When: Sunday, May 18, 10:00 – 11:30 AM
Where: Meet inside the main gate on Oakland Ave SE at 10 AM.
Cost: Free with Registration
TOUR DESCRIPTION
Plunge into the history of Jewish Atlanta as we explore Historic Oakland Cemetery. Amidst Victorian gardens and marble and granite sculptures, we will walk through the history, burial customs, and symbolism found throughout the Jewish grounds of this powerful city landmark. Founded in 1850, Oakland Cemetery is the final resting place for more than 70,000 people, including many of Atlanta’s most notable citizens. It is also home to three separate Jewish burial sections – including the second oldest Jewish burial ground in Georgia. Come enjoy a stroll around one of Atlanta’s most beautiful public parks, while we discuss some fascinating stories of the individual lives and religious organizations that enabled the city’s Jewish community to persist and flourish.
BIO
Dr. Marni Davis is associate professor of history at Georgia State University, and an affiliate faculty member in GSU’s Urban Studies Institute. A historian of ethnicity, race, and immigration in the United States, she is the author of the book Jews and Booze: Becoming American in the Age of Prohibition, and co-Editor-in-Chief of American Jewish History, the scholarly journal of the American Jewish Historical Society. Dr. Davis is currently writing a book about the history of immigration, race, and urban development in Atlanta, with a focus on Black-Jewish relations.
This event will entail a lot of standing and walking – wear comfortable shoes!
Water bottles are encouraged!
Meetup spot: Just inside the main gate on Oakland Ave SE (where MLK Jr Dr SE ends)
