FREE ADMISSION DAY
Juneteenth
June 19, 2026 | 10:00am-4:00pm
William Root House
In 1860 Marietta had 297 households and a population of approximately 2,600. Of the 297 households, 137 (46%) held slaves. Marietta’s slave population in 1860 was 1,175, meaning that almost 45% of Marietta’s total population was enslaved. The same census shows that there were four enslaved people at the Root House property - two men and two women, ages 35 to 73. Join us as we commemorate Juneteenth, an annual celebration of the emancipation of the last remaining enslaved African Americans in the U.S. in June 1865. Visitors will learn about the history and significance of the holiday through tours, crafts, and living history demonstrations. We are pleased to offer free admission to this program.
LECTURE
The Life and Art of Nellie Mae Rowe
June 20, 2026 | 6:30pm
William Root House
Join Nellie Mae Rowe’s great-great-niece, Cathi Perry, for an intimate discussion about how Rowe turned a life of domestic labor shaped by segregation into one of joy and free-spirited creativity. Learn how she transformed her Vinings home into a “Playhouse” using vivid drawings, sculptures, and found-object art—an act of personal expression that established her as one of the most significant self-taught Black folk artists of the 20th century. Tickets are $15 per person and must be purchased online in advance.
GET TICKETS
FUNDRAISER
Independence Day Fireworks Viewing Party
July 4, 2026 | 6:00pm-9:30pm
William Root House
Enjoy Marietta’s amazing fireworks display from the best viewing spot in town - the William Root House gardens! Bring your own table decor, beverages, and food. A prize will be awarded to the table with the best decorations. Guests will have access to the restroom in the Root House Visitor Center during the event. Reservations fill up quickly each year, so don’t wait! On-site parking for one vehicle is included with this reservation. A four-person table reservation is $300. A six-person table reservation is $450. Space is limited.
RESERVE A TABLE
FUNDRAISER
Mount Vernon Dinner
July 10, 2026 | 6:00pm
William Root House
This event has been cancelled.
LECTURE
Researching Historic Buildings
August 6, 2026 | 6:30pm
William Root House
Every building has a story, from a turn-of-the-century storefront to a 1960s ranch house. But how do you find it? Join historic preservation consultant Kendra Waters of Verity Works to learn the professional techniques for uncovering your property’s past. Drawing on her experience with over 50 preservation projects, Kendra will guide you through the “detective work” of physical investigation and archival research. Learn about the Cobb County-specific resources you can use to help trace the lineage of your home or business. Tickets are $15 and must be purchased online in advance.
GET TICKETS
LECTURE
Tracing Ancestors in Probate Records
September 10, 2026 | 6:30pm
William Root House
Ever hit a brick wall in your genealogical research? The answer might be hiding in a probate file. Beyond just dividing assets, historic probate records offer an intimate window into our ancestors' lives, detailing everything from their household possessions to unnamed family relationships. Join us as we welcome Cobb County Probate Court Judge Tara Riddle for a special lecture on utilizing these legal treasures. With years of experience overseeing estate cases, guardianships, and trusts—both as a judge and a dedicated community advocate—Judge Riddle is uniquely equipped to help researchers break down legal terminology and find the clues left behind in court archives.
COMNG SOON
Juneteenth
June 19, 2026 | 10:00am-4:00pm
William Root House
In 1860 Marietta had 297 households and a population of approximately 2,600. Of the 297 households, 137 (46%) held slaves. Marietta’s slave population in 1860 was 1,175, meaning that almost 45% of Marietta’s total population was enslaved. The same census shows that there were four enslaved people at the Root House property - two men and two women, ages 35 to 73. Join us as we commemorate Juneteenth, an annual celebration of the emancipation of the last remaining enslaved African Americans in the U.S. in June 1865. Visitors will learn about the history and significance of the holiday through tours, crafts, and living history demonstrations. We are pleased to offer free admission to this program.
LECTURE
The Life and Art of Nellie Mae Rowe
June 20, 2026 | 6:30pm
William Root House
Join Nellie Mae Rowe’s great-great-niece, Cathi Perry, for an intimate discussion about how Rowe turned a life of domestic labor shaped by segregation into one of joy and free-spirited creativity. Learn how she transformed her Vinings home into a “Playhouse” using vivid drawings, sculptures, and found-object art—an act of personal expression that established her as one of the most significant self-taught Black folk artists of the 20th century. Tickets are $15 per person and must be purchased online in advance.
GET TICKETS
FUNDRAISER
Independence Day Fireworks Viewing Party
July 4, 2026 | 6:00pm-9:30pm
William Root House
Enjoy Marietta’s amazing fireworks display from the best viewing spot in town - the William Root House gardens! Bring your own table decor, beverages, and food. A prize will be awarded to the table with the best decorations. Guests will have access to the restroom in the Root House Visitor Center during the event. Reservations fill up quickly each year, so don’t wait! On-site parking for one vehicle is included with this reservation. A four-person table reservation is $300. A six-person table reservation is $450. Space is limited.
RESERVE A TABLE
FUNDRAISER
Mount Vernon Dinner
July 10, 2026 | 6:00pm
William Root House
This event has been cancelled.
LECTURE
Researching Historic Buildings
August 6, 2026 | 6:30pm
William Root House
Every building has a story, from a turn-of-the-century storefront to a 1960s ranch house. But how do you find it? Join historic preservation consultant Kendra Waters of Verity Works to learn the professional techniques for uncovering your property’s past. Drawing on her experience with over 50 preservation projects, Kendra will guide you through the “detective work” of physical investigation and archival research. Learn about the Cobb County-specific resources you can use to help trace the lineage of your home or business. Tickets are $15 and must be purchased online in advance.
GET TICKETS
LECTURE
Tracing Ancestors in Probate Records
September 10, 2026 | 6:30pm
William Root House
Ever hit a brick wall in your genealogical research? The answer might be hiding in a probate file. Beyond just dividing assets, historic probate records offer an intimate window into our ancestors' lives, detailing everything from their household possessions to unnamed family relationships. Join us as we welcome Cobb County Probate Court Judge Tara Riddle for a special lecture on utilizing these legal treasures. With years of experience overseeing estate cases, guardianships, and trusts—both as a judge and a dedicated community advocate—Judge Riddle is uniquely equipped to help researchers break down legal terminology and find the clues left behind in court archives.
COMNG SOON
