By Kristy Gomez
Like the song says, “hot fun in the summertime” is the theme for Atlanta right now and Oakland Cemetery is no different. Despite the hot temperatures, plenty of cool things are happening at Oakland Cemetery. This summer, the Cemetery is the campus and classroom for Atlanta’s youth at Oakland Summer Camp as well as the Roots Academy, Oakland’s award-winning workforce development initiative that offers local high school students eight weeks of paid, hands-on job training in preservation and horticulture.
Led by Historic Oakland Foundation’s Director of Education & Youth Programs Ted Ward, the Oakland Roots Academy recently won two awards from the American Association for State and Local History (AASLH) – The History in Progress (HIP) Award and Award of Excellence for the Oakland Roots Academy.
“With an increased emphasis on student leadership and civic engagement, we have seen the efficacy and impact of the program reach a wider audience of students throughout the application, interview, and summer experience,” said Ward. To learn more about Oakland Summer Camps and Roots Academy, visit oaklandcemetery.com.
Restoration of the iconic Oakland gate is nearly complete. The brickwork is noticeably refreshed and the iron gate will be reinstalled soon. The entire front gate has undergone detailed restoration, so stay tuned for a before-and-after reveal soon. For more information and updates on the gate restoration, visit oaklandcemetery.com.
We are also celebrating new staff at Historic Oakland Foundation. This year, we welcomed Lacie Strong, Director of Preservation; Mya Williams, Education & Youth Programs Coordinator; Hannah Hardeman, Marketing Intern; and John Wayne Kendrick, Visitor Experience Operations Coordinator.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Oakland July Special Topic Tours: In addition to Oakland’s daily 10:30 a.m. tour, we offer a variety of special topic tours every month. This month’s tours include Black Magnolias: African-American Women of Oakland (Saturday, July 25 at 11 a.m.) and Crime Through Time (Sunday, July 26 at 11 a.m.) See all tours at oaklandcemetery.com/tours.
- Arts & Architecture (Saturday, July 18 at 11 a.m.)
- Behind the Stones: Preservation Tour (Sunday, July 19 at 11 a.m.)
- Black Magnolias: African-American Women of Oakland (Saturday, July 25 at 11 a.m.)
- Crime Through Time (Sunday, July 26 at 11 a.m.)
Finally, Friday (August 7; Monthly) – Skipping July, we are back at the Visitor Center in August with Supremo Taco. At August’s back-to-school themed Finally, Friday, enjoy food trucks, a bar, local vendors, kids’ activities, live music, giveaways, and more. Finally, Friday runs from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. and is always free and family-friendly. Learn more at oaklandcemetery.com/finally-friday-2026.
Golden Jubilee Picnic (September 24): Celebrate 50 years of Historic Oakland Foundation as Oakland’s caretakers at our Golden Jubilee Picnic. Whether your style is goth or cemetery chic, this is your chance to design a picnic table and table setting of your own creation. Purchase a table, decorate it with a celebratory theme, and show your love for all things Oakland. Learn more about the celebration atoaklandcemetery.com/50thcelebration.
Sunday in the Park featuring Tunes from the Tombs (September 27): Oakland’s iconic festival returns in September, blending live music, history, and family fun in one unique experience. Whether you are a history buff, live music lover, or just here for the vibes, you will not want to miss Oakland’s most special Sunday of the year! Tickets are on sale now at oaklandcemetery.com/sip.
Capturing the Spirit of Oakland Halloween Tours (October 15-18 and October 22-25): Do your spooky-season self a favor and get your tickets to Capturing the Spirit of Oakland Halloween Tours now. Ticket sales opened to the public on July 15. Are you considering an Oakland membership? Take advantage of Oakland member benefits and get first choice of Halloween Tour tickets at oaklandcemetery.com/membership.
