Exhibitions

Founded in 1985, Atlanta-based Ichiban Records played a pivotal role in shaping Southern hip-hop, nurturing iconic artists, and fostering a distinctive sound. The label, led by visionary John Abbey, was a crucible for talent like MC Shy-D and Kilo. Despite challenges, including a risky partnership with EMI and internal issues, Ichiban’s impact on the music industry, especially in nurturing local talent and promoting diversity, is undeniable. The story is a compelling narrative of ambition, innovation and the complexities of the music business.

A pink pig and a renegade cow. A movie prop and a Coke bottle. A Pulitzer Prize–winning book and a Nobel Prize–winning icon. How do you tell the story of Atlanta in 50 objects?

Atlanta History Center records, preserves, and makes accessible the stories of men and women who did serve as well as the civilians who supported them. Their stories allow future generations to hear directly from those who lived through our nation’s conflicts to better appreciate the realities and the sacrifices of war.

This online exhibition explores the African American struggle for full citizenship and racial equality that unfolded in the 50 years following the Civil War.

Between 1964 and 1975, nearly 3,500,000 men and women served in the United States armed forces in Southeast Asia. Each of them has a story to tell. Each story is unique.

“The Color Line: The Problem of the Centuries” explores the historic marginalization of Black Atlanta, fostering awareness and inspiring action for our community’s future.

Founded by the Cherokee Garden Club of Atlanta in 1975, the Cherokee Garden Library is named for the state floral emblem of Georgia, the Cherokee rose (Rosa laevigata) and is one of the special collection libraries of the Kenan Research Center.

Explore the history of Bagley Park, and its beloved mayor, William Bagley, through the personal collection of his granddaughter, Elon Butts Osby.

Atlanta History Center is home to one of the nation’s most comprehensive collections of Civil War memorabilia including a growing number of rare objects identified specifically with African American USCT soldiers and regiments such as a canteen, swords, a rifle, brass drum, knapsack, Bible, badges, a Medal of Honor, and a USCT flag.