Upon the passing of Carter at the age of 100 in December, plans are underway to transform the house where he and his wife resided into a museum. Carter will be interred on the property, marking the final resting place for the former President. Speaking about the deep connection the Carters had with Plains, Jill Stuckey, a close friend of the family and National Parks Superintendent, reflected on their enduring bond with the town. “The Carters adored Plains. They constructed their home in 1961 and ultimately returned to that very same house, where they both breathed their last,” Stuckey shared.
In a gesture of generosity and historical preservation, the Carters bequeathed their beloved home to the National Park Service. This decision paves the way for the house to become a significant part of the Jimmy Carter National Historical Park. Established in 1987, the park aims to honor President Carter’s life and presidency within the context of Plains, Georgia, while safeguarding the associated historical assets. Among the notable features encompassed within the park are President Carter’s childhood farm and residence, the high school attended by the former President and First Lady, the Carter Home and Garden (currently inaccessible to the public), and the railroad depot that served as the nerve center for Carter’s presidential campaign.
Although the Carter Home and Garden presently remains closed to visitors, plans are in place to open its doors to the public in the foreseeable future. The National Park Service has indicated that access to the home may be granted as early as the upcoming summer season. Mike Litterst, a spokesperson for the National Park Service, emphasized the significance of this development. “It serves as the culmination of a narrative, in a sense. We have the Boyhood Farm, where President Carter spent his formative years. We have the high school that played a pivotal role in shaping his character. The campaign headquarters, pivotal to his national political aspirations. And now, the opportunity for visitors to pay their respects at the final resting site of President and Mrs. Carter,” Litterst stated.
The transformation of the Carter residence into a museum and the eventual opening of the Carter Home and Garden to the public represent significant milestones in preserving the legacy of the 39th President of the United States. The Jimmy Carter National Historical Park stands as a living testament to the enduring impact of President Carter’s tenure and his profound ties to Plains, Georgia.
