Your Guide to an ATL Civic Season

Civic Season is a nationwide celebration spanning Juneteenth to July 4^th that encourages historically-informed civic engagement by the inheritors of our democracy. More than 400 organizations across the country have created thousands of events, activities, and resources that focus on helping participants discover their place in the American story. Atlanta History Center is a founding partner of the Made By Us coalition, the organizer of Civic Season. They also present our annual Juneteenth program as part of our Civic Season. 

What will your summer look like? Read on for suggestions about how to get involved in Civic Season—but first! Do you know your Civic Superpower? Take the quiz to discover your superpower and get advice on which types of events and activities might appeal most to your interests and skills. 

Being an active participant in your community is more than just voting (though, voting is a great way to participate!) History can help inform and contextualize our current moment by providing information to explain how we got here and give us valuable information to make future decisions. Learning about each of our personal stories can also help us better relate to our families and communities, inspiring us to be more involved. Atlanta History Center produces a variety of content designed to tell undertold stories and encourage curiosity and perspective—a perfect way to celebrate Civic Season. 

Here are our top picks of AHC Originals for the summer: 

With all of the hustle and bustle of daily life, it’s important to stop and take time to reflect and recharge—including on your civic journey. Luckily, Margaret Mitchell House in Midtown Atlanta offer the perfect place to do that, without leaving the city.

Even if you’re not in Atlanta, or unable to make it to the in-person events, there are still many ways to celebrate your civic season online or in other cities. To get a full list of events, visit thecivicseason.com to filter by location or by virtual options. You can make your own curated list of activities and events and get inspired by the Civic Season guides who offer their top picks. 

What will your story be this summer? We look forward to seeing how all of Atlanta’s Civic Superheroes make the most of Civic Season 2026. 

Over the past few years, the entire world and the United States has been confronted by immense challenges. From the COVID-19 pandemic to contentious elections to protests for racial justice, the news cycle has been filled with stories of strife, pain, and injustice.

At Atlanta History Center, we, too, grappled with these issues as an institution. How can we as a history organization contribute? What’s our role? What’s needed from us?

In short, we need good history. Good history is well-researched, thoughtful, and relevant.  

Putting that history to work on the many challenges we’re facing today requires that we tell history from multiple perspectives and recognize the many people and experiences that have shaped the United States.

The future is ours to shape. Every day offers a new chance to write the next chapter of the United States of America—from our traditions to our policies and practices. Partner organizations from the Made By Us coalition and youth organization Civics Unplugged have come together to launch the Civic Season, stretching from Juneteenth to July 4, highlighting the complexity of the process of becoming one country by and for everyone. Held every summer between two watershed moments in our history, Civic Season is like the welcome party for the many hands involved in our democracy. Explore what you stand for—and connect with credible resources, passionate communities and avenues to amplify your voice.