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The sign of the Atlanta History Center in 2018 – By Walker Kinsler –

Top 10 Fascinating Facts about Atlanta History Center

The Atlanta History Center is a history museum and research center. It is located in the Buckhead district of Atlanta, Georgia.

The museum was founded in 1926 and consists of both temporary and permanent exhibitions. It provides a realistic view of early American life more so the Civil War period. 

The 333-acre campus comprises several historic houses (homes), buildings, and gardens. This includes the Smith Farm, the Swan House, and the infamous Wood Family Cabin.

History is everything but stale and boring at the museum. Whether you are a history buff or just accompanying one, you can be sure to simultaneously lean and have fun.

Here are some fascinating facts about the Atlanta History Center.

1. Largest Collection of Civil War Artifacts In the U.S.A

Battle of Atlanta in the Civil War – By Unknown Author –

The American Civil War was fought between the United States (the North) and the Confederacy (“the South”). The confederacy was formed by states that later seceded.

The war was caused by the dispute on whether slavery should expand to western territories or it should not. The war lasted for decades, from 1861 to 1865.

In an Exhibition appropriately titled ‘Turning Point,’ the Atlanta History Center hosts one of the largest Civil War exhibitions. It contains over 1500 artifacts that give a clear picture of life during the civil war for soldiers and civilians alike.

Highlights include the original Confederate flag that flew over Atlanta at the time the city surrendered. Additionally, you may look over diaries and letters, gear like uniforms and weaponry, and even instructional videos and dioramas.

2. Founded In 1926

The Atlanta History Center was founded in 1926. At the time it was known as the Atlanta Historical Society (AHS).

This society was founded to operate as an institution for historical discussion, appreciation, and education. 

The first leader of the AHC was Walter McEllrath, an Atlanta lawyer, author, and legislator. Other founders include Ruth Blair and Franklin Garrett.

3. Renamed In 1990

Since its founding, the organization was referred to as the Atlanta Historical Society (AHS). In 1990, as more and more historical memorabilia were donated to the AHS, it was renamed. The name was changed to the current Atlanta History Center.

4. The Museum Opened In 1993

In the early days after it was founded, the AHS used to rent ground floor space in the Atlanta Biltmore Hotel. This was its official base of operation. 

Later, they moved and rented a space in the Erlanger Theater building on Peachtree. In 1946, AHS purchased the home of Willis B. Jones at the corner of Peachtree Street and Huntington Road. This, therefore, became its headquarters.

In 1966, the group purchased the 23-acre Swan House property on Andrews Drive. This is the current home of the Atlanta History Center. 

After receiving the large DuBose Collection of Civil War artifacts, construction of a new museum began in 1989. In 1993, the museum officially opened with a total of five exhibitions. 

5. The Museum Has 9 Permanent Exhibitions

Atlanta History Center – Museum – 1996 Centennial Olympic Games – Entrance – By Jared –

The Atlanta History Center opened its doors in 1993 with only five exhibitions. However, this number has grown significantly over the years. Some of the permanent exhibitions include the following:

• The Atlanta ’96: Shaping an Olympic and Paralympic City. It focuses on the impact the ’96 Olympics had on Atlanta and its citizens. It premiered in 2020.
• The Cyclorama: The Big Picture. This exhibition features the cyclorama painting of the Battle of Atlanta.
• The Locomotion: Railroads and the Making of Atlanta. Features the restored Texas locomotive, which was built in 1856 for the Western & Atlantic Railroad, as its focal point.
• Turning Point: The American Civil War (discussed above). It contains an enormous collection of Civil War artifacts. 
• Gatheround: Stories of Atlanta. This is an interactive exhibition featuring the various influential places and people of Atlanta. 
• Native Lands: Indians and Georgia which shares the story of Atlanta’s original inhabitants. 
• Shaping Traditions: Folk Arts in a Changing South. This exhibit displays the development and attributes of Southern folk art.
• Fair Play: The Bobby Jones Story tells the story of Bobby Jones, Atlanta’s most famous golfer.
• Mandarin Shutze: A Chinese Export Life tells the story of one of Atlanta’s foremost architects, Philip Trammell Shutze.

The temporary exhibitions include Any Great Change (The Centennial of the 19th Amendment) and Black Citizenship in the Age of Jim Crow. 

6. One Can Get Membership 

It is possible for an individual (any individual) to apply for membership in the Atlanta Historic Center. Membership pays for itself for individuals who visit the museum frequently. 

Free entrance and visitor permit, reduced prices at the gift shop and Kenan Research Center, and special rates on camps and activities are just a few of the benefits. 

These perks are dependent on the level of membership subscribed. The Georgia Trust for Historical Preservation, which offers discounted entrance rates at Rhodes Hall and Macon’s Hay House, will also be available to the majority of members.

7. The Main Campus Has Several Historic Buildings

Swan House, Atlanta Ga. Feb 2018 – By Counse –

Other than artifacts, there are some historic buildings in the museum. The first is known as the Smith Farmhouse. It is an antebellum farmhouse built by the Robert Smith family. It was moved from Dekalb County to Atlanta in 1969.

Second is the Victorian and Lee miniature playhouses found between the McElreath Hall and Smith Farm. Third, we have the Swan House designed by Philip Trammell Shutze in the 1920s. 

Another significant building is the Wood Family Cabin. It is a log cabin that formerly housed the Wood family. There’s a ‘Meet the Past’ presentation made here where you can meet and interact with costumed interpreters.

8. There are Gardens at the Museum

Cherry Sims Garden – By Atlanta History Center –

The Atlanta History Museum also presents visitors with gardens where you can learn different farm and garden designs. There are different gardens depicting influences from different walks of life from all over the world. 

Gardens include; Olguita’s Garden, Smith Family Farm Gardens, Swan House Gardens, and Sims Asian Garden among others.

9. There Is a Midtown Campus of The Museum

The midtown campus of the AHC is located at the corner of 10th and Peachtree Streets. It comprises the Margaret Mitchell House and Commercial Row. Both these establishments are listed in the National Register of Historic Places.

10. There Is a Homeschool Program

The Atlanta History Center offers students who homeschool, as well as their families, a special program. Available on every opening day between 10:30 am-3:30 pm. 

The students, as well as adults, can explore different subjects, view performances, historic simulations, and other activities designed for learners. Admission to Homeschool Days is $8.50; $6.50 for children of members; and free for adult members.

Other programs include Magic Mondays which takes place once a month. Each of these ‘Magic Mondays’ has a special theme designed for toddlers and preschoolers.