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PRESS RELEASE: Atlanta History Center Set to Reopen Renovated Margaret Mitchell House with Reimagined Gone With the Wind Exhibit on July 10
June 24, 2024 (Atlanta, GA)—Atlanta History Center is set to reopen the newly renovated and reimagined Margaret Mitchell House on Wednesday, July 10, with the unveiling of the new exhibit "Telling Stories: Gone With the Wind and American Memory." Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and located on the Center’s Midtown campus, Mitchell’s apartment will feature a new exhibit that contextualizes the author's story and explores the significant impact Gone With the Wind has had on global perceptions of the American Civil War and that period in U.S. history.
"Since its release in 1936, Gone With the Wind has both captivated audiences with its compelling characters and setting, and sparked controversy for its painful portrayal of enslaved people and its ties to Lost Cause Ideology," said Sheffield Hale, President and CEO of the Atlanta History Center. "We believe there is valuable insight to be gained from any historical work of art. As stewards of history, we strive to place these pieces within their proper cultural and historical context. It is crucial for them to be part of the national conversation, as they can play a vital role in our collective growth and understanding."
Telling Stories explores Mitchell’s life and experiences in her native Atlanta, notably how her upbringing and exposure shaped her view of history. On a larger scale, the exhibit examines the impact of the book and its movie adaptation on our culture, including how it has furthered Lost Cause Ideology, which casts the Confederate defeat in the best possible light, portrays slavery as benevolent, and suggests “states’ rights” – not slavery – was the reason for the war.
The new exhibit includes the apartment where Mitchell lived with her husband, John Marsh, and where she wrote the majority of Gone With the Wind. The historical landmark includes Mitchell’s original desk and chair, as well as sections discussing the cultural impacts of the book and movie, reactions from people around the United States and the world, and historical context around the time periods and places that influenced the story. Digital content, both within the exhibit and online, further enhances the experience.
Other highlights in Telling Stories include the suitcase purchased by a MacMillan editor to carry the original manuscript back to New York City. Guests can also see a variety of images, newspaper clippings, artifacts, and videos exploring the lasting legacy of the historical fiction novel.
To foster discussion about the exhibit and the important conversations it explores, the Atlanta History Center will hold a panel discussion on Tuesday, July 30, with local experts who participated in the curation of the exhibit, including Director of Exhibitions Timothy Frilingos, director of exhibitions at Atlanta History Center; Stephane Dunn, professor and chair of the department of cinema, television and emerging media studies at Morehouse College; and Matthew Bernstein, professor and chair of the department of film and media studies at Emory University.
“Video and digital content are key to us being able to show, not just tell, the cultural and historical impact of Gone With the Wind,” said Kristian Weatherspoon, vice president of digital storytelling, “This initiative is part of our ongoing effort to make Atlanta's history, which holds nationwide significance, accessible to a broader audience.”
After initial shuttering due to the pandemic, the Margaret Mitchell House remained closed while the exhibit was reimagined and renovated. Atlanta History Center Midtown also includes an indoor event space and lawn to host public programs and private rentals. For more information and tickets, visit atlantahistorycenter.com.
About Atlanta History Center
Founded in 1926, Atlanta History Center is an all-inclusive, 33-acre destination featuring the Atlanta History Museum, one of the nation’s largest history museums, including Cyclorama: The Big Picture experience; three historic houses—the 1920s Swan House, the 1860s Smith Farm, and the 1830s Wood Cabin; Goizueta Gardens; Kenan Research Center; the Grand Overlook Ballroom; a museum shop; Souper Jenny café; and BRASH coffee shop. In addition, Atlanta History Center owns and operates Atlanta History Center Midtown, which includes Margaret Mitchell House, gallery space, and event spaces. Starting July 10, visitors will be welcomed Tuesday-Sunday, 9 a.m.- 4 p.m. For more information, visit AtlantaHistoryCenter.com.
