About the History Center
Comprehensive history campus with museum, historic houses, and 33-acre gardens. Extensive Civil War collections, Southern folk art, and exhibits on Atlanta's civil rights role.
Founded in 1926 and celebrating its centennial in 2026, the Atlanta History Center stands as one of the nation's premier history institutions. The expansive 33-acre campus in Buckhead features nine curated gardens within Goizueta Gardens, three historic houses including the elegant 1920s Swan House (famous as a filming location for "The Hunger Games: Catching Fire"), the 1860s Smith Farm, and the 1830s Wood Family Cabin. The Center houses one of the largest collections of Civil War artifacts in the United States, featuring the fully restored Cyclorama painting of The Battle of Atlanta and the Western & Atlantic Railroad locomotive Texas from "The Great Locomotive Chase."
Visitors can explore groundbreaking exhibitions including "Cyclorama: The Big Picture," "Locomotion: Railroads and the Making of Atlanta," and the Goizueta Children's Experience. The campus also features the Kenan Research Center with the Cherokee Garden Library, offering researchers access to extensive archival collections. In a landmark 2025 partnership with the Georgia Historical Society, the Center received a $500,000 contribution from Norfolk Southern to unite long-separated archival collections, making Georgia's history more accessible than ever before.
Plan Your Visit
Please check the organization's website for current hours, admission fees, and any special events or programs. Many historical societies offer guided tours, educational programs, and research services by appointment.
Getting Involved
Historical societies thrive on community support. Consider becoming a member, volunteering your time, or making a donation to support the preservation of local history. Many organizations also welcome donations of historical artifacts, photographs, and documents relevant to the area's heritage.
Explore Georgia's Historical Landscape
Use the When It Was app to discover historical businesses, landmarks, and buildings throughout Georgia. See how your community has transformed over the decades.
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