Atlanta History Center

Atlanta History Center which includes heritage architecture
Atlanta History Center
Atlanta History Center
Atlanta History Center
Atlanta History Center


Learn more about Atlanta's turbulent Civil War history and much more at this fascinating complex.

Founded in 1926, the Atlanta Historical Society's aim was to help preserve the city’s history. Since that humble beginning, the organisation has grown immensely and has a 13-hectare site in Buckhead, north of downtown with two museums, two historic houses and six gardens. Covering everything from Atlanta's growth into the South's leading city to its more recent turbulent history during the Civil Rights Movement and with its collection of Civil War relics, the complex is a must for anyone interested in history.

It's easy to spend several hours exploring the exhibits here. If you're interested in folk culture, the Shaping Traditions exhibit displays artefacts from ancient times to today in the form of traditional handicrafts such as pottery, quilting, woodwork and weaving. War buffs will enjoy the Turning Point exhibit which has a collection of 1,500 artefacts from both sides of the Civil War. For more recent history, the Metropolitan Frontiers exhibit details Atlanta's rapid rise to its current position as the South's major city.

The two historic homes on the campus are the Tullie Smith Farm and the Swan House. By walking through these elegant homes, you can head back in time and explore the lifestyles of Atlantans from the 1860s through to the 1930s. The centre’s third historic property, the Margaret Mitchell House and Museum, is in the heart of Midtown Atlanta.

After a visit to the museums and the historic houses, take a stroll through the six separate gardens that surround the buildings. Each garden tells the story of a different group of people who interacted with the land and its plants.

The Atlanta History Center offers a general admission pass which includes access to all parts of the centre, as well as the Margaret Mitchell House and Museum in downtown. The centre is open every day apart from major national holidays.

Tours & day trips

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Private & custom tours

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Food, drink & nightlife

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Popular places to visit


Top Atlanta History Center Hotel Deals

Hampton Inn & Suites Atlanta Buckhead Place

Hampton Inn & Suites Atlanta Buckhead Place

3 out of 5
3312 Piedmont Road NE, Atlanta, GA
Hampton Inn & Suites Atlanta Buckhead Place
Kimpton Sylvan Hotel by IHG

Kimpton Sylvan Hotel by IHG

4.5 out of 5
374 East Paces Ferry Road NE, Atlanta, GA
Kimpton Sylvan Hotel by IHG
The Westin Buckhead Atlanta

The Westin Buckhead Atlanta

4 out of 5
3391 Peachtree Rd Ne, Atlanta, GA
The Westin Buckhead Atlanta
Hotel Colee, Atlanta Buckhead, Autograph Collection

Hotel Colee, Atlanta Buckhead, Autograph Collection

4.5 out of 5
3377 Peachtree Rd NE, Atlanta, GA
Hotel Colee, Atlanta Buckhead, Autograph Collection
SpringHill Suites by Marriott Atlanta Buckhead

SpringHill Suites by Marriott Atlanta Buckhead

3 out of 5
3459 Buckhead Loop Ne, Atlanta, GA
SpringHill Suites by Marriott Atlanta Buckhead
InterContinental Buckhead Atlanta by IHG

InterContinental Buckhead Atlanta by IHG

5 out of 5
3315 Peachtree Rd Ne, Atlanta, GA
InterContinental Buckhead Atlanta by IHG
Courtyard by Marriott Atlanta Buckhead

Courtyard by Marriott Atlanta Buckhead

3 out of 5
3332 Peachtree Rd NE, Atlanta, GA
Courtyard by Marriott Atlanta Buckhead
Grand Hyatt Atlanta in Buckhead

Grand Hyatt Atlanta in Buckhead

4.5 out of 5
3300 Peachtree Road NE, Atlanta, GA
Grand Hyatt Atlanta in Buckhead
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.