FIELD TRIP
The Herndon Home
March 7, 2026 | 11:00am & 1:00pm
The Herndon Home Museum
587 University Place, NW
Atlanta, GA 30314
Join us for a private tour of the Herndon Home, led by staff member Mary Ilonah. Built by Alonzo Herndon—an Atlanta businessman who rose from slavery to become Georgia’s first Black millionaire—this 15-room Beaux-Arts mansion stands as a testament to his determination. Designed primarily by Herndon’s first wife, Adrienne, and constructed by skilled African American craftsmen, the home features a stunning collection of original furnishings, documents, and family photos. Tickets are $25 per person and must be purchased online in advance. Parking is available on the street or by following the driveway behind the house. Carpooling is encouraged.
GET TICKETS
LECTURE
George Goumas: The Fall of a Hero
March 12, 2026 | 6:30pm
William Root House
In 1931, the city of Marietta was shaken by a sudden act of violence near the Square: the tragic killing of Doyle Butler by George Goumas—not a career criminal, but a decorated Greek-American war hero. During this lecture, retired Senior Judge Jim Morris explores Goumas’s fall from a celebrated patriot to a bankrupt outcast. Judge Morris will reveal how the harsh social prejudices of the Jim Crow era may have led to Goumas’s descent, and how the community searched for justice in the wake of the Leo Frank lynching.
Space is limited. Tickets are $15 and must be purchased online in advance.
GET TICKETS
LECTURE
Tea Parties and Revolution:
The Women of the Junior Welfare League
March 21, 2026 | 6:30pm
William Root House
In the post-Victorian era, a group of prominent local women, with familiar names like Northcutt, Brumby, and Anderson, set out to redefine community engagement and civic responsibility. Forming the Junior Welfare League, these women dedicated themselves to progressive acts of kindness and rolled up their sleeves to provide aid where it was needed most. Join local historian Alan Maclarnand as he traces the inspiring history and powerful, lasting impact of this pioneering group of women. Space is limited. Tickets are $15 and must be purchased online in advance.
GET TICKETS
LECTURE
The Life and Work of Athos Menaboni
March 26, 2026 | 6:30pm
William Root House
Learn about one of Georgia’s most influential artists when Russell Clayton presents a lecture on the life and legacy of Athos Menaboni (1895–1990). While celebrated globally for his breathtaking paintings of birds, Menaboni’s mastery extended far beyond wildlife. This presentation will examine his storied career, including his collaborations with legendary Atlanta architect Philip Trammell Shutze and his intricate decorative work in landmark residences like the Swan House. From public murals in banks to the private collections of his greatest patron, Coca-Cola executive Robert Woodruff, discover how this Italian-born artist shaped the aesthetic of 20th-century Georgia. Space is limited. Tickets are $15 and must be purchased online in advance.
GET TICKETS
LECTURE
Homesteading & Folk Herbalism with Grant Wallace
April 18, 2026 | 4:00pm
William Root House
Join us for an inspiring afternoon with Atlanta farmer and entrepreneur Grant Wallace. Grant will share about his journey from starting a backyard garden to cultivating herbs for Atlanta’s top chefs, ultimately leading to the establishment of Moonie Mart, his modern take on a country store. Grant will discuss the rewards of homesteading and embracing self-reliance, and how prioritizing simplicity can enrich your daily life. Space is limited. Tickets are $15 and must be purchased online in advance.
GET TICKETS
The Georgia Trust Spring Ramble
April 24-26, 2026
Marietta & Smyrna
Join us as we partner with The Georgia Trust for the Spring Ramble in Marietta and Smyrna. Discover the rich architectural legacy of these cities while touring some of the area’s most historic private homes and landmarks. On Friday and Saturday, explore stunning private residences across five National Register Historic Districts in Marietta. Sunday’s Ramble will showcase a rich tapestry of historic homes and sites in the never-before-Rambled city of Smyrna. First known as Ruffs Siding and later Varners Station, Smyrna is home to a remarkable collection of historic private residences and notable sites. A wide variety of registration options are available for this self-guided, self-paced tour of historic homes and landmarks. Register online at GeorgiaTrust.org.
Plant Sale & Antique Market
May 2, 2026 | 9:00am-1:00pm
William Root House
A beloved Marietta tradition, the annual Root House Plant Sale & Antique Market returns on May 2nd. This unique sale offers shoppers a wide selection of vintage and native Georgia plants, many of which can be found growing in the Root House gardens. In addition to plants, we'll have a sidewalk sale with antique and vintage decor and garden items. Our Gift Shop will have a variety of garden items available for purchase including small batch botanical products. Availability is limited and all plants and items are sold first-come, first-served, so plan to attend the preview sale or arrive right at 9:00am for the best selection.
PREVIEW SALE
Join us for an exclusive preview night on May 1, 2026 from 5:00pm to 7:00pm. Enjoy early access to our sale, and purchase plants and items before they’re available to the general public. Tickets are $10 and must be purchased online in advance.
GET TICKETS
LECTURE
Preserving Black History Sites in Georgia
May 8, 2026 | 6:30pm
William Root House
Join Mary Wilson Joseph, Community Outreach Coordinator for the Georgia State Historic Preservation Office, for an insightful update on the mission to protect Georgia’s Black heritage. Drawing on 20 years of museum experience and a specialized background in preservation, Mary serves as the primary liaison for the Georgia African American Historic Preservation Network. During this presentation, Mary will outline the resources provided by the state’s Historic Preservation Division, highlight notable African American landmarks across Georgia, and discuss why local community engagement remains the cornerstone of preservation. Space is limited. Tickets are $15 and must be purchased online in advance.
GET TICKETS
Mother’s Day Tea Party
May 9, 2026 | 11am-12:30pm and 1pm-2:30pm
William Root House
Join us for our annual Mother’s Day Tea Party at the William Root House. This family-friendly event will take place indoors, or in the Root House gardens (weather permitting). Guests will enjoy a variety of finger sandwiches and pastries, and a selection of teas. Each reservation includes a farmhouse table and seating for four guests. Guests are encouraged to have fun dressing up! Space is limited. Table reservations are $180 per table (seats four guests). Reservations are required.
RESERVE A TABLE
The Herndon Home
March 7, 2026 | 11:00am & 1:00pm
The Herndon Home Museum
587 University Place, NW
Atlanta, GA 30314
Join us for a private tour of the Herndon Home, led by staff member Mary Ilonah. Built by Alonzo Herndon—an Atlanta businessman who rose from slavery to become Georgia’s first Black millionaire—this 15-room Beaux-Arts mansion stands as a testament to his determination. Designed primarily by Herndon’s first wife, Adrienne, and constructed by skilled African American craftsmen, the home features a stunning collection of original furnishings, documents, and family photos. Tickets are $25 per person and must be purchased online in advance. Parking is available on the street or by following the driveway behind the house. Carpooling is encouraged.
GET TICKETS
LECTURE
George Goumas: The Fall of a Hero
March 12, 2026 | 6:30pm
William Root House
In 1931, the city of Marietta was shaken by a sudden act of violence near the Square: the tragic killing of Doyle Butler by George Goumas—not a career criminal, but a decorated Greek-American war hero. During this lecture, retired Senior Judge Jim Morris explores Goumas’s fall from a celebrated patriot to a bankrupt outcast. Judge Morris will reveal how the harsh social prejudices of the Jim Crow era may have led to Goumas’s descent, and how the community searched for justice in the wake of the Leo Frank lynching.
Space is limited. Tickets are $15 and must be purchased online in advance.
GET TICKETS
LECTURE
Tea Parties and Revolution:
The Women of the Junior Welfare League
March 21, 2026 | 6:30pm
William Root House
In the post-Victorian era, a group of prominent local women, with familiar names like Northcutt, Brumby, and Anderson, set out to redefine community engagement and civic responsibility. Forming the Junior Welfare League, these women dedicated themselves to progressive acts of kindness and rolled up their sleeves to provide aid where it was needed most. Join local historian Alan Maclarnand as he traces the inspiring history and powerful, lasting impact of this pioneering group of women. Space is limited. Tickets are $15 and must be purchased online in advance.
GET TICKETS
LECTURE
The Life and Work of Athos Menaboni
March 26, 2026 | 6:30pm
William Root House
Learn about one of Georgia’s most influential artists when Russell Clayton presents a lecture on the life and legacy of Athos Menaboni (1895–1990). While celebrated globally for his breathtaking paintings of birds, Menaboni’s mastery extended far beyond wildlife. This presentation will examine his storied career, including his collaborations with legendary Atlanta architect Philip Trammell Shutze and his intricate decorative work in landmark residences like the Swan House. From public murals in banks to the private collections of his greatest patron, Coca-Cola executive Robert Woodruff, discover how this Italian-born artist shaped the aesthetic of 20th-century Georgia. Space is limited. Tickets are $15 and must be purchased online in advance.
GET TICKETS
LECTURE
Homesteading & Folk Herbalism with Grant Wallace
April 18, 2026 | 4:00pm
William Root House
Join us for an inspiring afternoon with Atlanta farmer and entrepreneur Grant Wallace. Grant will share about his journey from starting a backyard garden to cultivating herbs for Atlanta’s top chefs, ultimately leading to the establishment of Moonie Mart, his modern take on a country store. Grant will discuss the rewards of homesteading and embracing self-reliance, and how prioritizing simplicity can enrich your daily life. Space is limited. Tickets are $15 and must be purchased online in advance.
GET TICKETS
The Georgia Trust Spring Ramble
April 24-26, 2026
Marietta & Smyrna
Join us as we partner with The Georgia Trust for the Spring Ramble in Marietta and Smyrna. Discover the rich architectural legacy of these cities while touring some of the area’s most historic private homes and landmarks. On Friday and Saturday, explore stunning private residences across five National Register Historic Districts in Marietta. Sunday’s Ramble will showcase a rich tapestry of historic homes and sites in the never-before-Rambled city of Smyrna. First known as Ruffs Siding and later Varners Station, Smyrna is home to a remarkable collection of historic private residences and notable sites. A wide variety of registration options are available for this self-guided, self-paced tour of historic homes and landmarks. Register online at GeorgiaTrust.org.
Plant Sale & Antique Market
May 2, 2026 | 9:00am-1:00pm
William Root House
A beloved Marietta tradition, the annual Root House Plant Sale & Antique Market returns on May 2nd. This unique sale offers shoppers a wide selection of vintage and native Georgia plants, many of which can be found growing in the Root House gardens. In addition to plants, we'll have a sidewalk sale with antique and vintage decor and garden items. Our Gift Shop will have a variety of garden items available for purchase including small batch botanical products. Availability is limited and all plants and items are sold first-come, first-served, so plan to attend the preview sale or arrive right at 9:00am for the best selection.
PREVIEW SALE
Join us for an exclusive preview night on May 1, 2026 from 5:00pm to 7:00pm. Enjoy early access to our sale, and purchase plants and items before they’re available to the general public. Tickets are $10 and must be purchased online in advance.
GET TICKETS
LECTURE
Preserving Black History Sites in Georgia
May 8, 2026 | 6:30pm
William Root House
Join Mary Wilson Joseph, Community Outreach Coordinator for the Georgia State Historic Preservation Office, for an insightful update on the mission to protect Georgia’s Black heritage. Drawing on 20 years of museum experience and a specialized background in preservation, Mary serves as the primary liaison for the Georgia African American Historic Preservation Network. During this presentation, Mary will outline the resources provided by the state’s Historic Preservation Division, highlight notable African American landmarks across Georgia, and discuss why local community engagement remains the cornerstone of preservation. Space is limited. Tickets are $15 and must be purchased online in advance.
GET TICKETS
Mother’s Day Tea Party
May 9, 2026 | 11am-12:30pm and 1pm-2:30pm
William Root House
Join us for our annual Mother’s Day Tea Party at the William Root House. This family-friendly event will take place indoors, or in the Root House gardens (weather permitting). Guests will enjoy a variety of finger sandwiches and pastries, and a selection of teas. Each reservation includes a farmhouse table and seating for four guests. Guests are encouraged to have fun dressing up! Space is limited. Table reservations are $180 per table (seats four guests). Reservations are required.
RESERVE A TABLE