Beam from Normandy arrives in Toccoa

A 22-foot beam, reclaimed from a historic barn near Utah Beach—a key landing site during the D-Day invasion—arrived at the Currahee Military Museum in Toccoa on Wednesday, July 9. Currahee Military Museum Executive Director Brenda Carlan says this will be a new exhibit in the museum.

This rare artifact is part of the Marmion Project, a preservation initiative led by veteran-owned Three Forks™ Wood Reclamation, explains Carlan.

Christian Knutzen and Christopher Kelley are with Three Forks™ Wood Reclamation. Knutzen, a recent retiree from the Green Berets, spoke about the project.

Kelley, a recent retiree from the Navy Seals, said the history needs to be preserved.

Knutzen said reclaiming the beam was special. 

The beam will be displayed alongside the stable from England where the paratroopers who helped liberate Europe during World War II stayed, says Carlan.

Carlan says a generous donation brought the beam to Toccoa. 

Hours for the Stephens County History Museum and Currahee Military Museum are Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. It is located at 160 North Alexander Street in downtown Toccoa.

Pictures by WNEG General Manager Phil Hobbs:

Historic Beam

Marmion Farm

Photo of first Nazi flag captured

Beam being unloaded with help from the Toccoa Fire Department and City of Toccoa workers.

Christian Knutzen and Christopher Kelley with Three Forks™ Wood Reclamation

Stephens County Historical Society Board Members