Maguire-Livsey Family Big House

Drop by the listening session on Saturday, February 28, or register to join us virtually!

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The Maguire-Livsey Family Big House was primarily home to two families central to the county’s history — the Maguires during the 19th century and the Livseys in the 20th. Those enslaved by Thomas Maguire are also part of the property’s past. The historic, two-story dwelling was built in the early 1830s in southeast Gwinnett near the Yellow River and the community of Centerville. The house reflects a complex history, and its restoration should consider the values and interests of all involved in its past, present, and future.

Share your input on the restoration of the historically significant Maguire-Livsey Family Big House! By bringing together a diverse group of stakeholders, we aim to preserve the landmark and share values and stories that reflect its legacy.

Get involved and stay in the know about news and project updates — your feedback is essential to ensure that the future of this historical site reflects the collective vision of the community.

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The Maguire-Livsey Family Big House was primarily home to two families central to the county’s history — the Maguires during the 19th century and the Livseys in the 20th. Those enslaved by Thomas Maguire are also part of the property’s past. The house reflects a complex history, and its restoration should consider the values and interests of all involved in its past, present, and future.

Share your input on the restoration of the historically significant Maguire-Livsey Family Big House! By bringing together a diverse group of stakeholders, we aim to preserve the landmark and share values and stories that reflect its legacy. The historic, two-story dwelling was built in the early 1830s in southeast Gwinnett near the Yellow River and the community of Centerville.

Get involved — your feedback is essential to ensure that the future of this historical site reflects the collective vision of the community.
 

Following Maguire’s death in 1886, The Promised Land plantation was subdivided. The original house was rented, first to the Haney family and later to the Lucas family. In 1926, Robert and Morena Livsey, African American residents of Gwinnett, purchased the home and 110 acres of land once part of the plantation.

Thomas and Elizabeth Maguire
 

Following Maguire’s death in 1886, The Promised Land plantation was subdivided. The original house was rented, first to the Haney family and later to the Lucas family. In 1926, Robert and Morena Livsey, African American residents of Gwinnett, purchased the home and 110 acres of land once part of the plantation.


Unable to obtain a mortgage loan to purchase the property due to racial discrimination, the Livseys purchased the property through a bond-for-title agreement. Robert, Morena, and their 13 children plowed, cultivated, and maintained the property. Over time, they scaled back farming operations and launched several new businesses in the community. The family eventually divided the land into smaller parcels for their children, and many descendants still live in the area. The Livsey family retained ownership until selling the home to Gwinnett County in 2017.

Livsey Family


For more insight into this rich history, explore the following reports:
 
  • Maguire-Livsey Historic Structure Report — documents the developmental history of the Maguire-Livsey Big House, providing guidance for restoration and preservation. This report was completed by the architectural firm, Lord Aeck Sargent.
  • Promised Land Report — shares the historic background of the Maguire-Livsey Big House and farm with a focus on the agricultural significance of its farmland. This report consists of written and public records, as well as oral history interviews compiled by New South Associates, Inc.

The Community Ambassadors serve as a bridge between the county and the community — offering insight, sharing ideas, and helping ensure the project reflects the voices of those it serves. They will:

  • Share their experiences, perspectives, and input on the logistics of community engagement efforts
  • Help guide the preservation, restoration, and decisions that impact the history and legacy of the former home
  • Build relationships with neighbors, leaders, descendants, and partners who care deeply about the project and the historical and cultural significance of the property

This group brings diverse experiences and skills, along with tremendous passion, to the Big House restoration process. We are grateful for their service.

Maguire-Livsey Family Big House Community Ambassadors
Ann Bender
Linda Duckett
Paul Kelley
Amelia Lewis
Alli Livsey
Chad Livsey
Donna McLeod
Jennifer Moody
Marie Ransley
Sima Razi
Marlyn Tillman
Rhonda Livsey Williams
Bree Withrow

How to Get Involved

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Restoration of the house begins with the understanding of real-life stories to ensure it is preserved for future generations. These stories will elevate voices of the past and be centered in a shared gathering of the descendants tied to the house throughout its history, neighbors, preservation organizations, local institutions, and interested members of the public.

Interested in joining the planning conversation for the restoration of this community landmark? Check out the opportunities below — we hope to see you there!

Upcoming Event(s)

Saturday, February 28

11:00am – 3:00pm

Gwinnett Community Resource Center at Bethany Church Road

3025 Bethany Church Road, Snellville

 Drop-In Listening Session

Tuesday, March 3

6:00pm – 8:00pm

Virtual – Register today!

 Listening Session
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In fall 2025, we launched a focused push to highlight the home’s historical significance, recruit Community Ambassadors, and involve residents in the restoration. Neighbors, family descendants, and history-minded community members have taken part in three community meetings and an open house, with more engagement ahead.

Past Event(s)

Community Meetings

October 2025

 The community meetings were held both in-person and virtually in October 2025. These events included presentations by the project team members — Gwinnett County, New South Associates, Lord Aeck Sergeant, and The Asiko Group — on the history and architecture of the property, the community engagement plan, and the County’s role in the preservation process. Participants shared memories of their time spent at the Big House and offered details on how the home and grounds were used through a variety of maps and project boards.

Open House

November 2025

 The open house, held in November 2025, brought more than 100 people together on the grounds of the Big House. Activities included virtual and walking tours, information and story gathering, and visioning potential ways to preserve, restore, and use the home in the future. Attendees provided significant feedback that will shape the next phases of engagement and restoration planning process.
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Is your community group or organization invested in this project? Invite our team to your next meeting for a deep dive into the project, insights on restoration, and answers to your questions! Let’s connect and collaborate. Email Maguire-LivseyFamilyBigHouse@GwinnettCounty.com for more information.