Southern Foodways Cookbook Club
January-May, 2026
William Root House
Cobb Landmarks is excited to introduce a new Southern Foodways Book Club! Over the first five months of 2026, we will explore an 1880s Marietta cookbook titled Housekeeping in the Sunny South, cook recipes, and discuss the rich history of Southern food. Our goal is to connect, learn, and appreciate the culture that has shaped these food traditions. The cookbook club will meet the first Saturday of each month, January-May, from 1pm to 3pm. Club meetings will be facilitated by Cobb Landmarks Food Historians Clarissa Lynch and Misha Harp. Registration is $200 per person and includes a copy Housekeeping in the Sunny South (a $30 value).
LEARN MORE
LECTURE
Jane Austen and the Shadow of Slavery
January 16, 2026 | 6:30pm
William Root House
Jane Austen was the premier novelist of the English Romantic age—a period many scholars agree was defined by the "great moral question" of slavery. While many are familiar with America’s challenge of confronting this history, less is known about how Austen grappled with the existence of slavery in her own world and time. Join Jane Austen scholar and Professor of English, Emerita, Laura Dabundo as she discusses the complex presence of slavery within Austen's novels, her family history, and private correspondence. Space is limited. Tickets are $15 and must be purchased online in advance.
GET TICKETS
LECTURE
Lucille Frank's Fight:
Antisemitism and the Legacy of Leo Frank
January 31, 2026 | 6:30pm
William Root House
Join Atlanta author Ann Hite as she discusses her new book, I Am a Georgia Girl: The Life of Lucille Selig Frank, 1888-1957. While the murder of Mary Phagan and the lynching of Leo Frank have been extensively documented, Hite's book finally gives voice to Lucille, the wife of Leo Frank, whose life was forever changed in 1913. The story chronicles Lucille's courage, her mission to expose the antisemitism surrounding her husband's trial, and the heavy price she paid. Space is limited. Tickets are $15 and must be purchased online in advance.
GET TICKETS
FIELD TRIP
The Herndon Home
January 31, 2026 | 10:00am & 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
Behind Closed Doors:
Sex in Victorian America
February 26, 2026 | 6:30pm
The Third Door
Were Victorians as sexually repressed as we perceive them to be? Join us at The Third Door for a lecture exploring the complex social and private lives of nineteenth century Americans. We'll cover a wide range of topics, from Victorian-era sex education and contraception to the emergence of explicit photography during the Civil War. We will also examine those on the fringes of society—from celibates to polygamists—who redefined the boundaries of love and marriage, alongside the activists who sought to regulate morality (often with unintended consequences). 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). Doors open at 6:00pm. Lecture begins at 6:30pm.
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 the murder of Doyle Butler near the Marietta Square. The perpetrator was George Goumas—not a career criminal, but a highly decorated Greek-American war hero. During this lecture, retired Senior Judge Jim Morris will discuss Goumas’s tragic descent from celebrated patriot to bankrupt outcast. Judge Morris will reveal how, after Goumas married a white woman, the racial and social prejudices of the Jim Crow era left him destitute and desperate. He will also share findings from his examination of Marietta Masonic Lodge documents, where an internal “trial” of Goumas offers a unique perspective on the peculiar social justice systems of 1930s Georgia. Space is limited. 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
January-May, 2026
William Root House
Cobb Landmarks is excited to introduce a new Southern Foodways Book Club! Over the first five months of 2026, we will explore an 1880s Marietta cookbook titled Housekeeping in the Sunny South, cook recipes, and discuss the rich history of Southern food. Our goal is to connect, learn, and appreciate the culture that has shaped these food traditions. The cookbook club will meet the first Saturday of each month, January-May, from 1pm to 3pm. Club meetings will be facilitated by Cobb Landmarks Food Historians Clarissa Lynch and Misha Harp. Registration is $200 per person and includes a copy Housekeeping in the Sunny South (a $30 value).
LEARN MORE
LECTURE
Jane Austen and the Shadow of Slavery
January 16, 2026 | 6:30pm
William Root House
Jane Austen was the premier novelist of the English Romantic age—a period many scholars agree was defined by the "great moral question" of slavery. While many are familiar with America’s challenge of confronting this history, less is known about how Austen grappled with the existence of slavery in her own world and time. Join Jane Austen scholar and Professor of English, Emerita, Laura Dabundo as she discusses the complex presence of slavery within Austen's novels, her family history, and private correspondence. Space is limited. Tickets are $15 and must be purchased online in advance.
GET TICKETS
LECTURE
Lucille Frank's Fight:
Antisemitism and the Legacy of Leo Frank
January 31, 2026 | 6:30pm
William Root House
Join Atlanta author Ann Hite as she discusses her new book, I Am a Georgia Girl: The Life of Lucille Selig Frank, 1888-1957. While the murder of Mary Phagan and the lynching of Leo Frank have been extensively documented, Hite's book finally gives voice to Lucille, the wife of Leo Frank, whose life was forever changed in 1913. The story chronicles Lucille's courage, her mission to expose the antisemitism surrounding her husband's trial, and the heavy price she paid. Space is limited. Tickets are $15 and must be purchased online in advance.
GET TICKETS
FIELD TRIP
The Herndon Home
January 31, 2026 | 10:00am & 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
Behind Closed Doors:
Sex in Victorian America
February 26, 2026 | 6:30pm
The Third Door
Were Victorians as sexually repressed as we perceive them to be? Join us at The Third Door for a lecture exploring the complex social and private lives of nineteenth century Americans. We'll cover a wide range of topics, from Victorian-era sex education and contraception to the emergence of explicit photography during the Civil War. We will also examine those on the fringes of society—from celibates to polygamists—who redefined the boundaries of love and marriage, alongside the activists who sought to regulate morality (often with unintended consequences). 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). Doors open at 6:00pm. Lecture begins at 6:30pm.
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 the murder of Doyle Butler near the Marietta Square. The perpetrator was George Goumas—not a career criminal, but a highly decorated Greek-American war hero. During this lecture, retired Senior Judge Jim Morris will discuss Goumas’s tragic descent from celebrated patriot to bankrupt outcast. Judge Morris will reveal how, after Goumas married a white woman, the racial and social prejudices of the Jim Crow era left him destitute and desperate. He will also share findings from his examination of Marietta Masonic Lodge documents, where an internal “trial” of Goumas offers a unique perspective on the peculiar social justice systems of 1930s Georgia. Space is limited. 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
