Rare Founding-era documents coming to Atlanta History Center for free public exhibition
A traveling exhibition featuring rare Founding-era documents from the National Archives will be on display at Atlanta History Center from March 27 to April 12, 2026.
Freedom Plane National Tour: Documents That Forged a Nation is visiting eight cities this year as part of the nation’s 250th birthday commemoration. Atlanta History Center, which is also marking its own centennial in 2026, will offer free admission for the 16-day run of the exhibition.
The display includes original and rare documents central to American history, among them an 1823 engraving of the Declaration of Independence, the Articles of Association (1774), the Treaty of Paris (1783), a rare draft printing of the Constitution, the Senate markup of the Bill of Rights, and oaths of allegiance signed by George Washington, Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr.
This is a rare opportunity for Americans to see several Founding-era documents all in one place. The exhibition is located at Atlanta History Center’s Buckhead campus.
— Derek Prall
Spelman College Museum of Fine Art opens spring exhibition by alumna Calida Rawles
The Spelman College Museum of Fine Art will open its spring exhibition, Calida Rawles: Away with the Tides, to the public March 27, running through Sept. 5, 2026. The show marks the museum’s 30th anniversary.
The exhibition was created by Calida Rawles, a Spelman alumna who graduated in 1998. Rawles is internationally recognized for acrylic on canvas paintings that blend hyperrealism with poetic abstraction. The works focus on Overtown, a historically significant Miami neighborhood, and use water as both a visual element and a symbol of racial exclusion and individual healing.
The exhibition is on view at the Spelman College Museum of Fine Art, located on the first floor of the Camille Olivia Hanks Cosby Academic Center.
— Derek Prall
Georgia Rivers set to host Spring water adventures
Georgia Rivers is looking toward the springtime and gearing up to host Georgians all over the state’s natural waters.The nonprofit kicked off its spring adventure season with a paddle trip on March 13-15 on Ebenezer and Brier creeks near Savannah and Sylvania.
The paddle trips are some of the most popular events the organization hosts. In addition to scenic views and outdoor fun activities, the trips stop at select points along the river and learn about history and significance. On the March 13-15 paddle trip, participants stopped at the oldest church in Georgia, Jerusalem Lutheran Church in Ebenezer, the Ebenezer Creek Massacre and visited the Brier Creek Battlefield Site from the Revolutionary War.
The nonprofit has several future adventures planned:
- April 10-12 on the Okefenokee Swamp and St. Marys River near Folkston — a swamp which Georgia Rivers fought for years to protect and is still looking for greater protections
- April 24-26 on the Ogeechee River near Savannah
- May 1-3 on the Chattahoochee River near Atlanta
Additionally it has kayak fishing classes scheduled for March 28 on Lake Allatoona near Cartersville and April 18 on the Chestatee River near Dahlonega.
The full list of events through the end of this year can be found here.
— Mark Lannaman
Georgia Film Academy opening fall 2026 registration at more than 30 colleges statewide
The Georgia Film Academy will open registration April 1 for fall 2026 courses offered at more than 30 partner colleges and universities across Georgia, including Georgia State University, Spelman College and Clark Atlanta University.
Classes run Aug. 17 through Dec. 11, 2026, and are open to both degree-seeking and non-degree students. The curriculum includes introductory courses in film and television production, post-production, and digital entertainment, esports and game development. Each course counts toward GFA’s 18-credit professional certificate programs in film and television production, post-production, and live production, streaming and esports.
“Our courses provide students with hands-on access to industry-leading technology, essential knowledge and practical experience,” Scott Votaw, assistant vice chancellor of the Georgia Film Academy, said.
Founded in 2015, GFA trains students on industry equipment under the instruction of working professionals and connects them with internship opportunities on active sets, in post-production houses and during live broadcast and streaming projects. Graduates from partner institutions have contributed to productions including “Captain America: Brave New World,” “Megalopolis” and “Stranger Things.”
For more information on courses and participating institutions, click here.
— Derek Prall
Sandy Springs Artsapalooza returns
Sandy Springs Artsapalooza will return April 4-5, 2026, at 6100 Lake Forest Drive NE in Sandy Springs, offering two days of free, family-friendly programming over Easter weekend.
The award-winning outdoor festival features work from more than 150 artists, including painters, photographers, sculptors, jewelers, glass blowers and leather and metal craft makers. Visitors can watch live artist demonstrations, participate in hands-on art activities and enjoy live music and food trucks.
On Easter Sunday, April 5, at 2 p.m., the festival will host its largest Easter egg hunt, with more than 10,000 hidden eggs. Children are encouraged to bring a small bag or basket.
Festival hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. Admission is free, all ages are welcome and dogs are permitted.
For more information, click here.
— Derek Prall
