By F.H. Boyd Coons
The Atlanta Preservation Center (APC) will present the 14th Annual Phoenix Flies: A Celebration of Atlanta’s Historic Sites from March 4 through March 26. With 99 Preservation Partners, this award-winning celebration gives a fun and informative experience of Atlanta’s history through more than 170 events, including guided walking tours, lectures and storytelling, open houses, and much more.
Among the events featured this year is an architectural tour of Atlanta’s internationally significant Central Public Library designed by Marcel Breuer, with a screening of a 35mm black and white film by California artist Kate Brown.
The Explorations of the Arts event, which have historically contributed so much to Atlanta’s culture, include: the Atlanta Ballet, the Atlanta Opera, and the Museum of Contemporary Art. Other highlights include a visit to Grocery on Home, art historian Matt Arnett’s home and music venue in a converted grocery store in Grant Park.
High Tea, as well as a tour of the historic Swan Coach House, is an event presented by the Forward Arts Foundation. A tour of the adaptively reused Kirkwood Library showcases its conversion into a unique and fascinating Atlanta home.
The historic cemeteries at Oakland, Southview, Sylvester Westview, and Utoy will be featured in tours. The very popular Dolls Head Trail at Constitution Lake also returns this year. Numerous historic Atlanta churches will be part of the festival, as is the Georgia Governor’s Mansion, which is celebrating its 50th Anniversary. The Piedmont Driving Club, the Eastlake Golf Club, and the Atlanta Women’s Club will all be hosting tours at their facilities. The Atlanta History Center will provide a behind-the-scenes look at the new home of the Cyclorama. Architectural tourist extraordinaire, Terry Kearns, will provide his view of Atlanta’s architectural heritage.
In the Inman Park neighborhood, we will show off the Atlanta and Edgewood Street Railway Company Trolley Barn, which it has recently acquired from the City. The Sweet Auburn Curb Market, Sweet Auburn Works, and the Atlanta Daily World will combine to illustrate the revitalization of the Old Fourth Ward. State Rep. “Able” Mable Thomas will host a gospel celebration at the English Avenue School, and the Alonzo F. and Norris B. Herndon Home, the Hammond House, and the Wren’s Nest will be among the assets of the west side.
All events are free to the public; reservations may be required for some events. Stay tuned to www.preserveatlanta.com for updates.
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