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In advance of our upcoming Party with the Past centered on Midtown history, we wrote an article to get you up to speed on the history of the neighborhood!
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The Samuel Spencer Memorial was placed on display at Atlanta History Center in December 2023. Its placement is intended to help to promote discussion about Samuel Spencer, public art, and the complex legacies of the Old and New South.
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Weather permitting, every Saturday afternoon between 2 and 3 it’s time for sheep to stroll and goats to promenade. That’s when Brett Bannor, Manager of Animal Collections, walks animals from the Smith Farm flock around the campus, giving visitors a chance to meet and learn about our heritage breed livestock.
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Dexter Scott King, the youngest son of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., passed away after battling prostate cancer. A dedicated civil rights activist, he carried on his family’s legacy, advocating for nonviolence, social justice, and animal rights. King’s life work emphasized compassion and equality, reflecting his deep commitment to his parents’ vision.
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Black churches played a crucial role in community building, social justice, and the civil rights movement in the Black community. Beyond being spiritual havens, Black churches were also pivotal in nurturing the growth of gospel music.
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Rabbi Jacob M. Rothschild, a prominent figure in the civil rights movement, used his position at Atlanta’s The Temple to champion racial integration and nonviolent resistance. Ordained in 1936, he became a vocal advocate against segregation and for school desegregation. His close associations with civil rights leaders, including Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and his response to the 1958 bombing of The Temple, reinforced his commitment to social justice. His legacy continues through The Temple’s ongoing efforts in social justice and interfaith collaboration.
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Atlanta History Center is pleased to announce the opening of Southern Railway records. Donated by Norfolk Southern Corporation in 2021, these records document the inner workings of Southern Railway, and its predecessor railroad lines from 1828 to 2007.
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As the days shorten and temperatures drop in autumn, plants begin a series of physiological processes to prepare for the cold. Plants are generally about the same temperature as the surrounding air, so to deal with cold they must employ alternative methods.
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George “Ed” Merritt’s life encapsulates a journey from the racial violence of early 20th century Georgia to becoming a local civil rights champion in Buford. Born in 1913, after his family fled racial terror in Forsyth County, Merritt served in the U.S. Army during World War II and later became a community leader. His political career peaked when he was elected to the Buford School Board in 1973, reflecting the broader struggle for civil rights in Georgia. Merritt’s legacy, highlighted by his advocacy for voting and education, endures in Buford, where a street now bears his name.
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The evolution of Black women’s fashion reflects a journey of resilience and expression. Beginning during enslavement with enforced dress codes, Black women used fashion as a form of rebellion, showcasing their identity through headwraps and vibrant fabrics. Post-emancipation, they influenced trends as skilled seamstresses and embraced popular styles. The 20th century saw fashion align with social movements, from dignified “Sunday’s Best” in the civil rights era to natural hair as a symbol of protest during the Black Power Movement. This enduring legacy highlights the creativity and adaptability of Black women in fashion.
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The Christmas card tradition began in 1843 in Victorian England by Sir Henry Cole and evolved in America with Louis Prang’s designs in 1873. The Haverty family of Atlanta exemplified the mid-20th century trend of personalized cards. Today, Christmas cards, more diverse and accessible, continue to connect loved ones during the holidays.
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Karl Allquist was diagnosed with HIV in 1989. He kept a journal documenting his life with HIV from 1989-1991. Karl died in 1992 from HIV/AIDs related complications. In 2004, Atlanta History Center interviewed Karl’s surviving partner, William “Bill” Penn. From Karl’s journal and Bill’s recounting of their relationship, we have a glimpse into life with HIV/AIDS in the 1980s.
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In 1962, a plane crash at Orly Field in Paris claimed the lives of more than 100 Atlantans, leaving a deep scar on the city’s cultural fabric. Mayor Ivan Allen Jr., personally affected and burdened with responsibility, navigated the aftermath, ensuring the respectful return of the deceased. The tragedy unified Atlanta, inspiring donations for a memorial arts center, despite the irreplaceable loss and enduring grief experienced by the community and the victims’ families.
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