Founded in 1980, the Atlanta Preservation Center was established with the objective of preservation of the buildings, neighborhoods and landscapes which have contributed immensely to the architecture, history and culture of Atlanta. By spreading understanding through education and working ceaselessly with the government, businesses and community leaders, the Center has successfully implemented the preservation of more than 175 endangered residential and commercial structures and neighborhoods ever since.
To inculcate awareness in both locals as well as visitors, the Center organizes several walking tours. The APC guides are professionally trained volunteers who are well versed in the architecture, preservation, city planning and history of each of the tours. You can explore the vast and mysterious interiors of the Fox theatre, learn about the history of Atlanta's downtown architecture, visit Atlanta's first trolley suburb while discovering the distinctive characteristics that comprise Victorian period architecture, depending on the tour you choose. The tour through Sweet Auburn, the neighborhood associated with Martin Luther King and other African American leaders and the Fredrick Law Olmstead's Druid Hills tour which is touted as the inspiration behind the award-winning film 'Driving Miss Daisy' come specially recommended.
The Center also organizes heritage education programs to introduce the youth to Atlanta's richly historic districts. The programs are conducted in more than 150 public schools and include the Box City program which is a hands-on interactive program for children to plan, create and build their own city and the 'Stories worth Sharing' program which is a slide / lecture program highlighting the history of the neighborhoods of Mozely Park, Reynoldstown and South Atlanta and emphasizes on their contribution to the development of the city.
Experts of national acclaim in the field of historic preservation conduct lecture series and are invited to make presentations every year. You can contribute to this noble case by registering as a volunteer or enlisting yourself as an Atlanta advocate where you express your vocal and physical presence in the preservation activities. All tour admission fees are directed towards supporting the Atlanta Preservation Center.
For further information about availability of tours and to volunteer, you can log on to www.preserveatlanta.com , call 404-688-3353 or email info@preserveatlanta.com. Whichever tour you choose to be a part of, you'll find that there is indeed no better way to experience the story of Atlanta's rich and diverse past, than through the warmth of her people.
Atlanta Preservation Center
327 St. Paul Avenue
Atlanta, Georgia 30312
Tour Hotline 404-688-3350
