DEKALB HISTORY CENTER SCHOOL TOURS

LIFE IN 1850 (held at the DeKalb History Center's Historic Complex on West Trinity Place in Decatur)

How did people live, work and play in the 19th century? Students visit the historic Swanton House and pioneer log cabins, encounter people from the past and learn about the mid-19th century. On this tour students meet an African American seamstress from the mid-nineteenth century; Zenith Twilley was a free woman of color in Decatur in1851. She worked as a weaver, seamstress, washer and irone. Students will also see a portrayal of Benjamin Swanton or Sarah Swanton while on the tour. Mr. Swanton wasan entrepreneur in Decatur in the 1850s. He came to Georgia initially to sell mining equipment after the Dahlonega Gold Rush of 1828, moved to Decatur and bought the Swanton House from Ammi Williams in 1852, and eventually owned a tannery, brickyard, grist mill and blacksmith shop. This tour is great for Georgia History and Early U.S. History. 1 hr. $8. Title 1 discount available.

CIVIL WAR WALKING TOUR (tour begins at the Historic DeKalb Courthouse in Decatur)

How did the war affect ordinary people? What actually happened here during the war? This guided tour includes a Civil War exhibit & downtown Decatur sites. Students learn about General Sherman, the Atlanta Campaign, the battle and the home front. Students get an overview of DeKalb's early history and learn about the events leading upto the war, including the secesssion convention of 1861. They will see a home built by Charles Murphey, one of DeKalb's Unionist representatives at the convention. Students learn baout Sherman's approach in 1864 and how events unfolded in the county, including descriptions of the Battle of Atlanta and Battle of Decatur. Students gain an understnding of how the war affected people here. What did enslaved people do? How did the women and children left at home react to the invading forces? 1 hr. & 15 mins. $8. Title 1 discount available.

PIONEERS AND NATIVES (held at the DeKalb History Center's Historic Complex on West Trinity Place in Decatur)

How did the Indians of this area live and what happened to them? What happened when the settlers came? Students meet a Creek Indian or a Cherokee Indian in traditional nineteeenth century clothing. Students learn the history and culture of the first inhabitants of this area through demonstrations of tools and skills, and descriptions of houses, agriculture and beliefs. Students also visit the Swanton House and pioneer log cabins and meet early settlers, learning about life here in the mid-nineteenth century. 1.5 hours. $9. Title 1 discount available.

Call 404-373-1088 ext 20 for information or reservations, or email goldemund@dekalbhistory.org