Atlanta History Center

Atlanta History Center is a unique cultural and historical destination located in the heart of Buckhead, Atlanta, near the Georgia Governor's Mansion and Piedmont Road. The center is situated on 33 acres of beautifully landscaped grounds, which include the Smith Family Farm, the Wood Family Cabin, and the Swan House, a historic mansion built in 1928 for the Inman family. The center's mission is to connect people, history, and culture, and it achieves this through its extensive collections, exhibits, and programs, which showcase the history of Atlanta, Georgia, and the Southern United States. The center is a member of the American Alliance of Museums and the Southeastern Museums Conference, and it has received accreditation from the American Association for State and Local History.

● History

The Atlanta History Center was founded in 1926 by a group of Atlanta historians, including William E. Beard, Frank L. Stanton, and Samuel M. Inman Jr., with the goal of preserving and interpreting the history of Atlanta and the surrounding region. The center's first home was the Carnegie Library of Atlanta, but it soon outgrew this space and moved to its current location in 1976. The center has undergone several expansions and renovations since then, including the addition of the Kenan Research Center in 1993 and the DuBose Collection in 2000. The center has also partnered with other organizations, such as the Georgia Historical Society, the Atlanta Historical Society, and the National Park Service, to promote the preservation and interpretation of Atlanta's history.

● Collections and Exhibits

The Atlanta History Center's collections include over 50,000 artifacts, including historic clothing, furniture, and decorative arts, as well as a vast archive of documents, photographs, and other historical materials. The center's exhibits showcase the history of Atlanta, from its founding in 1837 to the present day, with a focus on topics such as the American Civil War, the Civil Rights Movement, and the 1996 Summer Olympics. The center also features exhibits on the history of Georgia and the Southern United States, including the Cherokee Nation, the Creek Nation, and the Confederate States of America. Visitors can also explore the center's extensive collection of historic Atlanta newspapers, including the Atlanta Constitution and the Atlanta Journal.

● Historic Houses

The Atlanta History Center is home to two historic houses, the Swan House and the Smith Family Farm. The Swan House is a stunning example of Neoclassical architecture and features an impressive collection of Inman family artifacts and furnishings. The Smith Family Farm is a historic farmhouse that dates back to the 1860s and showcases the lives of Atlanta's early settlers. Visitors can take guided tours of both houses and learn about the history of the families who lived there, including the Inman family and the Smith family. The center also offers programs and events related to historic preservation, including the National Trust for Historic Preservation and the Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation.

● Gardens and Grounds

The Atlanta History Center's gardens and grounds are a beautiful and peaceful oasis in the heart of Buckhead, Atlanta. The center's gardens feature a variety of plants and flowers, including azaleas, rhododendrons, and dogwoods, as well as a historic garden house and a woodland trail. Visitors can also explore the center's Olympic Ring Fountain, which was built for the 1996 Summer Olympics, and the Veterans Park, which honors the men and women who have served in the United States Armed Forces. The center's grounds are also home to several historic monuments and markers, including the Georgia Historical Society marker and the National Register of Historic Places marker.

● Programs and Events

The Atlanta History Center offers a wide range of programs and events for visitors of all ages, including guided tours, lectures, and workshops. The center also hosts several annual events, including the Atlanta History Center Gala, the Juneteenth Celebration, and the Fourth of July Celebration. Visitors can also participate in the center's Living History programs, which bring history to life through costumed interpreters and historic demonstrations. The center has partnered with other organizations, such as the National Endowment for the Humanities, the National Endowment for the Arts, and the Institute of Museum and Library Services, to promote history and culture in Atlanta and beyond.

● Architecture and Facilities

The Atlanta History Center's buildings and facilities are designed to be both functional and beautiful, with a focus on sustainability and historic preservation. The center's main building features a stunning atrium and a state-of-the-art exhibition hall, as well as a research library and a museum store. The center also offers several event spaces, including the Grand Overlook Ballroom and the Garden Room, which are perfect for weddings, conferences, and other special events. The center has received several awards for its architecture and design, including the American Institute of Architects award and the National Trust for Historic Preservation award. The center is a member of the United States Green Building Council and has achieved LEED certification for its sustainable design and operations. Category:Museums in Atlanta