A pink pig and a renegade cow. A movie prop and a Coke bottle. A Pulitzer Prize–winning book and a Nobel Prize–winning icon.
How do you tell the story of Atlanta in 50 objects? We decided the best experts were Atlantans themselves—residents who cheer the Braves and rue I–285 rush-hour traffic, who understand how Civil War losses and Civil Rights victories together helped forge the city’s unique identity. Atlanta History Center asked the public to submit what objects they think best represent their town. The parameters were broad: an object could also be a person, a place, an institution, or an idea. After receiving hundreds of submissions, History Center staff assembled a collection of fifty pieces that represent the themes identified by the public. In addition to items from our own collections, we have partnered with many local institutions and individuals to gather artifacts from around the city to tell this community–driven story.
The oldest continually operating sports franchise in America was also the first major league sports team in the Deep South.
Mayor Ivan Allen Jr. played a key role in luring the Braves to Atlanta by building Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium with the expectation of bringing professional sports to the city. On April 12, 1966, the Braves played their first regular season game in the new stadium before a sellout crowd of more than 50,000 fans. Mayor Allen had the honor of throwing out the ceremonial first ball.
Braves players celebrate their World Series win, 1995. Courtesy of Braves Museum & Hall of Fame