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History and Heritage Itinerary

Trace the story of Atlanta

*Articulo disponible en español.

You’ll find plenty of unforgettable experiences that trace the story of Atlanta from a fledgling railroad community to a thriving international city. Use this Atlanta history itinerary to explore the city’s rich heritage through its many historic districts, museums and landmarks.

JIMMY CARTER PRESIDENTIAL LIBRARY AND MUSEUM

Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum features a replica of the Oval Office during Carter’s term and includes exhibits that chronicle his journey to the presidency, as well as the work of The Carter Center as it works globally to fight disease and promote democracy and human rights.

Estimated Time: 2 hours

Oval Office at Jimmy Carter Presedential Library and Museum in Atlanta GA
Recreation of the oval office at the Whitehouse during Jimmy Carter’s presidency, at the Carter Museum

SWEET AUBURN

The Sweet Auburn neighborhood was the center of black enterprise from the 1890s to the 1950s. Auburn Avenue runs through this historic district, offering sites such as the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical ParkAPEX Museum and more.

Estimated Time: 1 hour (fast-paced) to 2 hours (leisurely) 

ATLANTA HISTORY CENTER

Atlanta History Center features 33 acres of gardens, the 1840s Tullie Smith House, 1928 Swan House mansion, the Museum and Atlanta Cyclorama. The Center also operates the Margaret Mitchell House in Midtown, which includes the restored apartment where Mitchell penned her famous “Gone With the Wind” novel.

Estimated Time: 2-2.5 hours

Cyclorama Exhibit at Atlanta History Center
Cyclorama Exhibit at Atlanta History Center

WILLIAM BREMAN JEWISH HERITAGE AND HOLOCAUST MUSEUM

The Breman Museum features the permanent exhibition “Absence of Humanity: The Holocaust Years” and rotating special exhibits.

Estimated Time: 1 hour

HISTORIC OAKLAND CEMETERY

Historic Oakland Cemetery, established in 1850, is the final resting place of more than 70,000 Atlantans.

Estimated Time: 1 hour, 45 minutes

Historic Oakland Cemetery in Atlanta GA
Historic Oakland Cemetery

NATIONAL CENTER FOR CIVIL AND HUMAN RIGHTS

National Center for Civil and Human Rights engages guests through three exhibitions — “Voice to the Voiceless: The Morehouse College Martin Luther King, Jr. Collection,” “Rolls Down Like Water: The American Civil Rights Movement” and “Spark of Conviction: The Global Human Rights Movement.”

Estimated Time: 1 hour

HERNDON HOME MUSEUM

Tour the 1910 Herndon Home Museum, a tribute to the family of successful businessman Alonzo Herndon, founder of the Atlanta Life Insurance Company and Atlanta’s first African- American millionaire.

Estimated Time: 45 minutes

THE WREN’S NEST

Visit The Wren’s Nest, the former West End home of author Joel Chandler Harris, who created the Uncle Remus tales and gave voice to African-American folklore.

Estimated Time: 45 minutes

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