Grades 5 & 8
How did hosting the 1996 Summer Olympics shape the city of Atlanta?
Capacity: 80 students
Length: 2 Hours
Available Monday–Friday 10:00am-12:00pm*
Sold Out for 2025-26. Check back in July to book for 2026-27.
From the decision to host the games to their lasting effect on Atlanta’s neighborhoods, the 1996 Summer Olympics were a pivotal moment for the city of Atlanta. This tour uses our extensive Atlanta ’96 exhibit, as well as historic resources, and interactive learning tools to engage students in self-exploration as well as facilitated discussion. Students will come away with a deeper understanding of short and long-term political, economic, and social impacts of this momentous event.
*If a school tour is booked on a Monday, please note that the museum is not open to the general public. Atlanta History Center will provide schools full access to the designated tour areas. However, additional spaces, exhibitions, historic homes, gardens, and the museum shop will be closed. The outdoor picnic areas are still available for groups that choose to have lunch onsite.
Standards Addressed
- SS8H12
Explain the importance of developments in Georgia since the late 20th century.
- SS8H12.a
Explain how the continued development of Atlanta under mayors Maynard Jackson and Andrew Young impacted the state.
- SS8H12.c
Evaluate the short-term and long-term impacts of hosting the 1996 Olympics on Georgia’s economic and population growth.
These lesson plans are specifically designed to support both in-person and virtual school tours offered by Atlanta History Center; however, they are available for use by any educator. Atlanta History Center encourages teachers to preview all materials prior to use to determine the appropriateness for their particular grade level and students.
Email Us
For more information, please email schooltours@atlantahistorycenter.com.