The Teaching Museum South

The Teaching Museum South in Hapeville, Georgia and Atlanta’s Black History and Civil Rights Tour are part of the Smithsonian Affiliations program. It is located at 689 North Ave, Hapeville, GA 30354. It is a partnership with Henry W. Grady College of Journalism and Creative Arts at Kennesaw State University and the Atlanta History Center to provide high quality tours for KSU students, families, community members, and general visitors. These two museums come together in an innovative way to inform visitors about Atlanta’s history as well as its African American community. These two sites cover more than 150 years of African American history in the Southeast city that is home to one of the largest black population centers outside of Chicago. The tour begins at the Teaching Museum South which focuses on African American culture from 1867 to present day activities that take place there. The tour continues next door with Atlanta's Black History and Civil Rights Tour. Here you will learn about not only what happened during this time period but also why these incidents took place as well as how it has evolved over time.

What is the Teaching Museum South?

The Teaching Museum South is a unique education facility at the Henry W. Grady College of Journalism and Creative Arts at Kennesaw State University. The museum focuses on telling the African American story, including the influence and impact of the Civil Rights Movement. When it opened in 2016, it became the first museum of its kind in the Southeast. The museum tells the stories of the civil rights movement through the lens of Southern cities like Atlanta, where Martin Luther King Jr. led the struggle for equal rights and the historic 1965 Voting Rights Act that extended those civil rights to all Americans. The museum also tells the story of the African American experience in Atlanta and the Southeast as a whole through live programming, historic artifacts, and an immersive gallery that allows guests to walk through the events of the past. The museum also hosts regular events like film screenings and workshops that help it remain relevant through education. Kennesaw State University is a four-year institution with a diverse student body, ranging from those interested in journalism to those interested in criminal justice. The school has a reputation for being one of the more affordable colleges in Georgia and remains a popular choice for students across the state.

What is Atlanta's Black History and Civil Rights Tour?

The Atlanta’s Black History and Civil Rights Tour is a 45-minute guided walking tour through Atlanta led by a KSU student. It begins in the downtown area and leads you through the Civil Rights Movement and the African American experience. The tour begins in the Atlanta History Center located at 121 West Ponce de Leon Avenue. It is a local history center that is the only one of its kind in the Southeast. The center was the first of its kind in the Southeast and opened in 1915. The Atlanta History Center features more than 50,000 artifacts, including photos, newspapers, posters, and more. The center also features a museum with interactive exhibits, a research library, and a gift shop. In the center of downtown, the tour begins in front of the Atlanta City Hall. The tour begins by passing the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site, which commemorates the life of the Civil Rights Movement leader. The tour then leads you to Centennial Park, a popular spot for civic events, concerts, and festivals in the city. This is where the 1944 march that led to the creation of the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom took place.

How to take these tours together: Check this out

Research the different tours available in your area. Find which tours cover the topics you are interested in the most. You can then book the tours that cover the topics you want to learn more about. Try to take the tours during the same month or during the same year. This way, you can compare notes and see how the stories unfold over time. Book the tours in advance. This will help you get the dates you want and also reduce the risk of getting a canceled tour. For the most efficient use of your time, try to book a private tour for your group. This will allow you to focus on the tour while your guide takes care of the logistics.

Final Words

These tours will help you discover more about the history of Atlanta and the influence that the Civil Rights Movement has had on the city and its residents. The Civil Rights Movement brought together people of all races to work together to achieve equal rights and opportunities for all Americans. With the help of organizations like the NAACP, MLK, and the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, the Movement pushed for change and remained strong throughout the South.