Undertold Stories

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.

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.

Discover the intriguing story of “So Red the Rose,” a 1935 film overshadowed by “Gone With the Wind.” This forgotten film, set against the dramatic backdrop of the Old South, offers a rich narrative of Southern nobility and wartime struggles. Despite its potential, the film’s anti-Northern bias and simpler storyline led to its obscurity. In contrast, “Gone With the Wind” captivated audiences with its complex characters and balanced depiction, becoming a cultural phenomenon. Uncover how “So Red the Rose” set the stage for its successor and how both films shaped the enduring myths of the Old South.

The Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution laid the foundation for the United States. Georgia’s founding fathers, Button Gwinnett, Lyman Hall, George Walton, Abraham Baldwin, and William Few, played crucial roles in supporting and ratifying these documents, impacting both national and state history. Their contributions to independence, public education and governance in Georgia remain significant as the nation celebrates 248 years of democracy.

Explore Elizabeth McDuffie’s journey from personal cook and maid for the Inman family and President Franklin Roosevelt to a civil rights advocate. Known for her ambition, she was considered for the role of Mammy in “Gone with the Wind.” Despite not getting the role, McDuffie championed equal rights and workers’ rights for African Americans.

American barbecue’s origins are deeply rooted in Black and Indigenous American culinary traditions. Indigenous peoples used open fire pits for cooking for over 10,000 years, and the term “barbecue” evolved from the Taino and West African words “brabacot” and “babbake.” Despite modern associations with suburban men, barbecue spread across the U.S. through migration and has diverse regional styles.

The Lost Friends Database compiles ads from the Southwestern Christian Advocate newspaper, where African Americans searched for family members separated by the domestic slave trade. Including ads referencing Atlanta, this database highlights the city’s role in this period. These ads provide a poignant glimpse into personal stories of separation and efforts to reconnect families.

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 Ramblin’ Raft Race remains a memory for those who experienced its highs and lows. It was an event that captured the exuberance and excess of an era. Though it ended more than 40 years ago, the stories and legends of the raft race continue to float down the Chattahoochee, echoing the laughter and excitement of a bygone time.

During times of combat, mutual dependence is crucial, as shown by the experiences of Joseph L. Galloway and Gerry F. Hutchinson. Their stories highlight the lasting effects of war and emphasize the duty to honor fallen soldiers

Explore the gripping tale of Lily May Peel Futrelle, an Atlanta-based writer whose firsthand experiences aboard the Titanic offer a unique perspective on the ship’s infamous sinking. Her account challenged established historical narratives and revealed crucial yet overlooked information about the disaster.

Dexter Scott King, the youngest son of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., passed away after battling prostate cancer. A dedicated civil rights activist, he carried on his family’s legacy, advocating for nonviolence, social justice, and animal rights. King’s life work emphasized compassion and equality, reflecting his deep commitment to his parents’ vision.

Black churches played a crucial role in community building, social justice, and the civil rights movement in the Black community. Beyond being spiritual havens, Black churches were also pivotal in nurturing the growth of gospel music.