“Phoenix Flies” Soars Back Into Atlanta for 22nd Year

Phoenix Flies: A Celebration of Atlanta’s Historic Sites kicks off in Atlanta this March. The annual event provides a unique opportunity to learn about and support Atlanta’s historic buildings, landscapes, and neighborhoods.

This year’s slate of programs (March 3-28) features more than 100 in-person and virtual events – everything from house and museum tours, to walking tours, to book talks and educational presentations. Everything is free to attend, thanks to the more than 30 program sponsors. All you have to do is flip through the 2025 guide, find events of interest, and RSVP.

Some of my favorite Phoenix Flies tours from previous years have included: the Burns Club, Decatur architecture, Fulton Cotton Mill Lofts, Grant Park, Historic South-View Cemetery, Little 5 Points, Olmstead Park, Sweet Auburn, Plaza Theatre, WERD Radio, the Wren’s nest, and the Early Edgewood – Candler Park BiRacial History Project.

This March, you’ll find me at presentations on Decatur’s femme history, Downtown Atlanta’s historic harlots, the gentrification of Blandtown, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis’ contributions to historic preservation, Midtown Atlanta’s LGBTQ+ history, and the women of South-View.

The Atlanta Preservation Center created Phoenix Flies in 2003 to celebrate the anniversary of the Fox Theatre’s rescue – an event that changed the tide on preservation efforts in the city. Organizers named the program after the Phoenix featured on the city seal, a mythological bird that is reborn from the ashes. Over the years, Phoenix Flies has brought together individuals and organizations from around the state to demonstrate the value of Atlanta’s historical sites and preservation efforts.

The Atlanta Preservation Center (APC), founded in 1979, advocates for Atlanta’s historic resources and places. Its mission is the “preservation of Atlanta’s architecturally, historically, and culturally significant buildings, neighborhoods, and landscapes through education and advocacy.” The APC works with community leaders, provides education programs for all ages, and organizes programs and special exhibits on history, architecture, and preservation. To learn more about the Atlanta Preservation Center, visit https://www.atlantapreservationcenter.com.