JANuary
LECTURE
Marietta's Blind Tigers
January 25, 2025 | 6:30pm
William Root House
Long before the speakeasies of the Roaring Twenties, Cobb County had its own secret drinking establishments: Blind Tigers. Following Georgia's 1883 Local Option law, Cobb County voted to go dry in 1884 and remained so until the 1930s. During this time, hidden drinking establishments known as "Blind Tigers" flourished. Join local historian Alan McClarnand on January 25th as he explores this fascinating local history during a special lecture. Space is limited. Tickets must be purchased in advance.
February
SPECIAL EXHIBIT
A Victorian Wedding
On display February 1-March 1, 2025
William Root House
View the William Root House as it would have appeared during a Victorian-era wedding and reception. No wedding had a greater impact on marriage rituals and traditions than Queen Victoria’s wedding to Prince Albert on February 10, 1840. Southerners, in particular, had a fascination with the British aristocracy and eagerly adopted their customs and etiquette. Museum visitors will see how a southern middle-class family like the Roots would have planned their nuptials and learn the origin of many wedding customs and traditions still practiced today. Nineteenth century wedding illustrations and invitations and an authentic 1860s gown will be displayed during this exhibit. Exhibit admission is included in the cost of regular museum admission and is free for Cobb Landmarks members.
Super Museum Sunday
February 9, 2025 | NOON-4:00pm
William Root House
CLHS's William Root House Museum joins over 100 historic sites and museums in Georgia to offer FREE ADMISSION on Georgia Historical Society's Super Museum Sunday. See a list of participating museums.
February 9, 2025 | NOON-4:00pm
William Root House
CLHS's William Root House Museum joins over 100 historic sites and museums in Georgia to offer FREE ADMISSION on Georgia Historical Society's Super Museum Sunday. See a list of participating museums.
LECTURE
Love, Courtship & Marriage in Victorian America
February 15, 2025 | 6:30pm
William Root House
By the 1850s, love matches were in and lace-covered Valentine’s Day cards were all the rage. This special Valentine’s lecture peeks into the Victorian parlor to explore how ladies and gents of the nineteenth century met, courted, and romanced each other while adhering to the strict rules of etiquette that governed daily life. Refreshments will be served. This lecture is restricted to guests 21 years or older. By purchasing a ticket, you acknowledge that you understand this program will include adult themes. Tickets are $20 per person and must be purchased in advance. Space is limited.
Love, Courtship & Marriage in Victorian America
February 15, 2025 | 6:30pm
William Root House
By the 1850s, love matches were in and lace-covered Valentine’s Day cards were all the rage. This special Valentine’s lecture peeks into the Victorian parlor to explore how ladies and gents of the nineteenth century met, courted, and romanced each other while adhering to the strict rules of etiquette that governed daily life. Refreshments will be served. This lecture is restricted to guests 21 years or older. By purchasing a ticket, you acknowledge that you understand this program will include adult themes. Tickets are $20 per person and must be purchased in advance. Space is limited.
LECTURE
Behind Closed Doors:
Sex, Love, and Marriage in Victorian America
February 28, 2025 | 6:30pm
William Root House
This special after hours lecture examines whether Victorians were as sexually repressed as we perceive them to be today. Topics will range from Victorian sex education to contraception/birth control methods to the use of photography to spread explicit images during the Civil War. We’ll also discuss the people living on the edges of society who were pushing the boundaries of what sex, love, and marriage looked like in the nineteenth century, and the men and women who tried to root out vice in America with oftentimes disastrous consequences. This lecture is restricted to guests 21 years or older. By purchasing a ticket, you acknowledge that you understand this program will include adult themes. Tickets are $15 per person and must be purchased in advance. Space is limited.
Behind Closed Doors:
Sex, Love, and Marriage in Victorian America
February 28, 2025 | 6:30pm
William Root House
This special after hours lecture examines whether Victorians were as sexually repressed as we perceive them to be today. Topics will range from Victorian sex education to contraception/birth control methods to the use of photography to spread explicit images during the Civil War. We’ll also discuss the people living on the edges of society who were pushing the boundaries of what sex, love, and marriage looked like in the nineteenth century, and the men and women who tried to root out vice in America with oftentimes disastrous consequences. This lecture is restricted to guests 21 years or older. By purchasing a ticket, you acknowledge that you understand this program will include adult themes. Tickets are $15 per person and must be purchased in advance. Space is limited.
MARCH
LECTURE
Cobb County’s Cherokee Voices
March 29, 2025 | 6:30pm
William Root House
Prior to the infamous Trail of Tears in 1838-39, what is now Cobb County was home to many citizens of the Cherokee Nation. These Native families had an opportunity to file claims against the U.S. Government for the property they were forced to abandon in 1838 - or in some case, property that had been stolen by white citizens of Georgia over many years. In 2022-23, these 1838 claims from the area now including Cobb County were transcribed and digitized by Dr. Andrew Jones and a team of interns at Reinhardt University. Join Dr. Jones as he uncovers our local Native past and considers the importance of remembering the Cherokee people in their own words. Tickets are $15 and must be purchased in advance online. Space is limited.
APRIL
Root House Plant Sale
April 26, 2025 | 9:00am-1:00pm
William Root House
Choose from a wide variety of vintage and native plants. As always, 100% of the profits from the plant sale benefit the William Root House Museum & Garden. The Plant Sale is always well-attended, and plants normally sell out quickly, so we encourage you to arrive at 9am for the best selection
Antique Market & Sidewalk Sale
April 26, 2025 | 9:00am-1:00pm
William Root House
Calling all treasure hunters! This is your chance to score major deals while supporting Cobb Landmarks. Our annual antique sidewalk sale is the best place to find fantastic prices on antiques and vintage collectibles.
April 26, 2025 | 9:00am-1:00pm
William Root House
Calling all treasure hunters! This is your chance to score major deals while supporting Cobb Landmarks. Our annual antique sidewalk sale is the best place to find fantastic prices on antiques and vintage collectibles.
MAY
LECTURE
Jane Austen:
Here, There, and Everywhere
May 2, 2025 | 6:30pm
William Root House
Jane Austen - a poor unknown rural spinster - wrote six novels and three small volumes of short fiction. Anonymous during her short life, Jane Austen shot to fame after her death in 1817. Since then, her works have inspired a vast array of adaptations—from sequels and prequels to plays, films, television series, and online recreations—as well as a diverse collection of merchandise, including dolls, tea towels, purses, dresses, cookbooks, and more. For a time, her portrait even graced the British 10-pound note. Join Laura Dabundo, Professor of English, emerita, Kennesaw State University, as she explores this extraordinary phenomenon: the enduring legacy of Jane Austen. Tickets are $15 and must be purchased in advance online. Space is limited.
LECTURE
Jane Austen:
Here, There, and Everywhere
May 2, 2025 | 6:30pm
William Root House
Jane Austen - a poor unknown rural spinster - wrote six novels and three small volumes of short fiction. Anonymous during her short life, Jane Austen shot to fame after her death in 1817. Since then, her works have inspired a vast array of adaptations—from sequels and prequels to plays, films, television series, and online recreations—as well as a diverse collection of merchandise, including dolls, tea towels, purses, dresses, cookbooks, and more. For a time, her portrait even graced the British 10-pound note. Join Laura Dabundo, Professor of English, emerita, Kennesaw State University, as she explores this extraordinary phenomenon: the enduring legacy of Jane Austen. Tickets are $15 and must be purchased in advance online. Space is limited.
Mother's Day Tea Party
May 10, 2025 | 11:00am-1:00pm & 2:00pm-4:00pm
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 in the Root House garden (weather permitting). Guests will enjoy a variety of finger sandwiches, 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 $150 per table (seats four guests). Reservations are required and must be booked online in advance.
May 10, 2025 | 11:00am-1:00pm & 2:00pm-4:00pm
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 in the Root House garden (weather permitting). Guests will enjoy a variety of finger sandwiches, 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 $150 per table (seats four guests). Reservations are required and must be booked online in advance.
JUNE
Juneteenth Celebration
June 19, 2025 | 10:00am-4:00pm
William Root House
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. The day will include guided museum tours, living history demonstrations, storytelling, and more. We are pleased to offer FREE ADMISSION to this program.
SPECIAL EXHIBIT
Dressed for Summer
On display June 3 - September 27, 2025
William Root House
Before air conditioning existed, southerners used a variety of tricks to keep their homes airy and cool. This summer, see the historic William Root House dressed as it would have been during the hot months of the 1860s. This exhibit is included with the cost of regular museum admission and is free for Cobb Landmarks members.
Dressed for Summer
On display June 3 - September 27, 2025
William Root House
Before air conditioning existed, southerners used a variety of tricks to keep their homes airy and cool. This summer, see the historic William Root House dressed as it would have been during the hot months of the 1860s. This exhibit is included with the cost of regular museum admission and is free for Cobb Landmarks members.
JULY
Independence Day Fireworks
July 4, 2025 | 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. Space is limited! Reserve your table below!
$300 Reservation
- Includes one table and seating for four.
- On-site parking for one vehicle is included with this reservation.
$450 Reservation
- Includes one table and seating for six.
- On-site parking for one vehicle is included with this reservation.
September
Root House Harvest Dinner
September 13, 2025 | 6:00pm-8:30pm
William Root House
Don’t miss a special evening of rustic elegance at the William Root House. This ultimate insider experience includes a private tour of the museum followed by an intimate candlelit meal served on the grounds of the antebellum home. The southern-style dinner will include appetizers, fried chicken, seasonal vegetables, and dessert.
October
SPECIAL EXHIBIT
Victorian Funeral
On display October 1 - November 1, 2025
William Root House
During the month of October, visitors to the William Root House will see the home decorated for mourning. Curtains will be drawn, and rooms will be adorned with black crepe and ribbons. Daytime tours are included in the cost of regular museum admission.
VIP EXPERIENCE
Midnight Wake
October 11, 2025 | 11:30pm
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.
Midnight Wake
October 11, 2025 | 11:30pm
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.
LECTURE
Trapped in Glass:
Victorians and Spirit Photography
October 18, 2025 | 6:30pm
William Root House
Many Victorians were obsessed with death and the afterlife, and they believed they could use the ever-changing medium of photography to capture the dead. Join collector James Freeman of Freeman & Fugate Oddities Company as he returns to the Root House to display his rare collection of post-mortem and spirit photographs, including some of William Mumler’s most famous spirit portraits. This program is restricted to guests 18 years or older. By purchasing a ticket you acknowledge that you understand this program will include discussions about death and spiritualism. Tickets for this program are $30 per person and must be purchased in advance. Refreshments will be served.
Trapped in Glass:
Victorians and Spirit Photography
October 18, 2025 | 6:30pm
William Root House
Many Victorians were obsessed with death and the afterlife, and they believed they could use the ever-changing medium of photography to capture the dead. Join collector James Freeman of Freeman & Fugate Oddities Company as he returns to the Root House to display his rare collection of post-mortem and spirit photographs, including some of William Mumler’s most famous spirit portraits. This program is restricted to guests 18 years or older. By purchasing a ticket you acknowledge that you understand this program will include discussions about death and spiritualism. Tickets for this program are $30 per person and must be purchased in advance. Refreshments will be served.
LECTURE
Death, Crime and the Coroner
Tales from the Life of William K. Root (1841-1891)
October 24, 2025 | 6:30pm
William Root House
In the 19th century, the first person called to investigate a suspicious death was the coroner, oftentimes an elected official with little to no medical training. Hannah and William Root's eldest son, Willie Root, served as Cobb County coroner from 1883 to 1887. A pharmacist and medical school graduate, Willie Root had a curious relationship with death: serving in gruesome Civil War field hospitals, experiencing personal loss within his family, and witnessing tragic crime scenes as coroner. This program is restricted to guests 18 years or older. By purchasing a ticket you acknowledge that you understand this program will include violent adult themes. Tickets for this program are $15 per person and must be purchased in advance.
Death, Crime and the Coroner
Tales from the Life of William K. Root (1841-1891)
October 24, 2025 | 6:30pm
William Root House
In the 19th century, the first person called to investigate a suspicious death was the coroner, oftentimes an elected official with little to no medical training. Hannah and William Root's eldest son, Willie Root, served as Cobb County coroner from 1883 to 1887. A pharmacist and medical school graduate, Willie Root had a curious relationship with death: serving in gruesome Civil War field hospitals, experiencing personal loss within his family, and witnessing tragic crime scenes as coroner. This program is restricted to guests 18 years or older. By purchasing a ticket you acknowledge that you understand this program will include violent adult themes. Tickets for this program are $15 per person and must be purchased in advance.
Victorian Funeral Flashlight Tours
October 25, 2025 | 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, and other curious artifacts related to death and mourning in the Victorian era. Flashlight tour tickets are $10 in advance and $15 at the door.
October 25, 2025 | 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, and other curious artifacts related to death and mourning in the Victorian era. Flashlight tour tickets are $10 in advance and $15 at the door.
November
Christmas Orb Workshop
TBD
William Root House
Join us for some festive fun as we create beautiful orb light decorations to illuminate your trees. Learn step-by-step how to assemble these enchanting orbs using chicken wire, lights, and decorative elements. Whether you’re a seasoned crafter or a beginner, this workshop is perfect for anyone who wants to add a touch of personalized magic to their outdoor Christmas decor. 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. Tickets are $25 per person and must be purchased online in advance. Space is limited.
December
Marietta Pilgrimage Christmas Home Tour
December 5, 2025 | 5:00pm - 8:00pm
December 6, 2025 | 9:00am - 4:00pm
December 7, 2025 | 9:00am - 4:00pm
Downtown Marietta
Take a peek inside some of Marietta's most beautiful homes! Cobb Landmarks and Visit Marietta organize the tour each year.
Victorian Christmas Candlelight Night
December 12, 2025 | 4:00pm-7:00pm
William Root House
The William Root House in downtown Marietta will be transformed for the holidays. Candlelit rooms will be decorated with live greens, fruit, and handmade decorations in the style of the 1860s. Candlelight Tour tickets are $10 per person.
December 12, 2025 | 4:00pm-7:00pm
William Root House
The William Root House in downtown Marietta will be transformed for the holidays. Candlelit rooms will be decorated with live greens, fruit, and handmade decorations in the style of the 1860s. Candlelight Tour tickets are $10 per person.
Santa's Gingerbread Workshop
December 13, 2025 | Sittings available at 10:00am, 11:30am, 1:00pm, and 2:30pm
William Root House
Join us for a festive holiday event perfect for all ages. Each table reservation includes everything you need to build one gingerbread house, including gingerbread, icing, and candy. Plus, enjoy a decadent hot cocoa bar AND a special visit from Santa himself! And the grand finale? A chance to meet Santa and snap a picture by the fireplace in our cozy log cabin. Get ready for a sugar rush of holiday fun! Space is limited. Table reservations are $150 per table (seats four guests). Reservations are required and must be booked online in advance.
December 13, 2025 | Sittings available at 10:00am, 11:30am, 1:00pm, and 2:30pm
William Root House
Join us for a festive holiday event perfect for all ages. Each table reservation includes everything you need to build one gingerbread house, including gingerbread, icing, and candy. Plus, enjoy a decadent hot cocoa bar AND a special visit from Santa himself! And the grand finale? A chance to meet Santa and snap a picture by the fireplace in our cozy log cabin. Get ready for a sugar rush of holiday fun! Space is limited. Table reservations are $150 per table (seats four guests). Reservations are required and must be booked online in advance.
