When Atlanta History Center marks 100 years of existence in 2026, the United States will mark its 250th anniversary.
We will focus on the role that Atlanta History Center can play in a functional democratic system and hold democracy at the center of our research, scholarship, and storytelling. As people across our city, state, and country consider what it means to create a democracy functioning by and for everyone, Atlanta History Center will use its resources to explore the history of the components that make a healthy democratic republic, including methods of civic engagement, widespread and informed voter participation, civil rights, and community leadership.
Featured Stories
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Story
Maynard Jackson made history 50 years ago as Atlanta’s first Black mayor, bringing transformative change at just 35. His passion for civil rights and economic fairness opened doors for minorities in city contracts. Jackson’s leadership helped create a more inclusive Atlanta, a legacy that lives on today.
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Story
For a brief and tumultuous few weeks in 1946 and 1947, Georgia had three governors. What followed is the stuff of political legend.
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Story
“One Hundred Years of Georgia Women Legislators” is a Historical Series that will not only tell the story of Georgia’s first women state and federal legislative representatives and highlight other notable Georgia “firsts” that have held legislative positions over the course of the last century to now, but it also highlights the effect these women have had on Georgia, the South, and the United States of America.
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More Stories from UnderCurrent
American Democracy: A Great Leap of Faith explored the history of American government, and how that system has been tested, improved, damaged, and repaired over time.
Learn moreThrough 43 powerful portraits—personally painted by former President George W. Bush—and their accompanying stories, Out of Many, One reminds us of the ways in which America has been strengthened by those who left their home countries to live in the United States.
Learn moreMedia Highlights
Everyone has to do something to make democracy work. Without it, what do we have?
Upcoming Events
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Related Offerings
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Projects & Initiatives
A toolkit designed to help communities address Confederate monuments in their midst.
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Exhibition
Any Great Change explores the decades-long struggle for women’s suffrage as well as the key groups, their strategies, and their leaders.
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Projects & Initiatives
The Veterans History Project oral history collection contains video and audio interviews of those who served in World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, the Persian Gulf War, the Global War on Terror, and civilians who supported them.
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Exhibition
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.
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Exhibition
The Civil War is the decisive turning point in American history. A nation divided against itself before—half enslaved, half free—was reunited. Experience the Civil War through the eyes of soldiers and civilians.
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Exhibition
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.
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Exhibition
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.
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For Educators
Atlanta History Center offers multi-disciplinary and interactive virtual and on-site tours for students of all ages that are educational and fun.
In December 2021, Atlanta History Center implemented a new strategic plan that aligns with our purpose to use history to bring people together to explore new and different perspectives with the goal of strengthening our shared commitment to, and engagement in, our democratic system.
Read nowAtlanta History Center is a founding partner of Made By Us, a coalition of over 100 history museums and sites meeting Millennials and Gen Z where they are with history to ignite, inform, and inspire their civic participation.
Learn moreRelated. Past Events.
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Author Talks
Author of LatinoLand: A Portrait of America’s Largest and Least Understood MinorityTuesday, Mar 12, 2024 @ 7:00 pm -
Author Talks
Author of James Oglethorpe, Father of Georgia: A Founder’s Journey from Slave Trader to AbolitionistWednesday, Feb 28, 2024 @ 7:00 pm -
Author Talks
Author of Our Hidden Conversations: What Americans Really Think About Race and IdentityTuesday, Feb 20, 2024 @ 7:30 pm -
Author Talks
Author of Our Ancient Faith: Lincoln, Democracy, and the American ExperimentWednesday, Feb 7, 2024 @ 7:30 pm -
Explore. More.
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Collaboratively, we develop historically accurate, culturally relevant, and provocative programs, exhibitions, theatrical productions, lectures, author panels, videos, and a host of other experiences.
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Atlanta History Center offers a variety of annual programs that explore and celebrate our shared history.