Holidays at Atlanta History Center

Explore the rich heritage of African American cuisine, from the enduring traditions of West African dishes to the culinary innovations of enslaved chefs like James Hemings. Learn how iconic foods like cala, macaroni and cheese, and bean pie symbolize resilience, cultural preservation, and the profound impact of Black chefs on American culinary history, celebrated through generations.

The Christmas card tradition began in 1843 in Victorian England by Sir Henry Cole and evolved in America with Louis Prang’s designs in 1873. The Haverty family of Atlanta exemplified the mid-20th century trend of personalized cards. Today, Christmas cards, more diverse and accessible, continue to connect loved ones during the holidays.

What began as a fun idea to mark the return of in-person holiday celebrations on the heels of the pandemic, quickly turned into an institution-wide desire to create an entire experience and annual tradition to usher in the holiday season. What does it take to put together a community event of this magnitude? The holiday spirit and a massive undertaking.