(Buford, Ga., June 27, 2016) — In celebration of the 20th anniversary of the 1996 Olympic Games, the Environmental and Heritage Center (EHC) is hosting an exhibit highlighting the Atlanta area's elevation to international status as a result of the Olympic and Paralympic competitions.

The exhibit is a retrospective and is composed of items from private collections that seek to engage residents' memories and reflections on the historic nature of the events surrounding the 1996 Olympics.

EHC Director of Programming Jason West said, "Twenty years ago, the world called on the Atlanta area and forever changed the cultural and physical landscape of the region.  This exhibit explores how the Olympic and Paralympic Games impacted the region and the role that Gwinnett and its citizens played in this historic experience."

The exhibit features a number of unique items that tell of a personal connection to the Games including pieces of track and seats from the Olympic Stadium, a Swedish Rowing Team jacket with an unusual trading story, a Paralympic torch, an Olympic Band uniform and many more.  

The exhibit also includes a touch table with various examples of Olympic sports equipment allowing guests an opportunity to immerse themselves in the athletic competitions.

"The EHC staff is grateful for the many people who placed their memorabilia and personal artifacts on loan and shared their stories," added West.

The Olympics exhibit is on display at the EHC until Aug. 20, 2016, and will run concurrently with Atlanta's public celebration of the 20th anniversary of the Games taking place in July as well as with the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil in Aug.

The exhibit is included in EHC admission and is free for EHC members.  For more information, visit www.gwinnettEHC.org.