We see storytelling as a lens to amplify the voices of people at the intersection of history and culture.
Through online original content, we strive to tell stories that share a more complete insight into Atlanta’s history—past, present, and future. We believe that by increasing access to stories about our shared history, we can help increase understanding of each other and the way the past continues to influence the present.
Atlanta History Center is uncovering and sharing the histories of the descendants of Forsyth County’s Black residents who were expelled in 1912.
Learn moreThis report was prepared for the “Visioning, Memorializing, and Repurposing the former Atlanta Prison Farm Site” subcommittee of the South River Forest and Public Safety Training Center Community Task Force.
Read nowAtlanta History Center explores the controversial history of the Stone Mountain carving through online resources and a documentary film.
Learn moreUndertold Stories
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In 1971, Betty Byrom and John Sanford’s interracial love faced Georgia’s outdated anti-miscegenation laws — despite their unconstitutionality.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.
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Founded in 1985, Atlanta-based Ichiban Records played a pivotal role in shaping Southern hip-hop, nurturing iconic artists, and fostering a distinctive sound. The label, led by visionary John Abbey, was a crucible for talent like MC Shy-D and Kilo. Despite challenges, including a risky partnership with EMI and internal issues, Ichiban’s impact on the music industry, especially in nurturing local talent and promoting diversity, is undeniable. The story is a compelling narrative of ambition, innovation and the complexities of the music business.
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Atlanta History Center mourns the loss of former President Jimmy Carter and First Lady Rosalynn Carter. During their 75 year marriage, they supported each other through a governorship, presidency, and more than forty years of humanitarian work.
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Atlanta Negro Voters League: Strength in Unity explores the history and legacy of the grassroots voting rights organization that influenced Atlanta elections from 1949 to 1965.
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UnderCurrent is a product of Atlanta History Center that marries undertold stories and current events by highlighting the connections between Atlanta’s past and present.
Explore nowWomen of Resolve
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Judge Leah Ward Sears reflects on her path to becoming the first African American female chief justice of a state supreme court. She discusses growing up amid the Civil Rights Movement, being guiding by the principles of justice and equity, and desiring to challenge the status quo while serving her community.
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Lawyer and minister Bernice King reminisces about her childhood on Auburn Avenue and the strength and resilience of the women in the Civil Rights Movement. She also muses about the values passed down from her mother, Coretta Scott, that she has had to embrace as she leads the King Center as chairman.
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Transgender activist and Navy veteran Monica Helms explains her journey of self-discovery that culminated in her embracing a transgender identity. She also discusses her activism that led to the creation of the Transgender American Veterans Association (TAVA), policy changes at the Veterans Administration regarding transgender veterans, and a hopeful future for transgender people.
Atlanta History Center is home to one of the nation’s most comprehensive collections of Civil War memorabilia including a growing number of rare USCT objects. Explore highlights of the collection through a series of videos.
Watch nowExplore. More.
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A toolkit designed to help communities address Confederate monuments in their midst.
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Kenan Research Center preserves extensive primary source holdings for the study of Atlanta.
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Explore more than 20 onsite and online exhibitions about the people, cultures, and history that have shaped Atlanta.
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Explore our biannual member publications online.