Episode 108: Camden County Then & Now with Rachel Baldwin

Camden County has changed tremendously over the years, but longtime educator and community advocate Rachel Baldwin believes its future depends on understanding its past and getting involved in what comes next.

Rachel joins host Alison Shores to share stories from Camden County’s earlier days, including what St. Marys and Kingsland looked like before major development, her first visit to Cumberland Island and the growth that followed the arrival of Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay.

The conversation also explores the impact of Gilman Paper, the transformation of Camden County Schools, the expansion of career and technical education and the decades-long effort to bring a technical college campus to the community.

Rachel also challenges residents to look beyond social media complaints, learn the facts, attend local meetings, support community organizations and find a personal way to serve.

In This Episode:

What Camden County looked like in the 1970s and 1980s

The growth and changes brought by Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay

The history of Cumberland Island and Highway 17

The influence of Gilman Paper on local families

How Camden County Schools improved graduation rates

Career pathways, apprenticeships and technical education

The long effort to bring Coastal Pines Technical College to Camden

Why local newspapers and public meetings still matter

Finding your place and getting involved in the community

Whether you have lived in Camden County your entire life or recently moved to the area, this episode is a reminder to appreciate where we live, learn its history and help build its future.

Please like, share and subscribe—and remember to love where you live.