Come learn about the history of the Athens’ downtown district from its incredibly well preserved 19th century architecture to the area’s influence on the international music scene throughout the 20th and 21st centuries with an educated and personable local! On this tour, you will learn about the spectacular architecture, a host of notable historic buildings such as the Morton Theater, one of the U.S.’s first African American theaters, many local businesses, the university’s impact on the town, and Athens’ life as a business hub. The countless restored Victorian-style buildings which you will view on this tour will help you develop more of an appreciation for the city of Athens, whether you are a visitor or local alike!

Check out our full schedule at bit.ly/heritagewalk24

Learn about the portion of the Boulevard neighborhood “outside the city” on this tour with Kristen Morales.  Originally developed in the 1920s, the area was designed as a residential community for middle-class families. Its name, which means "good view" in Spanish, reflects the neighborhood’s attractive landscape and elevated terrain. Tourgoers will learn about the city stockade, life working in Southern Mill, and different forms of early architecture. The blend of history, community engagement, and architectural beauty continues to define Buena Vista as a treasured part of Athens.

Check out our full schedule at bit.ly/heritagewalk24

Come learn about this historic neighborhood which was established in the late 1800s and named after Dr. William H. Cobb, a local physician. Cobbham initially developed as a residential community for university faculty and affluent families, and today it features a rich tapestry of architectural styles, including Queen Anne, Neoclassical, and Craftsman homes, many dating from the 1890s to the 1940s. Tourgoers will see several notable landmarks, including the historic Cobbham Baptist Church and the original homes of many prominent Athens families.

Check out our full schedule at bit.ly/heritagewalk24

Learn about this vibrant, tree-lined neighborhood with Marvin Peoples, Publisher of Normaltown Living! The Normaltown neighborhood was originally developed in the early 1900s to house workers for the nearby State Normal School which later became part of the University of Georgia. Tourgoers will become immersed in the neighborhood’s charming bungalows, historic homes, local business scene, and one-of-a-kind creative expression. With its rich history, artistic community, and close-knit feel, Normaltown is a unique and inviting part of Athens that attracts a diverse mix of residents and visitors. 

Check out our full schedule at bit.ly/heritagewalk24

Join us at Athentic Brewing Company to kick off Porchfest weekend in style! Get ready for a fun-filled evening of Athens trivia, Athens karaoke, and delicious food from our presenting sponsor, Cafe Racer food truck. Plus, it's your first chance to pick up pre-order Porchfest merchandise, so you can represent Athens all weekend long!

Whether you're a Porchfest performer, a local history buff, or just looking to start the weekend with great music and food, this event is the perfect way to get into the Porchfest spirit. Come out, enjoy a brew, show off your Athens knowledge, sing your favorite songs, and get excited for an incredible Porchfest weekend.

Free and open to all—don’t miss it!

Join us for another FREE Historic Athens History Hour, hosted by Denise Sunta. This month, our friends at the Athens Council on Aging will welcome us to their Center for Active Living!

For our October History Hour, we’ll focus on St. Mary’s Hospital, a cornerstone of healthcare in our community since its founding in 1906 by the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart. We’ll explore the hospital’s journey from its humble beginnings in a small, converted house to becoming a state-of-the-art medical facility. Discover St. Mary’s pivotal role during significant historical events, the advancements in medical technology that revolutionized patient care, and the key figures whose dedication and vision shaped the hospital's legacy. Whether you're a history enthusiast or simply curious about local heritage, this event offers a unique opportunity to delve into the rich history of St. Mary’s and its enduring influence on present-day Athens.

All History Hours are catered by Rashe’s Cuisine, one of Historic Athens’ esteemed partners. Vegan and vegetarian options are available.

This event series is part of Historic Athens' mission to foster a community-wide understanding of the value of historic buildings, neighborhoods, and heritage. Our public programming aims to raise awareness and connect generations with their heritage, helping to tell a fuller story of Athens through the preservation of narratives involving neighborhoods, music, art, restaurants, politics, religion, and society.

This tour will travel about two miles along paved walking trails and residential sidewalks as attendees explore the history of this thriving community through its extensive inventory of historic resources. Tour starts and finishes at the Winterville Depot. Attendees are invited to remain after the tour for Winterville's free weekly concert and book sale!

This tour will be led by Jonathan Scott, a seasoned museum professional who has curated exhibitions for the Atlanta History Center, RMS Titanic, Inc, and the Smithsonian Affiliate program. In his role as the City of Winterville's Cultural Heritage Director he oversees both the Carter-Coile Country Doctors Museum and the forthcoming Winterville Museum and Heritage Room, while also serving as Chair of the city's Historic Preservation Commission. He lives in Winterville with his wife, son, and two cats.

Join us for another FREE Historic Athens History Hour at the Lyndon House Arts Center, hosted by Denise Sunta.

September's History Hour will feature the Historic Cobbham Foundation, focusing on the historic Ellard-Weir House at 149 Cobb Street. This two-story home, combining Colonial Revival and Craftsman styles, was home to Mary Lou Weir, a notable educator and former principal of Chase Street (now Johnnie Lay Burks) Elementary, from its construction until 1966. Recently listed on the 2023 Athens Places in Peril list, the house faces threats to its existence. The Historic Cobbham Foundation is advocating for its preservation and adaptive reuse, following in the footsteps of previous owners who successfully maintained its historical integrity.

All History Hours are catered by Rashe’s Cusine, one of Historic Athens’ esteemed partners.

This event series is part of Historic Athens' mission to be a proactive force in developing a community-wide understanding of the value of historic buildings, neighborhoods, and heritage. Our public programming aims to bring awareness to communities and connect generations with their heritage. Through the preservation of narratives involving neighborhoods, music, art, restaurants, politics, religion, and society, we will help to tell a fuller story of Athens.

Join Historic Athens and Athentic Brewing Company for an exciting night as we unveil the full lineup for Historic Athens Porchfest 2024! The Porchfest Announcement Party will take place on Friday, September 13, starting at 6:00 PM at Athentic Brewing Company (108 Park Ave., Athens, GA).

The Historic Athens Porchfest 2024 lineup will be unveiled during the event, offering attendees a first look at the 200+ performances scheduled across seven historic neighborhoods throughout the Classic City. Historic Athens Porchfest has grown into one of the city’s most anticipated events, bringing music, history, and community to life on the porches and streets of Athens.

This special evening will also mark the debut of On the Rails, a refreshing lemon wheat ale crafted in collaboration with Athentic Brewing Company. Described as the perfect beer to transition from summer into fall, it continues a now-annual tradition of collaboration between Historic Athens and Athentic Brewing. This is the third year of these joint efforts, following Athenticity, a Helles Lager in 2022, and Sour Townie, a Bludwine-inspired cherry gose for 2023.

Event Highlights

• Historic Athens Porchfest 2024 Lineup Reveal starting at 6 pm

• On the Rails Lemon Wheat Beer Release 

• Live performances by Women in Stem, CARDYNAL and the Flock, and 420 Exchange Boulevard starting at 7 pm

• Delicious food from Baskat Catering, featuring pizza, wings, and Mexican-inspired dishes

Join us at Athentic Brewing Company (108 Park Ave., Athens, GA, 30601) on Friday, September 13, starting at 6:00 PM, for this must-attend event. With live music, great beer, and delicious food, it’s the perfect way to kick off the countdown to Historic Athens Porchfest 2024. For more information, visit HistoricAthensPorchFest.com and follow Historic Athens on social media for updates.

Join us for another FREE Historic Athens History Hour at the Lyndon House Arts Center, hosted by Denise Sunta.

August’s History Hour will feature Ashley Shull and Justin Kau to cover stories about the Mayflower Restaurant, Athens' oldest eatery, and learn about other long-standing local favorites. Whether you're a history buff or a food enthusiast, this event promises to offer a unique glimpse into the culinary legacy of our beloved city. Don't miss out on this journey through time and taste!

All History Hours are catered by Rashe’s Cuisine, one of Historic Athens’ esteemed partners.

This event series is part of Historic Athens' mission to be a proactive force in developing a community-wide understanding of the value of historic buildings, neighborhoods, and heritage. Our public programming aims to bring awareness to communities and connect generations with their heritage. Through the preservation of narratives involving neighborhoods, music, art, restaurants, politics, religion, and society, we will help to tell a fuller story of Athens.

Experience the beauty and resilience of Athens’ Black community as you tour the historic African American Brooklyn Cemetery with Linda Elder Davis, co-founder of the Friends of Brooklyn Cemetery (FOBC). Formerly known as the Bethlehem Cemetery, the Brooklyn Cemetery was one of the first Black cemeteries in Athens, Georgia. Established in 1882, the cemetery served as a final resting place for many of the residents of the Brooklyn/Hawthorne area, located on the western side of Athens. Nature and time have laid claim to much of the cemetery, but efforts to restore and preserve have transformed the landscape. The restoration of the cemetery began in 2006. FOBC’s goal is to rebuild and commemorate not only the cemetery grounds but, more importantly, the individuals laid to rest there. This tour will last approximately 2 hours.

As a long-time resident, Linda has been deeply involved in various community initiatives. She serves as a board member for the Clarke County School District and is a founding member of the Friends of Brooklyn Cemetery, dedicated to the restoration and commemoration of one of Georgia's first African American cemeteries. Linda's commitment to community preservation and service has earned her the prestigious Phinizy Spalding Award.

Tickets can be purchased here. After you purchase your tickets, make sure to check your confirmation email for a link to the instructions page.

Linnentown, once a vibrant African-American neighborhood on Baxter Street's west side, was demolished in 1962 under the Federal Urban Renewal Program, supported by local and federal officials. Residents were forced to relocate to public housing or find new homes, with minimal compensation, to make way for UGA's high-rise dorms. By 1966, all traces of Linnentown were erased. The Linnentown Project, formed by descendants, aims to raise awareness of the community's destruction. In 2018, historical records were found at the UGA Hargrett Library. The Linnentown Justice and Memory Project, established in June 2020, is tasked with creating plans for atonement. In February 2021, after two years of research and lobbying, the Unified Government of Athens-Clarke County unanimously adopted the groundbreaking Linnentown Resolution for Recognition and Redress, the first official act of reparations in Georgia.

Hattie Thomas Whitehead, a first descendant of Linnentown, is a key figure in The Linnentown Project, serving as financial and public chair and outreach coordinator. She also chairs the Athens Justice and Memory Project, addressing reconciliation and redress for urban renewal impacts on Black communities. With 27 years as a corporate operations manager, focusing on diversity appreciation, she recently retired. Her memoir “Giving Voice to Linnentown” and its musical adaptation, “Linnentown: The Musical,” have proven successful in educating the community. The musical alone has sold over 3,500 tickets at the Classic Center.

Tickets can be purchased here. After you purchase your tickets, make sure to check your confirmation email for a link to the instructions page.

Embark on a Heritage Walk tour at The Hill, where history comes alive with each step. The journey begins with the Hodgson Lumpkin House, fondly known as the A&D House, a charming abode believed to be among the six original homes mentioned by Joshua Meigs in 1801. This antebellum plain style house, with its two over two layout and central hall, showcases a blend of history and comfort. Next, explore the cornerstone of The Hill, the Donald-Epting House, a testament to architectural evolution since its inception in 1800. Originally a two-story log house, it has evolved over the years with thoughtful additions, now boasting a unique blend of old-world charm and modern amenities. The tour also features the quaint Rock House, crafted from locally harvested fieldstone in 1920, and the cozy Quinn Cottage, built in 1930, offering a glimpse into the diverse architectural heritage of The Hill. As you wander through these historic structures, furnished with period antiques, you'll find yourself immersed in a rich tapestry of stories and memories, each house narrating a chapter of The Hill's remarkable history.

Lee Epting, a native of Athens, has been a prominent figure in shaping the local community for over 50 years. His passion for event planning and party hosting, nurtured during his college years, has blossomed into a successful career. Starting with Lee Epting Catering in 1976, which has now evolved into Epting Events, he has expanded into disaster catering and developed numerous event facilities in Athens and Northeast Georgia. Lee's commitment to preserving historic homes is equally remarkable, having moved and restored fourteen such homes in the Athens area. "The Hill," his property consisting of eight of these historic structures, serves as a venue for weddings, special events, business retreats, and guest housing. Lee's projects reflect a dedication to growth and success, ensuring long-term employment for his over 75 employees.

Tickets can be purchased here. After you purchase your tickets, make sure to check your confirmation email for a link to the instructions page.

This tour will offer community highlights, point out key architecture, and more in the Pulaski Heights neighborhood.

Tickets can be purchased here. After you purchase your tickets, make sure to check your confirmation email for a link to the instructions page.