Family Festivals & Programs

Dancing Through Time: Apollo
Saturday, February 11, 2012
11:00 AM – 4:00 PM

One of the History Center's signature annual family programs presents history exploration through music and dance.  This year's program focuses on dance, performers, and music from the Atlanta History Center's exhibition,Ain’t Nothing Like the Real Thing: How the Apollo Theater Shaped American Entertainment. 

• 11:30 AM and 1:00 PM: Live performance of a Billy “Bojangles” dance and learn about his life and legacy. Afterwards learn a few dance moves from professional tap dancer Tre McClendon.

• 12:30 PM and 2:00 PM:  Live stand-up performances by nationally known comedians Quincy Bonds, as seen on the hit TV show House of Payne, Kenneth “Big Kenny” Johnson, and up and coming talent from students of KidsComedyKorner. Try doing stand-up comedy and improv that made many acts from the Apollo famous through comedy and improv classes.

• 1:30 PM and 3:00 PM: Learn about how music and dance affected the Civil Rights Movement with Ismail Conner.

• 11:00 AM, 12:00 PM, 1:00 PM, 2:00 PM, and 3:00 PM:  Guided tours of the exhibition Ain’t Nothing Like the Real Thing: How the Apollo Theater Shaped American Entertainment. 

• Ongoing: Arts and crafts

Members are admitted for free.  This program is included in the price of general admission for nonmembers. Learn more about this program online at AtlantaHistoryCenter.com.

Support: Funding for this program is provided by the Fulton County Board of Commissioners under the guidance of Fulton County Arts Council. 

Sheep to Shawl               
Saturday, April 14, 2012
10:30 AM – 4:30 PM

Spring has arrived and it's time for the Atlanta History Center’s annual Sheep to Shawl festival.  Gather the entire family for a full day of engaging activities including demonstrations of sheep shearing, spinning, weaving, open hearth cooking, blacksmithing, candle making, and much more at Smith Family Farm, including creative stories and traditional music.  Enjoy guided tours of the historic farmhouse and beautifully blooming Quarry Garden.  During the festival, also enjoy old-fashioned games, crafts and other kid-friendly activities.  Plus, guests are invited to explore the rest of the History Center’s offerings including award-winning exhibitions and the magnificent 1928 Swan House mansion.

Support: This program is free to members; included in the cost of general admission for nonmembers. For more information about this program or to purchase Funding for this program is provided by the Fulton County Board of Commissioners under the guidance of Fulton County Arts Council.

Veterans Remembrance Day
Sunday, May 27, 2012
Noon – 5:00 PM

For Memorial Day, the Atlanta History Center honors the contributions of veterans of World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, and current conflicts.  Spend a day in the company of veterans and hear their stories of wartime through personal accounts and memorabilia.  Living history interpreters represent soldiers of previous wars, including World War I and the Civil War, by showing authentic dress, equipment, and vehicles.

This program is free to members; included in the cost of general admission for nonmembers.

Support: Funding for this program is provided by the Fulton County Board of Commissioners under the guidance of Fulton County Arts Council.