DeKalb History Museum
We are currently offering three exhibits on the main floor of the historic DeKalb County Courthouse. All exhibits are open Monday - Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Community Champions
The DeKalb History Center, in cooperation with The Champion Newspaper, is hosting a new temporary exhibit highlighting 20 Years of Community Champions. As part of their 20 year anniversary, The Champion recognized newsmakers who have made positive contributions to DeKalb County during this time period. This exhibit details the important contributions from these Champions by highlighting their accomplishments and achievements and includes community leaders from all walks of life. The exhibit showcases personal items and memorabilia from many of the honorees.
The Great Speckled Bird - The Turbulent Sixties in Atlanta, 1968-1976
An expanded 40th anniversary exhibit of the South's underground newspaper
The Bird burst upon the scene in the midst of national upheaval and chronicled turbulent times in Atlanta from 1968-1976. The country was polarized by the Vietnam War and struggles against discrimination at home. A growing “in-your-face” youth culture with strange clothes, hair, music, drugs and a wholesale rejection of middle-class values bewildered or angered many in the older generation. From the first issue, which castigated Atlanta icon Ralph McGill for his support of the war, there was never a doubt whose side The Bird was on. For over eight years it was the “voice of the voiceless” – African-Americans fighting Jim Crow in the South and institutionalized racism in the North; striking garbage and farm workers; Vietnamese peasants being slaughtered by American bombs and napalm; women taking control of their bodies; students demanding meaningful educations; and young people seeking new ways to live. At its height, with a circulation around 22,000, The Bird was the most widely-read weekly paper in Georgia. This original exhibit from The Bird creators is enhanced through artifacts and clothing from the time period.
Special thanks to Stephanie Coffin, Tom Coffin, Linda Howard and Steve Wise.
We are also grateful to Dr. Paul Hudson, Professor of History, Georgia Perimeter College.
And additional thanks to Danny Beard, Patrick Edmundson, Iris Dawn Hale, Patti Kunkle, Teri Stewart and Wax'n'Facts.
Dairies in DeKalb
Funding for the Dairy exhibit was provided in part by proceeds from the 2009 Great Decatur Craft Beer Festival.
Visit Rosebud again! Our exhibit focuses on the history of dairy farming in DeKalb County in the 20th century. The boll weevil’s attack on cotton farming led to the rise of dairy farms across DeKalb. The one-room exhibit contains colorful signs, artifacts such as a route book and milk bottles, and even includes a life-sized replica of Rosebud, the famous cow mascot for Mathis Dairy.
