Events

This guided walking tour explores the history, lives, and labors of Atlanta’s African American women. Historically, many African American women worked as maids, child nurses, cooks, and laundresses—all while managing their own households. As educational opportunities became available following the Civil War and emancipation, African American women aspired to occupations beyond domestic service. Many sought…

This tour visits the gravesites of Margaret Mitchell, Mitchell family members, and pioneers who inspired Gone with the Wind characters. Margaret Mitchell didn’t know how much of an impact she would have on popular culture when her Civil War novel, Gone With the Wind, was published in 1936. The Pulitzer Prize-winning novel sold more than…

This 75-minute tour challenges the myth of Southern womanhood by uncovering the true social and personal histories of Atlanta’s women. Early Atlanta might have been a man’s world, but this city was built with the labor of women. From writers and domestic servants to reformers and mothers, Oakland Cemetery is home to thousands of women.…

Visit Oakland's three Jewish burial sections and learn about Atlanta Jewish history during this 75-minute guided tour! Oakland Cemetery is home to three Jewish burial sections, including the second oldest Jewish burial ground in Georgia. This tour examines notable residents, Jewish burial customs, and symbolism found throughout these grounds. Hear stories of adversity and triumph…

This FREE, 75-minute guided tour explores the lives and accomplishments of outstanding and ordinary African Americans in Atlanta. “We Shall Overcome” became the anthem of the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s, but the origin of the song dates back to antebellum days and a spiritual sung by enslaved people, “No More Auction Block for…

This 75-minute guided tour explores the lives and accomplishments of outstanding and ordinary African Americans in Atlanta. “We Shall Overcome” became the anthem of the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s, but the origin of the song dates back to antebellum days and a spiritual sung by enslaved people, “No More Auction Block for Me.”…

This 75-minute guided tour explores the lives and accomplishments of outstanding and ordinary African Americans in Atlanta. “We Shall Overcome” became the anthem of the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s, but the origin of the song dates back to antebellum days and a spiritual sung by enslaved people, “No More Auction Block for Me.”…

From disease outbreaks to battlefield wounds to murders, this tour traces the myriad ways Oakland residents died in the 19th century. Early Atlanta was not a sleepy southern community – it had more in common with the Wild West. Life in this railroad town often ended in violence or tragedy. Diseases spread rapidly thanks to…

Join us as we explore some of the fascinating epitaphs that grace the monuments of Oakland. How would you like to be remembered? Victorians gave considerable thought to this concept. An epitaph is described as “a statement commemorating or epitomizing a deceased person.” Join us as we explore some of the fascinating epitaphs that grace…

Discover how architectural and design choices made during life created a lasting and eternal legacy for many Oakland residents. People have sought to honor the memory of departed loved ones since ancient times, but the 19th century ushered in a new era of funerary art. Innovative building materials came available and styles changed to reflect…

Discover stories of hometown heroes and sports legends during this 75-minute guided tour of Oakland Cemetery! Go team! Atlanta is home to five major sports teams, several powerhouse universities, and diehard fans who celebrate buzzer beaters, photo finishes, home runs, and hole-in-ones. Discover the origins of some of Atlanta’s most beloved sports teams and hear…