2025  Events

  Cobb Landmarks and Historical Society, Inc.
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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.

​THIS LECTURE IS SOLD OUT!
Get Tickets ▶

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. ​
LEARN MORE ▶

​SPECIAL PRESENTATION
The Legacy of Vertamae Smart-Grosvenor
February 1, 2025  |  10:00am-4:00pm
​
​William Root House 
Join Cobb Landmarks Food Historian, Clarissa Lynch, for a fascinating discussion about the life and work of Vertamae Smart-Grosvenor. Born into a Gullah family in South Carolina in 1937, Smart-Grosvenor's journey took her from Philadelphia to Paris and finally to New York City. Her travels ignited a passion for soul food, leading her to explore food as an expression of her Gullah heritage. While she wrote extensively throughout her career, her 1970 autobiographical cookbook and memoir, Vibration Cooking: or, The Travel Notes of a Geechee Girl, cemented her place in culinary history. During this presentation, Clarissa will bring Smart-Grosvenor's culinary stories to life, preparing Hoppin' John and sweet potato pie on the 1850s wood-burning cookstove at the Root House. This presentation is included in the cost of regular museum admission and is free for Cobb Landmarks members. 
Plan your visit ▶

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.

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.

​THIS LECTURE IS SOLD OUT!
GET TICKETS ▶

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. ​​

​
​THIS LECTURE IS SOLD OUT!
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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. ​

​
​THIS LECTURE IS SOLD OUT!
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APRIL


Root House Plant Sale & Antique Market
April 26, 2025  |  9:00am-1:00pm
​William Root House
Choose from a wide variety of vintage and native plants. Our annual antique sidewalk sale is the best place to find fantastic prices on antiques and vintage collectibles. ​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 and items normally sell out quickly, so we encourage you to arrive at 9am for the best selection
Learn more ▶

MAY


​Mother's Day Candle Workshop

May 3, 2025  |  11:00am-1:00pm
​
​William Root House 
Join The Minted Market Candle Co. for a Mother’s Day candle workshop. Learn the process of candle pouring through hands on instruction. Participants will have an opportunity to sample fragrance oils, curated for the spring season, before blending their custom scent. Through step by step instruction you’ll pour two custom candles to take home. Space is limited. Tickets are $75 per person and must be purchased online in advance.​
GET TICKETS ▶

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.​
11AM reservation ▶
2PM reservation ▶

Preservation Awards & Member Appreciation Event
May 17, 2025  |  5:30pm
​​William Root House 

We hope you can join us at the William Root House for our annual member appreciation event on May 17th. We’ll be celebrating some of our recent accomplishments and honoring and recognizing individuals, businesses, and organizations who are making a difference in the community through historic preservation. The evening will also include the dedication of the Terri Cole Memorial Garden. Admission is free. No RSVP is required. This is a great opportunity to bring guests and introduce them to our organization! We hope to see you there!

JUNE


SUMMER CAMP
​Pioneer Camp

June 9-10, 2025  |  10:00am-2:00pm
​​William Root House 
What was it like to live on the western frontier in the 1830s and 1840s when Marietta was first founded? Campers will learn essential 19th century skills like how to churn butter, sew on a button, and write with a quill pen. We’ll learn about the importance of the railroad, how to sit for a photograph, and demonstrate our best manners and etiquette during a garden tea party while wearing period clothing. Registration is $60 per child. Space is limited. Designed for students ages 5-10. ​
Register Online ▶


GENEALOGY LECTURE
Unearthing Your Roots
June 13, 2025  |  6:30pm
William Root House ​
Christopher Smothers is the founder and CEO of Unearthing Your Roots, Inc., a company that provides professional genealogy services. A recent graduate of Clark Atlanta University and current graduate student at Simmons University, Christopher has a passion for helping people discover their roots. Join Christopher for a special presentation where he will share a comprehensive list of every formerly enslaved individual mentioned in Cobb County probate records and share tips on how to use resources like Census Records, Probate Records, and Slave Schedules in genealogical research. Tickets are $15 and must be purchased in advance online. Space is limited.
Get Tickets ▶


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.​
Learn More ▶


SUMMER CAMP
​Bees & Botany

June 23-24, 2025  |  10:00am-2:00pm
​​William Root House 
Junior Historians will learn all about plants and pollinators like bees and butterflies while spending time in the Root House’s historic gardens. They’ll learn to tell the difference between ornamental, medicinal, and edible plants, and learn how to care for plants from our Master Gardeners while creating their own plant field guide. Junior Historians will spend the majority of the day outdoors during this program, so please be sure to wear sunscreen and/or hats. Registration is $60 per child. Space is limited. Designed for students ages 5-10. ​
Register Online ▶

​
​
RESCHEDULED! PLEASE NOTE THE NEW DATE!
LECTURE
Jane Austen: 
Here, There, and Everywhere

June 27, 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. ​

​THIS LECTURE IS SOLD OUT!


FREE TEACHER WORKSHOP
​Juneteenth in the Classroom

June 28, 2025  |  10:00am
​​William Root House 
​
The Georgia Standards of Excellence (SSKH1) include Juneteenth, but how much do you know about it? This workshop, led by educators JoAnn Wood and Trudy Delhey, will provide elementary school teachers a better understanding of how to include this national celebration in the classroom. This workshop is free, but registration is required.
Register

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.
Reserve Online ▶

$450 Reservation
  • Includes one table and seating for six.
  • On-site parking for one vehicle is included with this reservation.
Reserve Online ▶


SUMMER CAMP
History Investigators
July 7-8, 2025  |  10:00am-2:00pm
​​William Root House 
Junior Historians will learn how to uncover the secrets of the past and preserve them for the future. They’ll participate in an archaeological dig, investigate “ghost marks” in the Root House, learn the difference between primary and secondary sources, and curate their own exhibit. We’ll conclude with a short walking tour of some of Marietta’s important historical landmarks located near the Root House. Registration is $60 per child. Space is limited. Designed for students ages 10-15. ​
SOLD OUT


SUMMER CAMP
​Pioneer Camp

July 14-15, 2025  |  10:00am-2:00pm
​​William Root House 
What was it like to live on the western frontier in the 1830s and 1840s when Marietta was first founded? Campers will learn essential 19th century skills like how to churn butter, sew on a button, and write with a quill pen. We’ll learn about the importance of the railroad, how to sit for a photograph, and demonstrate our best manners and etiquette during a garden tea party while wearing period clothing. Registration is $60 per child. Space is limited. Designed for students ages 5-10. ​
Register Online ▶

RESCHEDULED! PLEASE NOTE THE NEW DATE!
​LECTURE

There’s Lots to see in Georgia
July 26, 2025  |  6:30pm

​​William Root House 
Join Dr. Jennifer Dickey as she discusses her new book, There’s Lots to See in Georgia, which provides a history of sixteen historic sites owned and operated by the state of Georgia. Dr. Dickey is a professor of history and the Coordinator of the Public History Program at Kennesaw State University. Dr. Dickey previously served as Director and Curator for Oak Hill and The Martha Berry Museum at Berry College. She has also worked for the National Park Service. She is the author of A Tough Little Patch of History: Gone with the Wind and the Politics of Memory and co-author of Memories of the Mansion: The History of Georgia’s Governor’s Mansion. Tickets are $15 and must be purchased in advance online. Space is limited. Books will be available for purchase and signing. 
Get Tickets ▶

AUGUST


LECTURE
​The Georgia Military Institute 

August 7, 2025  |  6:30pm
​​William Root House ​
Join renowned Civil War photography collector David Vaughan for a fascinating presentation about the Georgia Military Institute (GMI), a state military college that operated in Marietta from 1851 until its destruction by Union troops in 1864. During the presentation, David will discuss the history of the 110-acre campus and show images from his collection of rare GMI Cadet portraits. Attendees are invited to bring their own Civil War-era images for examination, but no appraisals will be provided. Tickets are $20 and must be purchased in advance online. Space is limited. 
Get Tickets ▶

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 fun 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. While iced tea and water will be served, guests are welcome to bring their own beverages to enjoy.  Space is limited. Reservations are required. 

6-Person Table    ... $540
4-Person Table    ... $360
2-Peron Table....  $180

Reserve Online


LECTURE
Hand-Stitched: 19th Century Quilts
September 19, 2025 |  6:30pm

​William Root House 
Join Muriel Pfaff, a local crafter and quilt historian, as she discusses Civil War-era quilts, fabric styles, patterns, and quilting techniques. Known as “The Quilt Teacher,” Muriel will explain how to identify and date quilts and provide tips for caring for old quilts. Participants are welcome to bring their antique quilts for Muriel to help identify. Tickets for this program are $20 per person and must be purchased in advance. Space is limited.
Tickets


HANDS-ON HISTORY
Cast-Iron Cooking with Clarissa Lynch
September 20, 2025 |  10:00am-1:00pm

​William Root House Join Cobb Landmarks Food Historian Clarissa Lynch for a unique cooking class at the William Root House. Participants will work together to prepare a 1850s-style meal of lard-fried chicken, buttermilk biscuits, green beans with bacon, and pie using the Root House’s original 1850s cast-iron cookstove. Afterwards, participants will enjoy the delicious meal together. This program is limited to six participants. Tickets are $75 per person and must be purchased in advance. Please note that food prepared or consumed during the program may not meet modern food safety standards due to the nature of the historic equipment and environment. By purchasing a ticket, you voluntarily assume full responsibility for any and all risks.
Register Online

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.
Learn More

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.
get tickets

​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.
get tickets

​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 discussions about death. Tickets for this program are $15 per person and must be purchased in advance.
get tickets

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. 
Learn More

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. ​
Coming soon


​LECTURE
Georgia's Historical Recipes
November 15, 2025  |  2:00pm
​
William Root House
Join us for a special presentation with Valerie J. Frey, author of the newly released Georgia’s Historical Recipes. Valerie will discuss the historical foodways of our state, guiding attendees through the sites and dishes that form Georgia’s culinary identity. The presentation will include Marietta recipes for Lemon Biscuits, Pepper Sauce credited to Whitlock House, and a sausage recipe from Stanley House. She will also discuss Marietta’s 1885 cookbook by E. R. Tennent, Housekeeping in the Sunny South, that has recently been reprinted. Tickets are $25 per person and must be purchased online in advance. Space is limited. Books will be available for purchase and signing. Refreshments will be served.
Get Tickets

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.
​
Learn More ▶

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. 
coming soon

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.​​
coming soon
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80 N Marietta Parkway NW
Marietta, GA 30060
678-594-4994

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