HGWI Member Meeting Recap
September 21, 2026 • Mazzy’s Sports Bar & Grill
Meeting Overview
Our September Member Meeting focused on the progress made since the introduction of HGWI’s rebuilt website and modernization plans. Members reviewed new investigation tools, discussed upcoming investigations, and explored ways to strengthen participation and expand the organization’s reach.
The discussion emphasized putting our plans into practice: creating consistent case records, improving investigation documentation, involving more members, and using accessible technology to share the history and stories behind the places we investigate.
Meeting Highlights
Website & Investigator Resources
Members received an update on the website and the resources being developed to support investigations.
Progress included:
- An investigator contact list within the secure portal.
- Historical research links and resources, including Georgia archives and Find a Grave.
- Continued development of membership features and investigator tools.
- Online registration for meetings and investigations.
The team also discussed making announcements clearer so members understand when they need to register through the website.
Case Numbering & Investigation Records
A standardized numbering system was introduced to connect each case with its individual investigation visits.
The structure allows HGWI to:
- Maintain one central case record for a property.
- Distinguish separate visits to the same location.
- Keep investigation logs, research, and supporting information associated with the correct case.
- Build a more organized foundation for future database searches and reporting.
This creates continuity as a case develops over multiple visits.
Digital Investigation Logs
The updated Investigation Log was demonstrated as part of the effort to improve consistency and connect field documentation with the research database.
Features discussed included:
- Environmental information based on the investigation’s location.
- Room condition checks, including doors, windows, closets, and televisions.
- Standardized activity selections.
- More consistent documentation of conditions and observations.
The goal is to make useful information easier to record during an investigation while creating stronger records for later review and comparison.
Client Activity Log & Portal
Members received an update on the Client Activity Log, which is designed to allow clients to document experiences directly through the website.
The log had been built in a temporary location, with security and access controls still being worked through.
Discussion emphasized ensuring that clients can access only the information associated with their own case before the client-facing system is released.
Historic Ellijay Investigation
The team discussed a potential investigation at the historic train depot property in Ellijay.
Planning topics included:
- The owner’s request to investigate before Halloween.
- Possible promotional or press interest surrounding the property.
- October 17, 2026, as the tentative investigation date.
- An evening investigation rather than an overnight stay.
- The possibility of using a box truck as a mobile base.
The discussion also considered how historical research and documentation could support the investigation and help tell the property’s story.
Old South Pittsburg Hospital
Members reviewed plans for the November investigation at Old South Pittsburg Hospital.
Topics included:
- Confirming participation and encouraging members to register.
- Working toward a group of approximately ten participants.
- Reviewing costs and the payment commitment.
- Exploring sleeping arrangements at the location or a nearby rental.
The team also discussed the possibility of developing a documentary-style presentation that combines local history, personal accounts, and the investigation experience.
Future Locations & Opportunities
Other locations and possible partnerships discussed included:
- Harriman Hospital.
- Octagon Hall in Kentucky.
- Roswell historical and cemetery connections.
These remained possibilities for further exploration rather than confirmed investigations.
Membership & Team Participation
Attendance and participation were important topics throughout the meeting.
Members discussed:
- Opening more opportunities to Community Members.
- Inviting interested people outside the existing circle.
- Expanding the pool of potential investigators.
- Encouraging active involvement in discussions about HGWI’s direction.
The team emphasized that building the organization requires participation in planning and discussion as well as attendance at investigations.
Meeting Schedule
Members discussed whether the last Monday of the month remains the best meeting time.
Alternatives included:
- Moving meetings to the third Monday.
- Considering Wednesday to accommodate scheduling conflicts.
- Gathering additional member input before settling on a recurring schedule.
No final schedule change was established during the discussion.
Decisions & Next Steps
Follow-up priorities included:
- Continuing development and testing of the digital investigation tools.
- Completing client security and access work before releasing the Client Activity Log.
- Using the standardized case numbering system to organize cases and visits.
- Confirming arrangements for the proposed October 17 Ellijay investigation.
- Confirming participants and accommodations for Old South Pittsburg Hospital.
- Exploring historical interviews and practical video projects.
- Encouraging website registration for meetings and investigations.
- Gathering member feedback on meeting days and scheduling.
- Expanding outreach to potential members and investigators.
Looking Ahead
HGWI’s next phase is about using the systems we have been building during actual investigations.
The upcoming Ellijay and Old South Pittsburg Hospital investigations offer opportunities to strengthen documentation, develop historical research, and identify improvements through practical experience.
Alongside that work, the team will continue developing member resources, encouraging participation, and exploring new ways to share HGWI’s investigations and the histories behind them.