African American Historical Sites in Georgia

Stretching back for centuries, African American heritage has shaped life in Georgia. From the Gullah-Geechee culture near Sapelo Island to the Civil Rights Movement, Georgia has deep, historic African American roots.

The Peach State has numerous museums, memorial sites, and historical centers that pay homage to the strengths, struggles, and achievements of African Americans. These honored historical hubs educate and inspire visitors of all backgrounds.

National Center for Civil and Human Rights in Atlanta

The National Center for Civil and Human Rights is a top Atlanta attraction, spreading a modern global message about equal rights for all humans. It houses a rotating collection of personal items from The Morehouse College Martin Luther King, Jr. Collection, including personal letters, family photos and artifacts, and hand-written papers from Dr. King. "Rolls Down Like Water: The American Civil Rights Movement" gallery focuses on significant events in the movement augmented by interactive exhibits, such as a lunch counter sit-in.

Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park in Atlanta

The Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park and The King Center must be included on any cultural tour in Atlanta. Inside the center, travelers can view a video presentation about the Civil Rights Movement and see the multimedia exhibit "Courage to Lead." At the information desk, reserve your space for a guided tour of King's birth home.

The APEX Museum in Atlanta

The APEX Museum offers a sweeping view of the African-American journey through permanent and traveling exhibits ranging from cultural traits to the legend of Sweet Auburn Avenue.

The Wanderer Memory Trail on Jekyll Island

The state's civil rights history begins with the importation of African slaves. Located at what is now the St. Andrew's Beach Park on Jekyll Island, The Wanderer Memory Trail pays homage to the 409 captive men, women, and children who arrived on the shores of Jekyll in 1858 aboard one of the last slave ships. Although the slave trade was illegal at the time, the smugglers converted a luxury liner into the slave ship. After visiting the site, head to the Jekyll Island Museum, where researchers are trying to find out what became of the Wanderer survivors.

Sapelo Island

Sapelo Island, located on Georgia's coast, is home to the legendary Gullah-Geechee culture and is open for tours throughout the year. The island is home to Hog Hammock, which is part of the official Gullah Geechee Cultural Heritage Corridor. Plan a trip to Uncover Gullah Geechee Heritage on Sapelo Island.

Pin Point Heritage Museum in Savannah

The Pin Point Heritage Museum, situated in the former A.S. Varn & Sons Oyster and Crab Factory, offers visitors a glimpse into the history and Gullah culture of Savannah. The factory was where many of the Gullah Geechee worked until it closed in 1985. Now, those former employees showcase crafts like net making and share the inspirational spirit of the Gullah people.

Ralph Mark Gilbert Civil Rights Museum in Savannah

The Ralph Mark Gilbert Civil Rights Museum in Savannah chronicles the civil rights struggle of Georgia's oldest African American community from slavery to the present.

The Harrington School on St. Simons Island

The St. Simons African American Heritage Coalition was formed to save and share the island's black history, from freedom to civil rights. The coalition recently completed a milestone in the renovation of The Harrington School, an elementary school that was built for African Americans on St. Simons Island and now serves as a cultural center with paintings depicting the struggles of African Americans coming to the new world, and artifacts from the school. It is also a starting point for tours of the island's African American history.

African American Historical Sites in Athens

Athens is home to more than 20 significant African American historical sites, including Morton Theatre, Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery, and First African Methodist Episcopal Church — all ideal for a self-guided day of tours.

Albany Civil Rights Institute

Albany boasts the Civil Rights Institute, where visitors can take a state-of-the-art journey through the Civil Rights Movement and learn about the Freedom Singers.

Tubman Museum in Macon

The Tubman Museum in Macon celebrates the art, history and culture of African Americans. The signature piece is a 55-foot-long mural that chronicles the voyage from Africa to America, as well as the accomplishments of African Americans from the past to the present.

Jack Hadley Black History Museum in Thomasville

Historian James "Jack" Hadley has preserved more than 4,500 pieces of African American artifacts with a focus on Thomasville and the neighboring area’s first black achievers. The artifacts, which date back to slavery, include items from Buffalo soldiers, chronicle life on Southern hunting plantations, and even touch on baseball great Jackie Robinson, who was born in the neighboring town of Cairo. Just visiting the Jack Hadley Black History Museum building is a history lesson. It is housed in the former Douglass High School, a segregated high school from 1902 to 1970.

George Washington Carver Park in Cartersville

Georgia's first state park for African Americans was established in 1950 as the segregated portion of Red Top Mountain State Park. The George Washington Carver Park recreation site, which includes "the beach" and indoor event facilities, is now managed by the Cartersville-Bartow County Convention & Visitors Bureau and welcomes everyone.