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Atlanta History Center’s King Day program, Influence the Dream, invites visitors to trace the arc of Atlanta’s role in the Civil Rights Movement over the course of generations. Through exhibits, talks with area experts, and interactive experiences for the whole family, hear stories that highlight Atlanta’s Civil Rights scene at the turn of the 20th century, the powerful work of Dr. King in the 1950s and 1960s, and how we continue to be influenced by his legacy today.
This program is presented in collaboration with Atlanta Influences Everything, a brand and creative consultancy focused on combining civic, corporate and cultural understanding to harness the influence of Atlanta culture to do good and connect communities.
Reserve Your Ticket. Free
Family Resources
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Button Making
Take part in the activism of King Day by designing and creating your very own button to take home!
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Family Trivia
From 12-1pm, show off your knowledge of Atlanta’s Civil Rights history! Everyone can compete to win fun prizes.
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Gatheround Self-Guided Experience
Use our Gatheround Exhibit to experience a curated series of artifacts highlighting the foundations of Dr. King’s dream in Atlanta and the realities of social change over the span of over 150 years!
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Community Storytelling Corner: Voices of Atlanta Recordings
Share your own thoughts on the history of civil rights in Atlanta and how Atlanta influences you through our community recordings!
Panels and Talks
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Herndon Home Talk 11:00am
Hear from Mary Ilonah, Museum Operations Manager of the Herndon Home, a National Historic Landmark built by Atlanta’s first Black millionaire, Alonzo Herndon. Learn Herndon’s story, involvement with Civil Rights leaders like Booker T. Washington, W.E.B. DuBois, and the King family, and the impact he and his son, Norris, had on Atlanta’s Civil Rights scene.
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Pullman Porter Descendent Talk 1:00pm
Learn from Atlanta native Tonya Austin as she recounts the story of her grandfather, Marion Boykin Armstrong Sr., a Pullman Porter of the Southern Railway System for over thirty years.
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Panel Conversation 2:00pm
100 Years of Influences brings together iconic voices—including Bem Joiner—for a powerful conversation about Dr. King’s legacy and Atlanta’s cultural, political, and creative impact.
Ongoing Activities
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MLK Quest
Explore exhibits, activities, and more around our campus through this interactive scavenger hunt. Follow clues that highlight Atlanta’s role in shaping Dr. King’s dream and modern creative influence. When you finish, earn prizes that celebrate Atlanta pride, creativity, and community connection!
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Wish Wall
Leave your wish for Atlanta’s future on our Wish Wall, created as part of the Wish Wall initiative for America’s 250th anniversary by Made by Us.
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Keep the energy high in the Ballroom with a vibrant soundtrack from DJ Hill, blending classics and contemporary favorites that honor the spirit of the day.
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Photo Opps
Snap your own photos at our activated photo booth!
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Shopping
For a limited time, purchase merch co-created by Atlanta History Center and Atlanta Influences Everything to celebrate the AHC Centennial!