May 25: Tour of Brooklyn Cemetery with Linda DavisExperience the beauty and resilience of Athens’ Black community as you tour the historic African American Brooklyn Cemetery with Linda Elder Davis, co-founder of the Friends of Brooklyn Cemetery (FOBC). Formerly known as the Bethlehem Cemetery, the Brooklyn Cemetery was one of the first Black cemeteries in Athens, Georgia. Established in 1882, the cemetery served as a final resting place for many of the residents of the Brooklyn/Hawthorne area, located on the western side of Athens. Nature and time have laid claim to much of the cemetery, but efforts to restore and preserve have transformed the landscape. The restoration of the cemetery began in 2006. FOBC’s goal is to rebuild and commemorate not only the cemetery grounds but, more importantly, the individuals laid to rest there.
PLEASE NOTE that unlike the other tours, this one will be from 11am to 1pm.
As a long-time resident, Linda has been deeply involved in various community initiatives. She serves as a board member for the Clarke County School District and is a founding member of the Friends of Brooklyn Cemetery, dedicated to the restoration and commemoration of one of Georgia's first African American cemeteries. Linda's commitment to community preservation and service has earned her the prestigious Phinizy Spalding Award.
After your purchase of tickets, please refer to the link that will be sent in your confirmation email for all instructions regarding the walk. | $25.00 | $0.75 | |
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June 1: Tour Pulaski Heights with Mayor Kelly GirtzMore information to come! | $25.00 | $0.75 | |
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June 8: Walking the Hill with Lee Epting (22 remaining)Embark on a Heritage Walk tour at The Hill, where history comes alive with each step. The journey begins with the Hodgson Lumpkin House, fondly known as the A&D House, a charming abode believed to be among the six original homes mentioned by Joshua Meigs in 1801. This antebellum plain style house, with its two over two layout and central hall, showcases a blend of history and comfort. Next, explore the cornerstone of The Hill, the Donald-Epting House, a testament to architectural evolution since its inception in 1800. Originally a two-story log house, it has evolved over the years with thoughtful additions, now boasting a unique blend of old-world charm and modern amenities. The tour also features the quaint Rock House, crafted from locally harvested fieldstone in 1920, and the cozy Quinn Cottage, built in 1930, offering a glimpse into the diverse architectural heritage of The Hill. As you wander through these historic structures, furnished with period antiques, you'll find yourself immersed in a rich tapestry of stories and memories, each house narrating a chapter of The Hill's remarkable history.
Lee Epting, a native of Athens, has been a prominent figure in shaping the local community for over 50 years. His passion for event planning and party hosting, nurtured during his college years, has blossomed into a successful career. Starting with Lee Epting Catering in 1976, which has now evolved into Epting Events, he has expanded into disaster catering and developed numerous event facilities in Athens and Northeast Georgia. Lee's commitment to preserving historic homes is equally remarkable, having moved and restored fourteen such homes in the Athens area. "The Hill," his property consisting of eight of these historic structures, serves as a venue for weddings, special events, business retreats, and guest housing. Lee's projects reflect a dedication to growth and success, ensuring long-term employment for his over 75 employees.
After your purchase of tickets, please refer to the link that will be sent in your confirmation email for all instructions regarding the walk. | $25.00 | $0.75 | |
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June 15: Tour of Linnentown with Hattie Thomas Whitehead (24 remaining)Linnentown, once a vibrant African-American neighborhood on Baxter Street's west side, was demolished in 1962 under the Federal Urban Renewal Program, supported by local and federal officials. Residents were forced to relocate to public housing or find new homes, with minimal compensation, to make way for UGA's high-rise dorms. By 1966, all traces of Linnentown were erased. The Linnentown Project, formed by descendants, aims to raise awareness of the community's destruction. In 2018, historical records were found at the UGA Hargrett Library. The Linnentown Justice and Memory Project, established in June 2020, is tasked with creating plans for atonement. In February 2021, after two years of research and lobbying, the Unified Government of Athens-Clarke County unanimously adopted the groundbreaking Linnentown Resolution for Recognition and Redress, the first official act of reparations in Georgia.
Hattie Thomas Whitehead, a first descendant of Linnentown, is a key figure in The Linnentown Project, serving as financial and public chair and outreach coordinator. She also chairs the Athens Justice and Memory Project, addressing reconciliation and redress for urban renewal impacts on Black communities. With 27 years as a corporate operations manager, focusing on diversity appreciation, she recently retired. Her memoir “Giving Voice to Linnentown” and its musical adaptation, “Linnentown: The Musical,” have proven successful in educating the community. The musical alone has sold over 3,500 tickets at the Classic Center.
After your purchase of tickets, please refer to the link that will be sent in your confirmation email for all instructions regarding the walk. | $25.00 | $0.75 | |
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June 29: Downtown Historic Districts with Scott Nesbit (24 remaining)More information to come! | $25.00 | $0.75 | |
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