May 3rd from 2pm-4pm: Oconee Hill Cemetery with Luis Vicente-Vasquez (15 remaining)Join local history enthusiast and tour guide Luis Vicente-Vazquez for guided walking tour of Oconee Hill Cemetery, established in 1856. Adjacent to the University of Georgia, this historic burial ground reflects the 19th-century garden cemetery movement, featuring meandering paths and natural landscapes. Discover the final resting places of notable individuals, including former Georgia governors, UGA presidents, and cultural figures like Crawford W. Long and Ricky Wilson of the B-52s. The cemetery's diverse architectural styles and significant landmarks, such as the rare through-truss bridge and the architecturally notable Sexton’s House, offer a unique glimpse into Athens' rich history.
| $25.75 ($25.00 + $0.75 fee) |
|
May 4th from 2pm-4pm: Linnentown with Hattie Thomas Whitehead (18 remaining)Step into the powerful history of Linnentown with activist and author Hattie Thomas Whitehead, a former resident and author of "Giving Voice to Linnentown". Once a thriving Black neighborhood on Baxter Street, Linnentown was erased by urban renewal in the 1960s. Learn about the community that once stood, the families who lived there, and the community's fight for recognition and redress, culminating in the 2021 Linnentown Resolution—the first official act of reparations in Georgia. Hattie’s personal story and deep knowledge bring urgency and humanity to this important chapter of Athens’ history.
A portion of ticket proceeds will benefit the Athens-Clarke County Center for Racial Justice and Black Futures. | $25.75 ($25.00 + $0.75 fee) |
|
May 10th from 2pm-4pm: Buena Vista Heights with Kristen Morales (30 remaining)Join longtime resident and Historic Athens board member Kristen Morales for an intimate stroll through Buena Vista Heights, a historic neighborhood just outside Normaltown. Developed in the early 1900s for working families, including streetcar operators and mill workers, the area features homes from the 1890s to the 1960s and reflects a strong sense of community and charm.
Kristen helped lead the effort to designate Buena Vista as a local historic district in 2012, and she’s been guiding this tour ever since. This updated walk includes new stories about the neighborhood’s musical ties, including the house where Widespread Panic signed a record deal on the back porch and recording spots connected to R.E.M. You’ll explore the architecture, hear stories of the people who lived here, and uncover a few surprises that make this neighborhood a beloved area of Athens. | $25.75 ($25.00 + $0.75 fee) |
|
May 24th from 2pm-4pm: Brooklyn Cemetery with Linda & Kimberly Davis (13 remaining)Join Linda and Kimberly Davis of the Friends of Brooklyn Cemetery for a walk through one of Athens’ oldest African American cemeteries, tucked behind the Brooklyn and Hawthorne neighborhoods. Established in 1882, Brooklyn Cemetery is the final resting place for Black Athenians from the late 19th century through the present, including more than 40 veterans of both World Wars.
Linda, who has family buried in the cemetery, co-founded the Friends of Brooklyn Cemetery in 2006 and has spent nearly two decades leading its restoration. Kimberly, her daughter, is now helping carry that work forward, preserving both the history of the site and the memory of those laid to rest. With the help of community members, volunteer groups, and student organizations, the Friends of Brooklyn Cemetery brought new life to a place long overlooked. | $25.75 ($25.00 + $0.75 fee) |
|
June 7th from 2pm-4pm: Hot Corner with Broderick Flanigan (22 remaining)Join artist and activist Broderick Flanigan for a walk through Hot Corner, the historic heart of Black entrepreneurship and culture in downtown Athens. Centered around the intersection of Hull and Washington Streets, Hot Corner thrived in the early 20th century with Black-owned businesses, including barbershops, mortuaries, pharmacies, dental offices, restaurants, and the iconic Morton Theatre.
Broderick brings a deep personal connection and creative lens to this walk. He has been instrumental in preserving and celebrating Hot Corner's legacy, contributing to projects like the "Hot Corner: An Athens Legacy" mural and co-producing the six-part audio documentary podcast, Hot Corner, which delves into the area's rich history and ongoing significance.
This tour offers a unique opportunity to explore the rich past and ongoing legacy of activism and art in the area. Learn how this historic Black business district continues to influence Athens today, and experience firsthand the stories that have shaped this vibrant community. | $25.75 ($25.00 + $0.75 fee) |
|
June 14th from 12pm-2pm: Queer History with Rin GunnCelebrate Pride Month with a walk through Athens’ LGBTQ+ history, guided by local history enthusiast and Historic Athens Welcome Center staff member Rin Gunn. This two-mile tour explores the people, places, and stories that have shaped queer life in the Classic City, from the Southeast’s first openly gay dance at Memorial Hall in 1972 to the community spaces that continue to thrive today.
Highlights include Church Bar, Memorial Hall, and other meaningful stops that trace the evolution of Athens’ queer community. With a blend of personal insight and local history, Rin offers a thoughtful look at how activism, resilience, and joy have shaped Athens across generations. Whether you’re new to town or have lived here for years, this walk offers an even more diverse perspective on the city we all love. | $25.75 ($25.00 + $0.75 fee) |
|
