Atlanta History Center

"Zoom out. What’s this place all about?The Atlanta History Center was originally founded in 1926 by a group of Atlantans dedicated to, well, preserving their city's history. The Center, as we know it today, came to fruition in the 1990s as a way of highlighting the political and cultural history of Atlanta and the surrounding region. Popular for field trips and group visits, the Center includes a large museum, the expansive 33-acre Goizueta Gardens, three historic homes, a farm complete with animals (goats, sheep, chickens, and more) and archives, making this one of the region's most well-trafficked spots. So what can we see here?Exhibits include artifacts from and written commentary on the Native American history of Georgia and Atlanta's role in the Civil War as well as lighter, more pop-culture-adjacent topics like Folk Art. If you only have time to see one thing, don’t miss Cyclorama: The Big Picture. The longer-than-a-football field historic painting depicts the Civil War’s Battle of Atlanta and is housed in a building constructed just to accommodate it. Are there any special exhibits or programs we should have on our radar?Local and national authors read, share stories on ongoing virtual "author programs" that keep Atlanta's storytelling culture alive at the Atlanta History Center. Who are your fellow museum-goers?The museum is popular with local families and visitors looking to gain a better sense of what makes Atlanta, well, Atlanta, and how the past shaped the city today. On the practical tip, how were the facilities?The museum and research center are wheelchair accessible, though the rest of the property is not. Benches and other resting areas are available near each exhibit. We've made it to the gift shop. What should we pick up?If you're looking for relics of Atlanta history to take home, stick to antique shops. But if you're in the market for art prints or crafts made by local artisans, you're in the right place. The museum shop is dedicated to promoting the work of Atlantans. What are the options for a pit stop?As far as museum food goes, Souper Jenny is worth a stop. The café offers soups, salads, and sandwiches made with local, seasonal ingredients. (Gluten-free and vegan options are available.) Those who feel the yawns coming on after a few hours inside a museum can also stop at the History Center's branch of Brash coffee, a local independent coffee shop selling specialty espresso drinks and pastries. Any advice for the time- or attention-challenged?You don't need to complete a survey of Atlanta history to appreciate the museum—pop into an exhibit or two that piques your interest and head out with a few new facts." - Melissa Kravitz Hoeffner