GCSU’s Interpretive Center


“Exchange Bank is honored to support a project that preserves an important part of our community’s history and fosters education and reflection,” said John C. Childs, Jr., President and CEO of Exchange Bank. “This center aligns with our core value of community engagement and our belief in promoting education.”

Exchange Bank Pledges $9,000 to Support GCSU’s Interpretive Center

 
Milledgeville, GA – July 7, 2025 – Exchange Bank has announced a $9,000 pledge in support of The Depot Interpretive Center at Georgia College & State University (GCSU). The first installment of $3,000 was recently made, just ahead of the groundbreaking, which is anticipated within the next month. The bank will fulfill its pledge over three years.

The Depot Interpretive Center will serve as a lasting resource for students and the community, promoting understanding, dialogue, and critical thinking around the history of civil rights in Middle Georgia.
The Train Depot, located on GCSU’s campus, underwent renovations in 2022 to create office space for the university. During this process, previously hidden lintels reading “Colored Waiting Room” and “White Waiting Room” were uncovered on the exterior of the building. This discovery sparked important conversations among campus leadership and local civil rights leaders, ultimately inspiring the creation of the Interpretive Center.

The Interpretive Center will help ensure future generations understand the significance of the civil rights movement and the local history that shaped it. For more information about the Depot Interpretive Center, including ways to support the project, please contact B. Seth Walker, CFRE, Vice President for University Advancement and Executive Director of the GCSU Foundation, at seth.walker@gcsu.edu.

About Exchange Bank:

Founded in 1903, Exchange Bank is a locally owned community bank headquartered in Milledgeville, Georgia, with additional locations serving Gray and Lake Oconee. Known for its personalized customer service, community involvement, and commitment to financial solutions for families and businesses, Exchange Bank continues to be a strong partner in the growth and development of the Middle Georgia region.