Clairmont Heights Civic Association

Each year, the organization B*ATL commemorates the Battle of Atlanta.  This year they are offering an exciting lineup of free author presentations examining flashpoints from the Civil War to Civil Rights. The DeKalb History Center is partnering with B*ATL to present the first author while various events run from July 14- 22 at venues across southeast Atlanta.

This program features Jeffrey Haas, author of The Assassination of Fred Hampton: How the FBI and the Chicago Police Murdered a Black Panther. How does a white boy from 1950s Atlanta grow up to become the attorney for the plaintiffs in the notorious Chicago case Hampton vs. Hanrahan and then write such a book? He will discuss the book, his personal history, how it intertwined with Atlanta's and resulted in this riveting story. Mr. Haas was raised near Chastain Park and his family goes way back in the history of the Atlanta. One of his forbear cousins built a street railroad to the Battle of Atlanta frontlines in the East Atlanta Village just 16 years after the battle. Coming from a leading Jewish family, his grandfather defended Leo Frank in the famous trial that ultimately resulted in an anti-Semitic lynching. The case played out near Cabbagetown and Grant Park and the current Pencil Factory Lofts. Mr. Haas' father worked with area Congressman John Lewis in his early days with the Student Non-violent Coordinating Committee registering voters during the Civil Rights Movement. Mr. Haas' mother worked with the Atlanta International Committee to bring the world to Atlanta by integrating Atlanta's Hotels. But what about the book? Ramsey Clark, former United States Attorney General said, "This is an extremely important book--and a tale well told--for America to read if it wants to become what it says it has always been--the land of the free and the home of the brave." B*ATL Chairman, Henry Bryant, projects that attendees to the lecture will find the Atlanta family's history just as interesting as hearing about the book."

 

Free and open to the public

Monday, July 16, 7:00 p.m.

Historic DeKalb Courthouse, 101 E. Court Square, Decatur GA 30030

Understanding Local Historic Districts: 

Why is that house historic?

 

Leigh Burns and Richard Laub will present information on the often misunderstood local historic district.  Together they will answer:

• What is a "Certified Local Government"?
• How can I protect my historic neighborhood?
• What is the value of a local historic district?
• What is good infill construction and why does it matter?
• Why do we care about scale and rhythm if this isn't a music class and what does size have to do with history?

Leigh Burns is the preservation planner and Certified Local Government coordinator at the Historic Preservation Division. Richard Laub has been the Director of the Heritage Preservation Master's Degree Program in the Department of History at Georgia State University since 1998.  

 

Free -  bring your lunch!

Tuesday, July 24, Noon to 1:00 p.m.

Historic DeKalb Courthouse, 101 E. Court Square, Decatur GA 30030 

Second Floor, Superior Courtroom

Bring your children to Storytelling this summer!  

10 - 11 a.m. most Wednesdays 

At the historic Biffle Cabin, 720 W. Trinity Pl., Decatur 30030 (Behind the Swanton House)

 

For ages 6 - 12.  $4 per child for members or $6 per child for non-members.  10% off a summer season pass if purchased in advance (all 7 sessions).  Reservations are suggested.  Call Leslie at 404-373-1088 extension 20 or email borger@dekalbhistory.org for reservations or information. 

 

July 11     Deborah Strahorn - Cowboys and Cowgirls across the Country  

Hear the stories of Cowboys from many cultures. Some were Americans from the east, and others were immigrants from European countries and more than one quarter of all cowboys were African American.  Participants will also create a 3D horse!

 

July 18      Reuben Haller - Fiddlin' Dan the Mountain Man    

Fiddlin' Dan the Mountain Man delights young audiences with stories and songs with North Georgia flair. His stories are populated with animals and kids getting in and out of predicaments, chores, and summer activities. Dan plays violin, mandolin, spoons and many other instruments. Kids sing along and play along with Fiddlin' Dan's songs, stories, and humor. For a celebratory grand finale, the whole audience forms a jug band!

 

July 25     LaDoris Davis - Fun with Folktales 

 LaDoris presents a very fun, interactive performance based on the folktales of Mrs. Whitman, who was a pioneer in advancing African American education in Georgia. Children will have the opportunity to develop their own folktale!