Atlanta History Center would pretty much have to be one of the Southeast’s largest museums to contain all of the events, lectures and exhibitions happening through June on – and sometimes off – its 33-acre campus. And it is. As noted below, some events are free.
On display through July 7 is the traveling exhibition “Slavery at Jefferson’s Monticello: How the Word Is Passed Down.” Compiled from archaeology, documentary research and “Getting Word,” Monticello’s oral history project, the exhibition lets visitors hear stories and see objects that belonged to the third president and the enslaved people who lived and worked on his Virginia plantation. In the Nicholson Gallery. Exhibit included with museum admission; free to members. BUY ONLINE and save $2 per ticket
Here’s a look at what else is scheduled through June:
APRIL
2: “Tony Burroughs, Black Roots: A Beginners Guide to Tracing the African American Family Tree.” Burroughs will discuss his bestselling book on genealogy. Learn to trace, record and write family history, and familiarize yourself with sources and solutions unique to African-Americans. No previous genealogy experience needed. 8 p.m. $5 members; $10 nonmembers. Reservations required at 404.814.4150 or ONLINE.
11: “An Evening With Andrew Solomon.” Soloman, a National Book Award winner, speaks about his newest book, Far From the Tree: Parents, Children and the Search for Identity, based on a decade’s research into the wide variety of children labeled “exceptional” and his candid conversations with more than 300 American families. 8 p.m. $5 members; $10 nonmembers. Reservations required at 404.814.4150 or ONLINE.
13: Sheep to Shawl. This popular program includes sheep shearing, spinning wool, weaving, open-hearth cooking, blacksmithing, music and storytelling. 10:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Smith Family Farm. Members free; nonmembers, included in ticket price. Details, tickets HERE or at 404.814.4000
20 and 27: AHC Genealogy Program: “A Tale of Two Cemeteries: Reading the Cultural Landscape of African American Burial Grounds.” At 10 a.m. April 20, a two-hour guided walking tour of South-View Cemetery, established by African-Americans in 1886. At 11 a.m. April 27, a two-hour walking tour of the African-American area at Oakland Cemetery, established by Atlanta in 1850. Historian D.L. Henderson leads both. $10. Space limited to 20; not recommended for age 10 or younger. Reservations required at 404.814.4150.
MAY
8: “David Blight, Emancipation at 150: How Does the Civil War Have a Hold on Our Historical Imagination?” Part of “The Civil War and Forging of Character Lecture Series,” a four-year partnership with The Lovett School. 7 p.m. Free. Reservations at 404.814.4150 or ONLINE.
18: “Genealogy: A Family History Conference.” A full day of sessions and lessons designed to help you climb the branches of your family tree. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Free but reservations are required. Details on this and other History Center genealogy programs HERE.
ONGOING
Magic Mondays. Monthly program for ages 18 months to 5 years. Engages them in creative, hands-on programs that introduce history in fun, interactive ways. Each Monday has a different theme. Next sessions are April 8 and May 13. 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Free weekends: On the third weekend of every month through June, visitors can get free admission to the Center as part of Bank America’s free admission weekends. Details HERE.
