Events and Programs
DHC hosts a wide variety of educational and fun events throughout the year. Please join our e-mail list to get timely updates.
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"Welcome Wednesdays" Toddler Time
Join us for our class "Community" in September.
Ages 2 - 5 (with an adult)
$3/$6 per child (discount for members)
September 13th, 10:30 - 11:30 a.m.
Historic DeKalb Courthouse (lobby)
Contact Marissa for more information: howard@dekalbhistory.org or 404.373.1088 ext 20. Click here for details.
Lunch & Learn with Johnny Waits of The Flat Rock Archives
Johnny Waits developed the vision of an archives for the history of Flat Rock. In December 2006 the Flat Rock Archives officially opened to the public located in the ancestral home donated by Rev. T.A. Bryant and built by his father in 1917. The archives preserves the collections and tells the history of the Flat Rock Community. Johnny Waits is president of the archives and a descendant of one of DeKalb County's oldest families. He guides visitors through the compelling history of one of the oldest DeKalb County African-American community.
The Flat Rock Archives contains a wide range of historic ephemeral materials, including genealogical records, newspapers, photographs, maps, church records, school records, rare books, and various artifacts relating to DeKalb's African American and Georgia history. The Archives also maintains the original Bryant farmland, barn, smokehouse, and outhouse that were built along with the home in the early twentieth century. The Archives has received both local and national recognition for its heritage preservation efforts. Founders included Johnny Waits, Vera L. Whitaker, and Rev. T.A. Bryant Jr., the son of T.A. Bryant, Sr.
Tuesday, September 19, noon to 1:00 p.m.
Free and open to the public - bring your lunch!
DeKalb Traveler - Fall Series
The DeKalb History Center announces a new monthly series exclusively for members called “DeKalb Traveler”. This series will include tours and meet-ups at different historical and tourist sites around the metro area. Such outings will include, the Waffle House Museum, CDC Museum and Fernbank Planetarium. Groups will be limited in size to ensure quality programming. A nominal fee and registration will be required. Dates for “DeKalb Traveler” include:
CDC Museum - October 5 at 9:30 a.m.
Fernbank Planetarium - November 2 time TBD
Transportation: Guests must provide their own transportation
Cost $5 per person. Members of DHC only. RSVP and Tickets Required - you are not required to go on all three excursions.
Contact Marissa Howard for tickets and information at 404.373.1088, ext 20 or howard@dekalbhistory.org
Artist's Reception
Reclaimed by Nature: The Historic Davisdon Quarries of Arabia Mountain
Join us for a special evening to meet and talk to the artist! This exhibit by Virginie Drujon-Kippelen features contemporary photos of a former granite quarry at what is now the Davidson-Arabia Mountain Nature Preserve. Years ago, these quarries were an important part of DeKalb County’s economy. Lithonia granite was used in paving and construction projects, including the Historic DeKalb Courthouse. In the 1970s the Davidson family donated more than 500 acres of this land to DeKalb County for conservation and preservation. Since this land is no longer quarried, it is slowly being reclaimed by nature, although traces of its industrial past remain. This new body of work shades the light on the history of this special place and explores the intricate layers that have shaped its existence.
Free and open to the Public!
Tuesday, October 10, 6:00 to to 8:00 p.m.
Historic DeKalb Courthouse, 101 E. Court Square, Decatur GA 30030 - Lobby
Swanton Saturday
The DeKalb History Center announces an open house for visitors on October 7th. The Swanton House, with a log cabin at its core, is one of the oldest remaining structures in Decatur. Purchased by Benjamin Swanton, a successful entrepreneur in 1852, it remained in the family until 1965. The home is currently maintained by the DeKalb History Center for preservation and educational purposes. Performer Cathy Kaemmerlen will portray Mrs. Swanton and docents are available for questions. RSVP not required. Contact Marissa Howard for more information at 404.373.1088, ext 20 or howard@dekalbhistory.org
Cost: $5.00 per adult, Members are FREE
Location: 720 W. Trinity Place, Decatur GA 30030 (next to the Mary Gay House) - free on street parking
Saturday, October 7, 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Genealogy Workshop with Kenneth H. Thomas, Jr.
How To Start… Where to Go… What’s The Truth?
Check back for more information
Saturday, October 21, 9:00 a.m. to noon
$20/$25 (discount for members) - tickets are not currently on sale
Commissioners Room, Decatur City Hall
