By John Ruch
The Atlanta History Center’s “Party with the Past” series returns this week, aimed at introducing young professionals to lesser-known stories of the city’s history.
“It’s all part of our mission to connect people, history and culture, starting with helping our audience discover their own backyard,” said Center spokesperson Claire Haley. “We hope that our audience will be intrigued by the locations and that it will help them look around in their own neighborhoods a little bit differently.”
The evening gatherings in June and July are intended as after-hours hangouts with beer. They’re free, but registration is required via the Center’s website.
The full lineup includes:
Omenala Griot Afrocentric Museum
June 23, 6 to 9 p.m.
This museum and event space in the West End was established in 1993 by Dr. Narvie Puls, a former Atlanta Public Schools teacher and principal “frustrated by only being allowed to teach the ‘cookie-cutter’ version of African American history,” as its website says. Run today by her son, Kevin Williams, the museum aims to tell a deeper story about the African diaspora.
Atlantucky Brewing
July 7, 7 to 10 p.m.
This Castleberry Hill brewery was founded by members of the hit hip hop group Nappy Roots, who will join in the history chat.
Counterculture Capital
July 14, 7 to 10 p.m.
This event at the Center’s Midtown campus will look back to the area’s 1960s and 1970s counterculture, such as the band the Last Great Jive Ass Jug Band and the alternative newspaper The Great Speckled Bird.
St. Marks AME Church
July 28, 7 to 10 p.m.
This 1920 church on English Avenue is now a roofless set of stone walls that are being reinvented as an event space and community gathering spot. It also recently gained official City landmark status after years of community activism for its rebirth.
