Education has been integral to the Talbotton community since its settlement in the early 1800s. The Talbotton Female Academy, later known as LeVert Female College, was chartered by the Georgia General Assembly in 1830. After the original wooden academy burned, a new structure was built in 1856. Today, it remains a magnificent example of Greek Revival architecture.

In 1878, public schools were established in Georgia. Although Talbotton had not yet established its own public school system, LeVert Female College combined with Collingsworth Institute, a school for men organized in 1837. Together, they continued to offer “a thoroughly practical, scientific and classical education” until 1923.

In 1927, the Straus family purchased the LeVert building from the city and restored it, leading to the name Straus-LeVert. Lazarus Straus and his family had moved to Talbotton in 1850 and lived there for a decade.

Over the years, Straus-LeVert has hosted events, parties, plays and lectures beneath its majestic roof. Paired with neighboring Zion Church, it offers a complementary setting for receptions, celebrations and community gatherings.