Women's History

Learn more about the stories of those that lived and labored in north Georgia, including the fourteen enslaved persons who labored on the Smith Farm.

In 1971, Betty Byrom and John Sanford’s interracial love faced Georgia’s outdated anti-miscegenation laws — despite their unconstitutionality. Refusing to back down, they enlisted the U.S. Justice Department, leading to legal intervention that helped force Georgia’s compliance with federal law. Their story reshaped state policy and redefined what love and courage could achieve.

Join La’Neice Littleton, Ph.D., historian and Director of Community Collaborations, for an exploration of people, places, and events in Atlanta’s Black history.

The evolution of Black women’s fashion reflects a journey of resilience and expression. Beginning during enslavement with enforced dress codes, Black women used fashion as a form of rebellion, showcasing their identity through headwraps and vibrant fabrics. Post-emancipation, they influenced trends as skilled seamstresses and embraced popular styles. The 20th century saw fashion align with social movements, from dignified “Sunday’s Best” in the civil rights era to natural hair as a symbol of protest during the Black Power Movement. This enduring legacy highlights the creativity and adaptability of Black women in fashion.

On September 27, 2023, Atlanta History Center had the privilege of hosting 100+ students from Genesis Innovation Academy as a part of the powHER project spearheaded by Maria Taylor, in partnership with Garth Brooks’ Teammates for Kids Foundation.

Hailing from Murder Creek, Georgia-born decorator Ruby Ross Wood had professional connections with architect Philip Shutze and the Inman family, leading her to decorate Swan House, Buckhead’s crown jewel. 

From her early days as a journalist to opening her own firm,  the work of Ruby Ross Wood – one of America’s most influential interior designers – was always characterized by eclectic combinations of furniture, bold color choices, and impeccable taste.

Viola Ross Napier and Bessie Kempton Crowell made history as the first women to hold elected office in Georgia. As legislators they faced opposition and a political ceiling that made their journey difficult. Despite this, Napier and Kempton Crowell left a lasting legacy visible even today.

The 37th Annual Swan House Ball brings together some of Atlanta’s most outstanding business, social, and community leaders for a night of fun, fashion, fellowship, and philanthropy at Atlanta History Center. Over the years, the ball has included a revolutionary roster of women, both past and present. From philanthropists and CEOs to first ladies and founders, Atlanta’s history is incomplete without honoring some of the defining women who have elevated the city. 

“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.

Drawn to beautiful clothes and unique designs early in life, Ann Moore pursued a career in couture fashion during a time when the profession, always competitive, was especially out of reach for African Americans. Her hard work and determination carried her from Atlanta to Detroit as well as to the most exclusive fashion locales in New York and Paris. 30 of her pieces are housed in Atlanta History Museum’s extensive Fashion and Textile collections.

Formed in June 1972, the Atlanta Lesbian/Feminist Alliance (ALFA) was established to increase lesbian visibility and solidarity, and to provide means for women to exist outside of society’s sexist institutions. The Kenan Research Center has recently processed several visual collections related LGBTQ+ history, which include photographs related to ALFA.

Board of Park Commission Minute Books hold significant information, reflecting the intersectionality of race, gender, and class in urban spaces during the early twentieth century.