Honor Black History in Marietta All Year Long

Honor Black History in Marietta All Year Long

In Marietta, we are happy to honor Black History Month in February. Additionally, we recognize that black history should not be honored only within the confines of a single month. Here are just a few ways you can learn about black history in Marietta throughout the year:

Visit Old Zion Heritage Museum

Zion Baptist church was constructed after 88 black members of the First Baptist Church were granted letters of dismissal for the purpose of constituting a separate Baptist Church. Zion gave black members of the church their own place of worship, post slavery. The original structure served members until 1888 when it was destroyed by fire. The building we know today was constructed later that year. In 1988, the building was placed on the National Register of Historical places, and it is now serving as the Old Zion Heritage Museum.

Immerse Yourself in Marietta’s Black Heritage Walking Tour

Marietta is a city that predates the Civil War. In a community with a long, historic past, it is important to recognize places of African American historical significance. See many locations of note while on Marietta’s Black Heritage Walking Tour. This self-guided walking tour has 13 stops across Marietta. See multiple black owned businesses from the 1800s, such as Frank P. Rogers’ grocery and Andrew Rogers’ Barber Shop. Visit the site of the former Lemon Street High School, the Lemon Street Elementary School and Hattie Wilson Library. Learn about Hugh Grogan, our first black City Councilman. These and more tour stops are all of great importance to Marietta history. Download the tour guide here.

Find an Event That Focuses on Black History

Search for events throughout the year that pay respect to black history. On Saturday, February 18, 2023, the Marietta History Center is hosting a “Pop-In for Family Fun” event that is centered around Black History. Pop-In events at the History Center offer fun for the whole family and allow children to immerse themselves in history through crafts. This event specifically focuses on black history in an interactive way. Secondly, In coordination with the Cobb County branch of the NAACP, Marietta hosts an annual Juneteenth Celebration on June 19. Two and a half years after Lincolns Emancipation Proclamation was approved, Union soldiers entered Galveston, Texas to tell the last remaining slaves there that they were free. The date was June 19, 1865. This date, meaning freedom for EVERY American, became a new celebration of Independence. For many, it was the first. This year, make it a goal to find local events that honor black history throughout the year.

 

This month, take moments to understand and respect black history. Don’t stop there though. Join us in honoring black history all year long.