalton State Alumni, she has 3 years of experience with the Bandy Center processing, archiving, and preserving many of the collections we have housed here at the Center. Telling the story of Northwest Georgia through the eyes of those who have lived here whether that be a cotton mill employee, a local artist, or a student is one of Erica’s enduring passions which she applies to her work daily. Adamant about preserving and making accessible the history of our region, she has processed numerous collections from organizations such as the Creative Arts Guild, Georgia Chapter of the Trail of Tears Association, and Walker County Historical Society to help tell that story. To enhance her skills at preserving and telling the stories of Northwest Georgia’s many communities, Erica is currently pursuing a Master of Arts in History at University of West Georgia.
(706) 272-4452
Map & Directions
The Bandy Center’s administrative offices and its archival research and preservation facility are located on the first floor of the Derrell C. Roberts Library on the main campus of Dalton State College.
Research access to the collection is currently available by appointment only. Please contact Erica Perez with questions about the collection or to schedule an appointment.
Hours: Mon-Fri. 9am-5pm
Main Campus
Dalton State is located approximately 85 miles north of Atlanta and 20 miles south of Chattanooga, Tennessee.
The address for the Bandy Center is:
650 College Drive
Dalton, GA 30720
Southbound on Interstate 75 from Chattanooga, Tennessee
Take Dalton Exit 333.
At the end of the ramp turn right and then take the next immediate right onto College Drive.
Dalton State is located 3/4 mile on the left.
Northbound on Interstate 75 from Atlanta, Georgia
Take Dalton Exit 333.
At the end of the ramp turn left. After crossing the interstate, take a right on College Drive.
Dalton State is located 3/4 mile on the left.
Depot Gallery
The address for the Old Freight Depot is:
305 South Depot Street
Dalton, GA 30720
Southbound on Interstate 75 from Chattanooga
Take Dalton Exit 333 (Walnut Ave.)
At end of ramp turn left.
Follow Walnut Ave. to Thornton Ave. Turn left on Thornton Ave. to West Morris St.
Turn right on West Morris St. Depot Gallery is on left past the intersection with Hamilton St.
Northbound on Interstate 75 from Atlanta
Take Dalton Exit 333 (Walnut Ave.)
At end of ramp turn right.
Follow Walnut Ave. to Thornton Ave. turn left on Thornton Ave. to W.Morris St.
Turn right on West Morris St. Depot Gallery is on left past the intersection with Hamilton St.