Kenan Research Center collections document a wide range of historical themes and topics about the history of the Atlanta region. The links below provide access to information about books, archival collections, and museum collections for our key subject strengths. They are intended as a starting point to help you find resources relevant to these areas of research.
After locating materials of interest, please contact reference staff at Kenan Research Center at 404.814.4040 or reference@atlantahistorycenter.com to arrange an appointment to view these resources or to discuss your specific research needs.
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Search materials documenting African American political history, activism, and African American communities in Atlanta.
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Search materials documenting Atlanta architecture, including architectural drawings of Atlanta buildings, as well as general architectural history.
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Search materials documenting individual businesses and business leaders in Atlanta, local products, agriculture, and the efforts of business leaders and individual entrepreneurs to promote economic development in Atlanta.
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Search materials documenting gardening, landscape design, garden history, horticulture, floral design, botanical art, cultural landscapes, natural landscapes, and plant ecology.
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Search materials documenting the lives of LGBT+ communities in Atlanta, including personal papers, organizational records, publications, and photography documenting activism and social and civic events in Atlanta.
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Search materials documenting the Civil War and the Atlanta Campaign of 1864, the experiences of Georgians involved in foreign wars, including World War I, World War II, and the Vietnam War.
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Search materials documenting activities and decisions of Atlanta-area governments and non-governmental organizations, political events, such as campaigns, rallies, and protests, as well as materials that record individuals and groups engaged in civic affairs.
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Search materials documenting sporting events and sports teams in the Atlanta-Athens area, as well as collections documenting the 1996 Centennial Olympic Games.
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Search materials documenting Atlanta’s growth and the development of railroads, trolleys, automobiles, highways, airports, MARTA, and other aspects of transportation, and conveyance of goods and people
Access our robust archival, library, and museum collections through one seamless experience.
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Honoring the legacy of baseball player, racial equality activist, and historic home run record breaker, Hank Aaron.
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Norfolk Southern, one of the nation’s major railroad systems, recently relocated its headquarters to Atlanta. The company celebrated its move with a major donation of archival materials from predecessor company Southern Railway to Atlanta History Center. We look back on the history of Southern Railway and reflect on the importance of this iconic railroad to Atlanta and the Southeast.
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The Stonewall Uprising laid the groundwork for today’s gay pride movement. Two months after Stonewall, “anti-obscenity raids” targeted gay and lesbian establishments across Atlanta.
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Uncover your family’s roots at Atlanta History Center’s Kenan Research Center! From personal records to online catalogs, we provide resources for researching African American ancestry. Book an appointment and dive into your history today!