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. Space is limited. Tickets are $15 and must be purchased online in advance.
SOLD OUT
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. Space is limited. Tickets are $15 and must be purchased online in advance.
GET TICKETS
FUNDRAISER
Wine Tasting
August 22, 2026 | 2:00pm-4:00pm
Marietta Wine Market
Join us at the Marietta Wine Market for a wine tasting in support of Cobb Landmarks. Whether you’re a wine aficionado or just looking for a fun evening with friends, each pour will support historic preservation and history education in Cobb County. Plus, try your luck at our prize table where several fantastic items will be up for grabs!
LECTURE
Georgia's Heroes of the Revolutionary War
September 18, 2026 | 6:30pm
William Root House
Join us as Neely Young, author and former Editor-in-Chief of Georgia Trend Magazine, discusses his new book, In Their Footsteps: Georgia's Heroes of the Revolutionary War. From the modest and obscure to the famous and flamboyant, Neely will share about the figures who shaped Georgia’s role in the American Revolution. Books will be available for purchase and signing. Space is limited. Tickets are $10 and must be purchased online in advance.
GET TICKETS
Root House Harvest Dinner
September 19, 2026 | 6:00pm-8:30pm
William Root House
Join us for a special evening of rustic elegance at the historic William Root House. Start your night with private after-hours access to the museum, followed by an intimate, candlelit dinner on the grounds of the antebellum home. Guests will enjoy a multi-course meal featuring chef-inspired dishes prepared by our friends at 1885 Grill. While iced tea and water will be served, guests are welcome to bring their own beverages to enjoy. Space is limited. Reservations are required.
4-Person Table... $360
2-Peron Table.... $180
MAKE A RESERVATION
LECTURE
Gendering Secession
September 26, 2026 | 6:30pm
William Root House
Join us as author and historian Dr. Melissa DeVelvis discusses her groundbreaking book, Gendering Secession, which pulls back the curtain on the lives and politics of elite southern women during the months leading up to the American Civil War. Far from passive bystanders, these women were astute political observers who filtered their ideas through socially acceptable avenues - using religious metaphors, historical comparisons, and popular literature to process the nation's fracture and share deep-seated anxieties their male counterparts could not - or would not - express. Space is limited. Tickets are $15 and must be purchased online in advance.
COMING SOON
LECTURE
Murder & Mayhem in Marietta
October 1, 2026 | 6:30pm
The Third Door
In 19th-century America, death was not merely a private tragedy, and at the center of this social drama stood the county coroner. As an elected official, the coroner was responsible for convening a jury to examine the corpse and determine a cause of death—be it natural or nefarious. Over the course of the century, Cobb County voters elected twenty-one individuals to step into this role—acting in the evocative words of Stephen Berry as the “director of a macabre community theater.” Drawing upon research within the Marietta Journal, this lecture will uncover some of the suspicious deaths, tragic accidents, and murders investigated by the Cobb County coroner. This lecture is restricted to guests 21+. By purchasing a ticket, you acknowledge that you understand this program will include adult themes. Tickets for this program are $30 per person and must be purchased in advance. Each lecture ticket includes one signature drink ticket (valued at $10).
COMING SOON
VIP EXPERIENCE
Midnight Wake
October 9, 2026 | 11:00pm-Midnight
William Root House
Hannah Root’s father, Leonard Simpson, died in the Root House on October 11, 1856. Upon his death, the Root family would have observed a wake, maintaining a vigil over his body in the period between his passing and burial. During this VIP experience, guests will be guided through the house’s candlelit rooms and learn about 19th-century embalming and funeral practices. As midnight approaches, guests will gather to recite a poem about death, written by Leonard Simpson himself in 1839. This program is restricted to guests 12 years or older. By purchasing a ticket, you acknowledge that you understand this program will include adult themes. Tickets for this program are $50 per person and must be purchased in advance. Space is extremely limited.
COMING SOON
Holiday Orb Workshop
October 10, 2026 | Classes at 9:00am, 11:00am, and 1:00pm
William Root House
Join us for some festive fun as we create beautiful orb light decorations. Learn how to assemble these enchanting orbs using chicken wire, lights, and decorative elements. Chicken wire for one orb will be provided. Participants should bring their own work gloves and a strand of 100 lights in a color of their choosing (as well as any bows, ribbons, or greenery they would like to add). Space is limited. Tickets are $25 per person and must be purchased online in advance.
GET TICKETS
LECTURE
Mother of a Monster: Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein
October 15, 2026 | 6:30pm
William Root House
Join us for a captivating look at the life of Mary Shelley, and the creation of one of the 19th century's most revolutionary novels - Frankenstein. Drawing from her popular Kennesaw State University course, "British Literature and the Gothic," Dr. Molly Livingston will delve into the real-life experiences that inspired Shelley’s masterpiece. Learn how personal tragedy, the scientific revolution, and romantic idealism shaped a monster myth that defines horror and science fiction still today. Space is limited. Tickets are $15 and must be purchased online in advance.
COMING SOON
Victorian Funeral Flashlight Tours
October 23 and 24, 2026 | 5:00pm-9:00pm
William Root House
During this special after-hours tour, visitors to the William Root House will explore darkened rooms decorated for a Victorian era funeral. Guests will view 19th century embalming equipment, mourning jewelry made from human hair, a death mask, and other curious artifacts related to death and mourning in the Victorian era. Tours are self-guided. It is recommended you arrive no later than 8:30pm. Flashlight tours are $10 per person in advance and $15 per person at the door. No coupons or discounts may be applied. Space is limited.
GET TICKETS FOR OCT. 23
GET TICKETS FOR OCT. 24
LECTURE
Houdini: The World’s First Superman
November 7, 2026 | 6:30pm
William Root House
Houdini. A century after his death on Halloween night in 1926, his name still evokes mystery. Magician, daredevil escape artist, actor, pioneering aviator, and cultural icon, there will never be another like him. Join James Freeman, owner of Freeman and Fugate Oddities Company, for a presentation on the man behind the myth: Erich Weiss. The evening will feature an engaging lecture and an exclusive, up-close look at a mini-museum of rare artifacts personally owned by Houdini. Space is limited. Tickets are $30 and must be purchased online in advance. Refreshments will be served.
COMING SOON
Hyde Farm History Hike
November 8, 2026 | 10:00am
Hyde Farm Park
Join us for a hike through the historic Hyde Farm and Power Cabin properties in East Cobb. Morning Washburn—longtime resident of the Power Cabin and expert on the area's rich history—will serve as our guide. Guests will enjoy exclusive access to parts of the site not usually open to the public. Space is limited. Tickets are $25 and must be purchased online in advance. A light and healthy breakfast will be provided before the hike.
COMING SOON
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. Space is limited. Tickets are $15 and must be purchased online in advance.
SOLD OUT
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. Space is limited. Tickets are $15 and must be purchased online in advance.
GET TICKETS
FUNDRAISER
Wine Tasting
August 22, 2026 | 2:00pm-4:00pm
Marietta Wine Market
Join us at the Marietta Wine Market for a wine tasting in support of Cobb Landmarks. Whether you’re a wine aficionado or just looking for a fun evening with friends, each pour will support historic preservation and history education in Cobb County. Plus, try your luck at our prize table where several fantastic items will be up for grabs!
LECTURE
Georgia's Heroes of the Revolutionary War
September 18, 2026 | 6:30pm
William Root House
Join us as Neely Young, author and former Editor-in-Chief of Georgia Trend Magazine, discusses his new book, In Their Footsteps: Georgia's Heroes of the Revolutionary War. From the modest and obscure to the famous and flamboyant, Neely will share about the figures who shaped Georgia’s role in the American Revolution. Books will be available for purchase and signing. Space is limited. Tickets are $10 and must be purchased online in advance.
GET TICKETS
Root House Harvest Dinner
September 19, 2026 | 6:00pm-8:30pm
William Root House
Join us for a special evening of rustic elegance at the historic William Root House. Start your night with private after-hours access to the museum, followed by an intimate, candlelit dinner on the grounds of the antebellum home. Guests will enjoy a multi-course meal featuring chef-inspired dishes prepared by our friends at 1885 Grill. While iced tea and water will be served, guests are welcome to bring their own beverages to enjoy. Space is limited. Reservations are required.
4-Person Table... $360
2-Peron Table.... $180
MAKE A RESERVATION
LECTURE
Gendering Secession
September 26, 2026 | 6:30pm
William Root House
Join us as author and historian Dr. Melissa DeVelvis discusses her groundbreaking book, Gendering Secession, which pulls back the curtain on the lives and politics of elite southern women during the months leading up to the American Civil War. Far from passive bystanders, these women were astute political observers who filtered their ideas through socially acceptable avenues - using religious metaphors, historical comparisons, and popular literature to process the nation's fracture and share deep-seated anxieties their male counterparts could not - or would not - express. Space is limited. Tickets are $15 and must be purchased online in advance.
COMING SOON
LECTURE
Murder & Mayhem in Marietta
October 1, 2026 | 6:30pm
The Third Door
In 19th-century America, death was not merely a private tragedy, and at the center of this social drama stood the county coroner. As an elected official, the coroner was responsible for convening a jury to examine the corpse and determine a cause of death—be it natural or nefarious. Over the course of the century, Cobb County voters elected twenty-one individuals to step into this role—acting in the evocative words of Stephen Berry as the “director of a macabre community theater.” Drawing upon research within the Marietta Journal, this lecture will uncover some of the suspicious deaths, tragic accidents, and murders investigated by the Cobb County coroner. This lecture is restricted to guests 21+. By purchasing a ticket, you acknowledge that you understand this program will include adult themes. Tickets for this program are $30 per person and must be purchased in advance. Each lecture ticket includes one signature drink ticket (valued at $10).
COMING SOON
VIP EXPERIENCE
Midnight Wake
October 9, 2026 | 11:00pm-Midnight
William Root House
Hannah Root’s father, Leonard Simpson, died in the Root House on October 11, 1856. Upon his death, the Root family would have observed a wake, maintaining a vigil over his body in the period between his passing and burial. During this VIP experience, guests will be guided through the house’s candlelit rooms and learn about 19th-century embalming and funeral practices. As midnight approaches, guests will gather to recite a poem about death, written by Leonard Simpson himself in 1839. This program is restricted to guests 12 years or older. By purchasing a ticket, you acknowledge that you understand this program will include adult themes. Tickets for this program are $50 per person and must be purchased in advance. Space is extremely limited.
COMING SOON
Holiday Orb Workshop
October 10, 2026 | Classes at 9:00am, 11:00am, and 1:00pm
William Root House
Join us for some festive fun as we create beautiful orb light decorations. Learn how to assemble these enchanting orbs using chicken wire, lights, and decorative elements. Chicken wire for one orb will be provided. Participants should bring their own work gloves and a strand of 100 lights in a color of their choosing (as well as any bows, ribbons, or greenery they would like to add). Space is limited. Tickets are $25 per person and must be purchased online in advance.
GET TICKETS
LECTURE
Mother of a Monster: Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein
October 15, 2026 | 6:30pm
William Root House
Join us for a captivating look at the life of Mary Shelley, and the creation of one of the 19th century's most revolutionary novels - Frankenstein. Drawing from her popular Kennesaw State University course, "British Literature and the Gothic," Dr. Molly Livingston will delve into the real-life experiences that inspired Shelley’s masterpiece. Learn how personal tragedy, the scientific revolution, and romantic idealism shaped a monster myth that defines horror and science fiction still today. Space is limited. Tickets are $15 and must be purchased online in advance.
COMING SOON
Victorian Funeral Flashlight Tours
October 23 and 24, 2026 | 5:00pm-9:00pm
William Root House
During this special after-hours tour, visitors to the William Root House will explore darkened rooms decorated for a Victorian era funeral. Guests will view 19th century embalming equipment, mourning jewelry made from human hair, a death mask, and other curious artifacts related to death and mourning in the Victorian era. Tours are self-guided. It is recommended you arrive no later than 8:30pm. Flashlight tours are $10 per person in advance and $15 per person at the door. No coupons or discounts may be applied. Space is limited.
GET TICKETS FOR OCT. 23
GET TICKETS FOR OCT. 24
LECTURE
Houdini: The World’s First Superman
November 7, 2026 | 6:30pm
William Root House
Houdini. A century after his death on Halloween night in 1926, his name still evokes mystery. Magician, daredevil escape artist, actor, pioneering aviator, and cultural icon, there will never be another like him. Join James Freeman, owner of Freeman and Fugate Oddities Company, for a presentation on the man behind the myth: Erich Weiss. The evening will feature an engaging lecture and an exclusive, up-close look at a mini-museum of rare artifacts personally owned by Houdini. Space is limited. Tickets are $30 and must be purchased online in advance. Refreshments will be served.
COMING SOON
Hyde Farm History Hike
November 8, 2026 | 10:00am
Hyde Farm Park
Join us for a hike through the historic Hyde Farm and Power Cabin properties in East Cobb. Morning Washburn—longtime resident of the Power Cabin and expert on the area's rich history—will serve as our guide. Guests will enjoy exclusive access to parts of the site not usually open to the public. Space is limited. Tickets are $25 and must be purchased online in advance. A light and healthy breakfast will be provided before the hike.
COMING SOON
