The Limestone County Historical Society is now offering its eighth collector’s edition Christmas ornament to the public. The 2006 ornament will feature the Athens Grammar School, formerly Greene University.

“This is our only fund-raiser, besides membership and the profits from this fund-raiser go mainly to fourth grade teachers who teach Alabama History,” said Ellie Frost, chairperson of the historical society’s ornament committee.

Proceeds from the sale of the ornaments is given to each teacher for purchased of supplies or for activities, such as games, to help promote children’s involvement with history.

The ornament is a limited edition ornament and is 24 karat gold plated on brass. Only 400 were made. The ornament comes with a certificate of authenticity and a brief history of Athens Grammar School. It can be purchased at Osborne’s Jewelry for $14. Ornaments can also be ordered by writing Limestone County Historical Society at P.O. Box 82, Athens, Ala., 35612.

Frost said the society raised approximately $2,000 last year after paying for the ornaments. The funds always go to teachers in area schools.

“Students in Alabama only get Alabama History in the fourth grade. That’s the only opportunity they have to learn anything about their own state,” said Frost.

Anyone purchasing an ornament will learn a little bit of Athens history. The center two-story building of Greene University was built in 1910 and served as a boy’s preparatory school until it was closed in 1920. In 1921 the Athens Board of Education bought the Greene University School and added two one-story wings and various other features to the campus. It was then named Athens Grammar School. First through sixth grades were taught there until the early 1960s. Then Athens Elementary School was built to replace it.

Frost said the historical society board members try to use historical sites around the area that either gone or are of great historical relevance.

“There are quite a few people who went there who are still around. We try to pick something that would have historical interest,” said Frost.

The ornament will also be featured on a Christmas tree at the Donnell House during the Festival of Trees in Athens. The Historical Society’s tree was decorated by board member Mary Sturdivant. The Festival of Trees will take place on Nov. 17,18, 24, 25, from 4 to 8 p.m. and Nov. 19, 23, 26 from 1 to 4 p.m. Admission is$6 per Adults, $3 for children 3 to12-years-old, 2 years-old and under are no charge.

The Historical Society takes care of several historical markers around town, prints a quarterly publication of historical articles and geology of Limestone County and periodically does clean ups at local cemeteries as well as several other community services.