Historical Society Marks National Historic Preservation Month with Preservation Award Presentation

On May 17th, Cobb Landmarks & Historical Society members gathered at the William Root House in downtown Marietta to celebrate National Historic Preservation Month. During the event, Cobb Landmarks recognized local governments, businesses, and individuals who have made a significant contribution to historic preservation and history education in Cobb County. 

2025 Cobb Landmarks Preservation Award
Fanny Williams Memorial  - City of Smyrna
In the heart of Smyrna, a new monument honors a woman whose name has long been connected to both a painful past and a legacy of resilience, activism, and progress. The Fanny Williams statue, approved by the city’s Committee to Honor Fanny Williams, represents the culmination of years of advocacy to appropriately memorialize a figure who has often been overshadowed by history. As the namesake of the noted restaurant, Aunt Fanny’s Cabin, Williams’ story is complex, but her contributions to the community are undeniable. The decision to memorialize Williams, in front of Smyrna’s history museum, marks a new chapter for the city—one that seeks to acknowledge her for her civil rights activism and her work in opening Cobb County’s first Black hospital. 

2025 Cobb Landmarks Preservation Award
Kennesaw Depot - City of Kennesaw
Between 2023 and 2024, Kennesaw's historic Depot underwent a $350,000 rehabilitation and stabilization. Funded by the American Rescue Plan, the rehabilitation of the depot included lifting the building, installing a new foundation and waterproofing, regrading, and carpentry repairs. 

2025 Cobb Landmarks Preservation Award
Buttolph House
Built in 1886 and gifted to Dr. David Buttolph upon his 1887 retirement from Marietta's First Presbyterian Church, this beautiful Kennesaw Avenue house was recently renovated and restored. The current owners preserved original exterior details like porch trim, corbels, and pine siding, and uncovered interior treasures including 12-foot plaster ceilings hidden since a 1970s renovation, six fireplaces, and glass transoms. 

2025 Cobb Landmarks Preservation Award
Church Street, Marietta - Bridger Properties
While Bridger Properties' acquisition of several historic downtown Marietta buildings initially raised concerns, their willingness to collaborate with Cobb Landmarks fostered confidence in their commitment to historic preservation. Cobb Landmarks recognizes Bridger’s respect for these historic structures, and applauds their investment in reinvigorating Church Street.

2025 Cobb Landmarks Volunteer of the Year
Lisa Slauson
As a vital member of our Board of Trustees and Co-Chair of the Facilities Committee, Lisa’s work ensures the ongoing care of the William Root House and Manning Cabin. Her expertise as a Master Gardener Volunteer shines in the beautiful Root House Garden, where she dedicates countless hours. And her leadership of the annual Root House Plant Sale – from nurturing the plants to organizing the event – is truly exceptional. 

2025 Cobb Landmarks Corley Lifetime Achievement Award
Amy Reed 
Amy Reed has dedicated her career to preserving and sharing the rich history of Cobb County and Georgia. Her passion for local history began during her childhood, growing up in the shadow of Kennesaw Mountain. Amy earned her B.A. in History from North Georgia College and State University and pursued graduate studies in Public History with a focus on Museum Studies at the State University of West Georgia. Currently serving as the Director of the Marietta History Center since 2021, she began her work there in 2003 as Curator of Exhibits and Educational Programming. As a mother of four, Amy stays active in a variety of Cobb County sports and school organizations. Amy has also survived breast and kidney cancers and promotes the essential importance of early detection.