Events and Programs
HOPS AT THE HISTORY CENTER
February 21, 2019
Anthony Grooms-The Vain Conversation
Inspired by true events, The Vain Conversation reflects on the 1946 lynching of two black couples in Georgia from the perspectives of three characters—Bertrand Johnson, one of the victims; Noland Jacks, a presumed perpetrator; and Lonnie Henson, a witness to the murders as a ten-year-old boy. Lonnie’s inexplicable feelings of culpability drive him in a search for meaning that takes him around the world and ultimately back to Georgia, where he must confront Jacks and his own demons, with the hopes that doing so will free him from the grip of the past. In The Vain Conversation, Anthony Grooms seeks to advance the national dialogue on race relations. With complexity, satire, and sometimes levity, he explores what it means to redeem, as well as to be redeemed, when dealing with America’s race violence, and he speaks to the broader issues of oppression and violence everywhere. A foreword is provided by American poet, painter, and novelist Clarence Major. An afterword is written by T. Geronimo Johnson, the bestselling author of Welcome to Braggsville and Hold It ’Til It Hurts.
Thursday , February 21 Doors open 5:30
Program, 6:00 pm-7:00 pm
Book Signing 7:00 pm
Ticket includes: Book Signing, Drink Ticket. Book available for purchase
$5 members, $10 non members
Historic DeKalb Courthouse, 2nd floor
101 E. Court Square, Decatur GA 30030
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March 6, 2019
Southern Homes and Plan Books: The Architectural Legacy of Leila Ross Wilburn
with author Susan Hunter
Southern Homes and Plan Books showcases the architectural legacy and design philosophy of Leila Ross Wilburn (1885–1967), a legacy that includes hundreds of houses in a variety of popular house styles, from bungalows to ranch houses, built using Wilburn’s plan books during the first six decades of the twentieth century. Wilburn opened her own firm in Atlanta in 1909 and practiced until her death in 1967. She published nine plan books that offered mail order house designs to contractors, builders, and prospective homeowners and allowed them the ease of choosing a preconceived design and construction plan. Sarah J. Boykin and Susan M. Hunter provide a survey of the southern homes built from Wilburn’s plan books, examining Wilburn’s architectural legacy and her achievements as a plan book architect. The book provides beautiful photographs of houses built from her plans, along with illustrations from the plan books themselves and other related documents from the time. Readers can thus see how her designs were realized as individual houses and also how they influenced the development of some of the Atlanta area’s beloved historical neighborhoods, most notably Druid Hills, Morningside, Virginia-Highlands, and Candler Park, as well as the MAK (McDonough, Adams, and Kings Highway) district in Decatur.
Today, Wilburn’s houses are enjoyed as appealing, historic homes and represent some of the richest examples of southern vernacular architecture to emerge from the plan book tradition."
Wednesday , March 6
Doors open 5:30
Program, 6:00 pm-7:00 pm
Book Signing 7:00 pm
Ticket includes: Book Signing, Drink Ticket. Book available for purchase
$5 members, $10 non members
Historic DeKalb Courthouse, 2nd floor
101 E. Court Square, Decatur GA 30030
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Deep Roots in DeKalb: The Flat Rock Story of Resistance
Opening Reception
Believed to be one of the oldest African American communities in Georgia, Flat Rock was founded and strengthened by individuals who wanted to ensure the safety and success of African Americans following the aftermath of the Civil War. The community of Flat Rock thrived in part because of the immense communal bond of its citizens as well as the selflessness of its leaders. Theodore A. Bryant, Sr., ensured the development of Flat Rock by purchasing nearby land and distributing it to families in the area. This gesture allowed for the citizens of Flat Rock to build a strong foundation of support as well as ensure the safety and well-being of the community. Despite consistent animosity and prejudice, the people of Flat Rock remained strong, resilient, and united.
This exhibit explores the story of Flat Rock as well as the people who called it home. By examining objects collected over time from the residents of Flat Rock, we have been able to better narrate the lives and experiences of the families within the community. This exhibit would not have been possible if not for the generosity of Flat Rock Archives, who graciously lent part of their collection and all of their expertise to allow us to tell the inspiring story of the community who stood strong for over one hundred years.
Thursday , February 28
Member/VIP Preview 5:pm
General Public: 6pm-8:00pm
Free & Open to the Public
Historic DeKalb Courthouse, lobby
101 E. Court Square, Decatur GA 30030
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MEMBER ONLY EVENT
DeKalb Traveler- Member Only
The Delta Flight Museum
February 26, 12:00 pm
1060 Delta Blvd B-914, Atlanta, GA 30354
Take a trip back in time as we explore a behind the scenes look at the Delta Flight Museum. Included is a look inside a Boeing 747. Tour involves moderate walking between hangars.
DHC Member Only (Guests of Members Allowed)RSVP Required, howard@dekalbhistory.org
Ticket: $5 for Senior/Teacher/Student/Individual/Household<$75
Patron+ ($75+) members are , no need to purchase tickets just RSVP
Transportation NOT provided.
