Events Calendar
Friday Live Cast with Barnard Sims
Every Friday at noon, One Story Athens hosts a live cast interview on Facebook with Athenians, conducted and curated by Denise Sunta.
The One Story Athens initiative began in 2022 as an extension of Historic Athens' mission to be a proactive force in developing community-wide understanding of the value of historic buildings, neighborhoods, and heritage. One Story Athens aims to bring awareness to communities and connect generations with their heritage. Through the preservation of narratives involving neighborhoods, music, art, restaurants, politics, religion, and society, we will help to tell a fuller story of Athens.
Our continued initiative is to tell the history of underrepresented groups in Athens, and expose new audiences to public history. We want to continue to provide programs that are free and accessible to the public, bringing in a variety of audience members and ensuring that no one is hindered in any way from participating. We would greatly appreciate your support to expand One Story's mission.
Heritage Walk: Chicopee-Dudley with Matt Pulver
Embark on an exhilarating journey through the heart of Athens' history and culture with the Chicopee-Dudley neighborhood tour! Step back in time to the iconic Easley Mill – the first structure of any sort in Athens, built before the university or the city were established. As you traverse through history, discover the rich tapestry of Chicopee-Dudley's past, spanning from its roots in 1796 to its bustling music scene that R.E.M. sparked in the 20th century. Explore historic landmarks like the Murmur Trestle, Chicopee, and the First Street Civil War cannon emplacement - each a testament to the neighborhood's pivotal role in shaping Athens' story. Join us for an immersive experience that promises to deepen your understanding of Athens' impactful history!
Matt Pulver is a local writer, researcher and podcaster who focuses on Athens history. Matt has concentrated on the area around Chicopee-Dudley especially, which an emphasis on the Reconstruction era. He is currently working on a history of Athens audio series.
Tickets can be purchased here. After you purchase your tickets, make sure to check your confirmation email for a link to the instructions page.
2024 Preservation Celebration and 55th Annual Preservation Awards
The Historic Athens Preservation Awards, a signature annual event of Historic Athens, highlights the best preservation projects from the past year and the stories behind them. This year's multi-part event features exclusive access to sites across Historic Downtown Athens, followed by a reception & awards presentation featuring live music by The Original Splitz Band at the Morton Building.
Historic Athens History Hour
Join us for another FREE Historic Athens History Hour at the Lyndon House Arts Center, hosted by Denise Sunta.
This event series is part of Historic Athens' mission to be a proactive force in developing a community-wide understanding of the value of historic buildings, neighborhoods, and heritage. Our public programming aims to bring awareness to communities and connect generations with their heritage. Through the preservation of narratives involving neighborhoods, music, art, restaurants, politics, religion, and society, we will help to tell a fuller story of Athens.
Heritage Walk: Brooklyn Cemetery with Linda Davis
More information to come!
Tickets can be purchased here. After you purchase your tickets, make sure to check your confirmation email for a link to the instructions page.
Heritage Walk: Walking the Hill with Lee Epting
Embark on a Heritage Walk tour at The Hill, where history comes alive with each step. The journey begins with the Hodgson Lumpkin House, fondly known as the A&D House, a charming abode believed to be among the six original homes mentioned by Joshua Meigs in 1801. This antebellum plain style house, with its two over two layout and central hall, showcases a blend of history and comfort. Next, explore the cornerstone of The Hill, the Donald-Epting House, a testament to architectural evolution since its inception in 1800. Originally a two-story log house, it has evolved over the years with thoughtful additions, now boasting a unique blend of old-world charm and modern amenities. The tour also features the quaint Rock House, crafted from locally harvested fieldstone in 1920, and the cozy Quinn Cottage, built in 1930, offering a glimpse into the diverse architectural heritage of The Hill. As you wander through these historic structures, furnished with period antiques, you'll find yourself immersed in a rich tapestry of stories and memories, each house narrating a chapter of The Hill's remarkable history.
Lee Epting, a native of Athens, has been a prominent figure in shaping the local community for over 50 years. His passion for event planning and party hosting, nurtured during his college years, has blossomed into a successful career. Starting with Lee Epting Catering in 1976, which has now evolved into Epting Events, he has expanded into disaster catering and developed numerous event facilities in Athens and Northeast Georgia. Lee's commitment to preserving historic homes is equally remarkable, having moved and restored fourteen such homes in the Athens area. "The Hill," his property consisting of eight of these historic structures, serves as a venue for weddings, special events, business retreats, and guest housing. Lee's projects reflect a dedication to growth and success, ensuring long-term employment for his over 75 employees.
Tickets can be purchased here. After you purchase your tickets, make sure to check your confirmation email for a link to the instructions page.
Heritage Walk: Linnentown with Hattie Thomas Whitehead
Linnentown, once a vibrant African-American neighborhood on Baxter Street's west side, was demolished in 1962 under the Federal Urban Renewal Program, supported by local and federal officials. Residents were forced to relocate to public housing or find new homes, with minimal compensation, to make way for UGA's high-rise dorms. By 1966, all traces of Linnentown were erased. The Linnentown Project, formed by descendants, aims to raise awareness of the community's destruction. In 2018, historical records were found at the UGA Hargrett Library. The Linnentown Justice and Memory Project, established in June 2020, is tasked with creating plans for atonement. In February 2021, after two years of research and lobbying, the Unified Government of Athens-Clarke County unanimously adopted the groundbreaking Linnentown Resolution for Recognition and Redress, the first official act of reparations in Georgia.
Hattie Thomas Whitehead, a first descendant of Linnentown, is a key figure in The Linnentown Project, serving as financial and public chair and outreach coordinator. She also chairs the Athens Justice and Memory Project, addressing reconciliation and redress for urban renewal impacts on Black communities. With 27 years as a corporate operations manager, focusing on diversity appreciation, she recently retired. Her memoir “Giving Voice to Linnentown” and its musical adaptation, “Linnentown: The Musical,” have proven successful in educating the community. The musical alone has sold over 3,500 tickets at the Classic Center.
Tickets can be purchased here. After you purchase your tickets, make sure to check your confirmation email for a link to the instructions page.
Historic Athens History Hour
Join us for another FREE Historic Athens History Hour at the Lyndon House Arts Center, hosted by Denise Sunta.
This event series is part of Historic Athens' mission to be a proactive force in developing a community-wide understanding of the value of historic buildings, neighborhoods, and heritage. Our public programming aims to bring awareness to communities and connect generations with their heritage. Through the preservation of narratives involving neighborhoods, music, art, restaurants, politics, religion, and society, we will help to tell a fuller story of Athens.
Heritage Walk: Downtown Historic Districts with Scott Nesbit
More information to come!
Tickets can be purchased here. After you purchase your tickets, make sure to check your confirmation email for a link to the instructions page.
Historic Athens Board of Trustees Meeting
The Historic Athens Board of Trustees meets on the 4th Monday of each month. If you are interested in becoming a board member, please email tommy@historicathens.com.
Friday Live Cast with Imani Carter
Every Friday at noon, One Story Athens hosts a live cast interview on Facebook with Athenians, conducted and curated by Denise Sunta.
The One Story Athens initiative began in 2022 as an extension of Historic Athens' mission to be a proactive force in developing community-wide understanding of the value of historic buildings, neighborhoods, and heritage. One Story Athens aims to bring awareness to communities and connect generations with their heritage. Through the preservation of narratives involving neighborhoods, music, art, restaurants, politics, religion, and society, we will help to tell a fuller story of Athens.
Our continued initiative is to tell the history of underrepresented groups in Athens, and expose new audiences to public history. We want to continue to provide programs that are free and accessible to the public, bringing in a variety of audience members and ensuring that no one is hindered in any way from participating. We would greatly appreciate your support to expand One Story's mission.
Historic Athens History Hour
Join us for another FREE Historic Athens History Hour at the Lyndon House Arts Center, hosted by Denise Sunta.
This month’s History Hour will center around Athens’ Day of Jubilee, which celebrates the freedom of an estimated 5,000 enslaved people in Athens on May 4, 1865! Listen to panelists Fred Smith, Sr., Homer Wilson, and Broderick Flanigan to discuss the history behind the Day of Jubilee and how it continues to impact communities around Athens today.
About Panelists:
Fred Smith, Sr., a former Georgia Department of Labor official, is deeply engaged in the Athens community. He served as the president of the local NAACP chapter, co-founded the Athens Area Black History Bowl, and currently contributes as a member of the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH). Additionally, he holds a board member position with the Athens Historical Society and is the executive director of the East Athens Development Corporation, which works to empower communities in East Athens by providing various services to its residents.
Homer Wilson is the owner of Wilson's Styling Shop, a family barber shop that he used to help his father with. In 2000, Wilson and his father helped found the Hot Corner Association with the goal of sharing the history and achievements of the Hot Corner business district.
Broderick Flanigan is a local painter and muralist, who focuses on Black figurative works. Broderick is also deeply involved in the local community, having founded the outreach initiative HARPS (Helping Art Reach Public Spaces) in 2015 with the intention of introducing youth to the art-making process. Flanigan is also the current executive director of the Economic Justice Coalition, a local non-profit which aims to educate, advocate, and organize for quality jobs with living wages and benefits to build worker power for BIPOC communities in Northeast Georgia.
Friday Live Cast with Linda Davis
Every Friday at noon, One Story Athens hosts a live cast interview on Facebook with Athenians, conducted and curated by Denise Sunta.
The One Story Athens initiative began in 2022 as an extension of Historic Athens' mission to be a proactive force in developing community-wide understanding of the value of historic buildings, neighborhoods, and heritage. One Story Athens aims to bring awareness to communities and connect generations with their heritage. Through the preservation of narratives involving neighborhoods, music, art, restaurants, politics, religion, and society, we will help to tell a fuller story of Athens.
Our continued initiative is to tell the history of underrepresented groups in Athens, and expose new audiences to public history. We want to continue to provide programs that are free and accessible to the public, bringing in a variety of audience members and ensuring that no one is hindered in any way from participating. We would greatly appreciate your support to expand One Story's mission.
Heritage Walk of Cobbham with Jacob Richardson
Join Jacob Richardson as he walks through Cobbham, Athens' first neighborhood! The tour goes by homes from the 1830s to the 1920s with a wide range of architecture styles. Some of the stops include Athens Fire Hall No. 2, the Historic Athens office built in 1901 that still has the original fire pole and fireman's lockers. Also on the tour is Jester House, a Second Empire Victorian house from 1890 that was restored in the 1980s. The last stop will be the T.R.R. Cobb House Museum, the most well traveled house in Athens having made a round trip to Stone Mountain. Built around 1830, it has 2 octagonal wings possibly based off of the Governor's Mansion in Milledgeville.
After your purchase of tickets, please refer to the link that will be sent in your confirmation email for all instructions regarding the walk.
International Street Festival
This Saturday, April 6, you can catch Historic Athens Welcome Center Director Michelle Nguyen and Historic Athens Engagement Coordinator Denise Sunta at the International Street Festival!
Indigenizing Athens, an exhibit of the Historic Athens Welcome Center will be on display at the Historic Athens tent.
From UGA Student Affairs Department of International Student Life: “Explore different cultures without passports, planes or hotels! This free event will have performances, activities, and food from countries all around the world. Bring family and friends to explore different cultures without having to leave town.“
This event is free and open to the public.
Historic Athens is proud to be a Gold Sponsor for this event.
Friday Live Cast with Rashe Malcolm
Every Friday at noon, One Story Athens hosts a live cast interview on Facebook with Athenians, conducted and curated by Denise Sunta.
The One Story Athens initiative began in 2022 as an extension of Historic Athens' mission to be a proactive force in developing community-wide understanding of the value of historic buildings, neighborhoods, and heritage. One Story Athens aims to bring awareness to communities and connect generations with their heritage. Through the preservation of narratives involving neighborhoods, music, art, restaurants, politics, religion, and society, we will help to tell a fuller story of Athens.
Our continued initiative is to tell the history of underrepresented groups in Athens, and expose new audiences to public history. We want to continue to provide programs that are free and accessible to the public, bringing in a variety of audience members and ensuring that no one is hindered in any way from participating. We would greatly appreciate your support to expand One Story's mission.
Friday Live Cast with Stephanie Maddox Johnson
Every Friday at noon, One Story Athens hosts a live cast interview on Facebook with Athenians, conducted and curated by Denise Sunta.
The One Story Athens initiative began in 2022 as an extension of Historic Athens' mission to be a proactive force in developing community-wide understanding of the value of historic buildings, neighborhoods, and heritage. One Story Athens aims to bring awareness to communities and connect generations with their heritage. Through the preservation of narratives involving neighborhoods, music, art, restaurants, politics, religion, and society, we will help to tell a fuller story of Athens.
Our continued initiative is to tell the history of underrepresented groups in Athens, and expose new audiences to public history. We want to continue to provide programs that are free and accessible to the public, bringing in a variety of audience members and ensuring that no one is hindered in any way from participating. We would greatly appreciate your support to expand One Story's mission.
Membership Appreciation Night at the Bond House (Members and Partners Only)
Historic Athens Members and Partners are invited to a special pop-up event at The Bond House at 198 Dearing Street!
This 2023 Athens Places in Peril list inductee is on track to be saved. The property is now available for sale and we’ve been given a chance to offer our members a surprise look at the newly white-boxed and stabilized home.
Members and Partners are invited to see this late Victorian ecletic gem, with wine curated by our friends at The Lark Winespace, from 5:30 to 7:00. Please RSVP to denise@historicathens.com.
Not a member? Join today!
Historic Athens Board of Trustees Meeting
The Historic Athens Board of Trustees meets on the 4th Monday of each month. If you are interested in becoming a board member, please email tommy@historicathens.com.
Heritage Walk: Buena Vista with Kristen Morales
Historic Athens Heritage Walks are back! Join us on curated heritage walks through distinct historic neighborhoods and locations throughout Athens.
Sponsored by the Gable Chair of the Carl & Sally Gable Foundation
Historic Athens History Hour: “Giving Voice to Linnentown”
Join us for another FREE Historic Athens History Hour at the Lyndon House Arts Center, hosted by Denise Sunta. This month drop in for a special author’s event with Linnentown first descendant Hattie Thomas Whitehead for selective readings, discussion, and Q&A from her memoir Giving Voice to Linnentown.
This event series is part of Historic Athens' mission to be a proactive force in developing a community-wide understanding of the value of historic buildings, neighborhoods, and heritage. Our public programming aims to bring awareness to communities and connect generations with their heritage. Through the preservation of narratives involving neighborhoods, music, art, restaurants, politics, religion, and society, we will help to tell a fuller story of Athens.
Heritage Walk: Hot Corner with Broderick Flanigan
Historic Athens Heritage Walks are back! Join us on curated heritage walks through distinct historic neighborhoods and locations throughout Athens.
In the early 1900s, Hot Corner was one of the most prosperous historically African American business districts in the South. Hot Corner, at the intersection of Hull St. and Washington St., supported a thriving African American business community and was home to the celebrated Morton Theatre, one the first black-owned and operated vaudeville theatres in the country. Walking through this part of downtown Athens, you may feel like you’re walking back in time. Each building here has a rich history that is still unfolding today.
Broderick Flanigan is a self-taught artist and prominent Black voice in Athens whose work can frequently be seen in gallery exhibitions and murals throughout the city. Through his outreach program, Helping Art Reach Public Spaces, Flanigan involves local youth in his public art-making process and teaches them how they can also amplify their voices through art. Don’t miss this chance to explore the history and cultural significance of Hot Corner!
Sponsored by the Gable Chair of the Carl & Sally Gable Foundation
Heritage Walk: Tour of Bloomfield Historic District with Jeremy Field
Historic Athens Heritage Walks are back! Join us on curated heritage walks through distinct historic neighborhoods and locations throughout Athens.
Sponsored by the Gable Chair of the Carl & Sally Gable Foundation
Historic Athens Board of Trustees Meeting
The Historic Athens Board of Trustees meets on the 4th Monday of each month. If you are interested in becoming a board member, please email tommy@historicathens.com.
Historic Athens History Hour: Topic TBA
Join us for another FREE Historic Athens History Hour at the Lyndon House Arts Center, hosted by Hope Iglehart. This event series is part of Historic Athens’ One Story initiative.
The One Story Athens initiative began in 2022 as an extension of Historic Athens' mission to be a proactive force in developing a community-wide understanding of the value of historic buildings, neighborhoods, and heritage. One Story Athens aims to bring awareness to communities and connect generations with their heritage. Through the preservation of narratives involving neighborhoods, music, art, restaurants, politics, religion, and society, we will help to tell a fuller story of Athens.
Historic Athens Mardi Gras presented by Terrapin Beer Co.
The 6th Annual Historic Athens Mardi Gras Masquerade will be held at the Terrapin Brewery & Taproom on Tuesday, February 13. The evening will feature a best-dressed competition, costume masquerade, Mardi Gras Court crowning, and much more. Don’t miss your tickets. We are expecting another sold-out event.
Historic Athens Board of Trustees Meeting
The Historic Athens Board of Trustees meets on the 4th Monday of each month. If you are interested in becoming a board member, please email tommy@historicathens.com.
Historic Athens History Hour: Topic TBA
Join us for another FREE Historic Athens History Hour at the Lyndon House Arts Center, hosted by Hope Iglehart. This event series is part of Historic Athens’ One Story initiative.
The One Story Athens initiative began in 2022 as an extension of Historic Athens' mission to be a proactive force in developing a community-wide understanding of the value of historic buildings, neighborhoods, and heritage. One Story Athens aims to bring awareness to communities and connect generations with their heritage. Through the preservation of narratives involving neighborhoods, music, art, restaurants, politics, religion, and society, we will help to tell a fuller story of Athens.
Historic Athens History Hour: The Taylor-Grady House
Join us for another FREE Historic Athens History Hour hosted by Hope Iglehart. This event series is part of Historic Athens’ One Story initiative.
The One Story Athens initiative began in 2022 as an extension of Historic Athens' mission to be a proactive force in developing a community-wide understanding of the value of historic buildings, neighborhoods, and heritage. One Story Athens aims to bring awareness to communities and connect generations with their heritage. Through the preservation of narratives involving neighborhoods, music, art, restaurants, politics, religion, and society, we will help to tell a fuller story of Athens.
Heritage Walk: Tour of Carr’s Hill with Maxine Easom
Historic Athens Heritage Walks are back! Join us on curated heritage walks through distinct historic neighborhoods and locations throughout Athens.
Sponsored by the Gable Chair of the Carl & Sally Gable Foundation
Historic Athens Holiday Gala on Henderson Avenue
The Historic Athens Holiday Gala is an annual fundraising event for Historic Athens, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. It will be an evening of history, community, and holiday festivities. The event will feature tours of beautifully appointed homes, a curated auction, food, beverages, and much more.
Heritage Walk: Tour of Henderson Avenue with Gary Bertsch
Historic Athens Heritage Walks are back! Join us on curated heritage walks through distinct historic neighborhoods and locations throughout Athens.
Sponsored by the Gable Chair of the Carl & Sally Gable Foundation
Harriet and Armstead Powers Committal Ceremony
Harriet Powers (1837 - 1910) was an extraordinary quiltmaker. Two of her Bible-themed quilts, icons of American quilt making, are in the collections of the Smithsonian National Museum of American History and the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston.
The original headstone for Mr. and Mrs. Powers was broken and removed in 2009. Temporary banners marked the gravesite. Now, fifteen years later, the Women Color Quilters Network has sponsored a new commemorative marker.
Join us for the ceremony. This event is free and open to the public.
Historic Athens Board of Trustees Meeting
The Historic Athens Board of Trustees meets on the 4th Monday of each month. If you are interested in becoming a board member, please email tommy@historicathens.com.
Historic Athens History Hour: Athena Awards “Looking Back Over the Years”
Join us for another FREE Historic Athens History Hour at the Lyndon House Arts Center, hosted by Hope Iglehart. This event series is part of Historic Athens’ One Story initiative.
The One Story Athens initiative began in 2022 as an extension of Historic Athens' mission to be a proactive force in developing a community-wide understanding of the value of historic buildings, neighborhoods, and heritage. One Story Athens aims to bring awareness to communities and connect generations with their heritage. Through the preservation of narratives involving neighborhoods, music, art, restaurants, politics, religion, and society, we will help to tell a fuller story of Athens.
Heritage Walk: Tour of Hot Corner with Broderick Flanigan
Historic Athens Heritage Walks are back! Join us on curated heritage walks through distinct historic neighborhoods and locations throughout Athens.
Sponsored by the Gable Chair of the Carl & Sally Gable Foundation
Historic Athens Board of Trustees Meeting
The Historic Athens Board of Trustees meets on the 4th Monday of each month. If you are interested in becoming a board member, please email tommy@historicathens.com.
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED: Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Clean-Up
Help us clean up the Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery site! Volunteers are invited to drop in. Please wear long sleeves and pants and suitable shoes. Bug spray is recommended!
This event is hosted in partnership with the Friends of Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery, Friends of Brooklyn Cemetery, East Athens Development Corporation, and UGA Student Historic Preservation Organization.
Historic Athens History Hour: Indigenizing Athens with Prof. James Brooks
Join us for another FREE Historic Athens History Hour at the Lyndon House Arts Center, hosted by Hope Iglehart. This event series is part of Historic Athens’ One Story initiative.
The One Story Athens initiative began in 2022 as an extension of Historic Athens' mission to be a proactive force in developing a community-wide understanding of the value of historic buildings, neighborhoods, and heritage. One Story Athens aims to bring awareness to communities and connect generations with their heritage. Through the preservation of narratives involving neighborhoods, music, art, restaurants, politics, religion, and society, we will help to tell a fuller story of Athens.