Historic Athens

Year 7?? at Historic Athens Begins! Friday marked the beginning of my seventh year at Historic Athens. How on earth did the time fly so quickly? As much as has changed - and as much as our community impact has grown - the most exciting part is knowing we are just getting started. Thank you so much to our supporters, trustees, members, partners, and stakeholders. Thank you to my wife, family, friends, and mentors for your support and guidance. Plus, an ENORMOUS thank you to the six other staff members - Caitlin, Denise, Melissa, Michelle, Sarah, and Taneisha - and the five paid UGA Fellows that make up our team. Of everything we can be proud of over the last six years at @historicathens, maybe the most important is the team and work culture we’ve established. So far to go, so much to learn, so much to do. Thank you for your continued faith and the room to grow. With gratitude, Tommy . . . ??: @sarahabearah

Exciting progress from Hands On Historic Athens! Since July 1, we’ve received 10 new applications and are on track to complete projects on at least 20 historic homes by next summer. ?? During a recent site visit, HOHA Coordinator Melissa Gogo and UGA SPIA Fellow Ray Beam evaluated a project to replace a rotting soffit, fascia, gutters, and handrails. This project will also include installing a walk-in shower, ensuring our senior homeowner can live safely and independently. Work begins in mid-October—stay tuned for updates!

Thank you to everyone who joined us for last week's History Hour! We were honored to have Stonish Pierce, President and CEO of St. Mary's Health Care System, lead the program on St. Mary's rich history and its impact on Athens and the local healthcare industry. Attendees explored the hospital’s pivotal moments and heard inspiring stories about the visionaries who shaped its legacy. A special thanks to Rashe’s Cuisine for providing a delicious lunch! We appreciate everyone who came out and extend a big thank you to the St. Mary's team for such an incredible presentation. Mark your calendars for our next History Hour on Tuesday, November 19, when we’ll explore the legacy of The Red & Black, UGA’s campus newspaper.

Only one more Death & Mourning Tour of the year happening THIS Friday! On this special October-only tour of the Church-Waddel-Brumby House, guests are guided through the House Museum to learn about mourning customs of the early nineteenth century. Join us as we explore the fascinating rituals surrounding death and grief, including period attire, superstitions, and funeral traditions. Don’t miss this final chance to experience Athens history in a whole new light! Secure your spot at https://lnkd.in/e3hYRPDM ??

209 performances, 209 porches, 7 historic neighborhoods, and 1 incredible day—none of it would have been possible without you. Athens, your continued support for Historic Athens Porchfest never ceases to amaze us. Whether you hosted, performed, volunteered, or simply enjoyed the music, you helped turn this day into a true celebration of community, history, and preservation. We invite you to keep the momentum going. Now is the perfect time to join Historic Athens or renew your membership. With your support, we can continue to make an impact through preservation, education, and advocacy. Together, we can protect and celebrate the unique character of Athens, Georgia. To renew or join, go to HistoricAthens.com/join

Busy planning your day for Historic Athens Porchfest? This year, we've made it easier to plan your perfect Porchfest experience! We've curated itineraries based on the music genre of each performance– no need to guess where to go because we’ve got the ultimate musical road map for you. Check out our itineraries for: ?? Rock + Indie ?? Country + Folk ?? Classical + Jazz ?? Acoustic + Singer-Songwriter ?? Hip-Hop + R&B ?? Electronic + Experimental ?? Metal + Punk ?? Pop Go to https://lnkd.in/eF94bH63 and find the genre that matches your mood to start planning your Historic Athens Porchfest adventure!

Thank you, thank you, thank you, to Cali-N-Tito's for being our Boulevard neighborhood sponsor for this year's Historic Athens Porchfest 2024 presented by Cafe Racer! Cali N Tito’s is more than just a restaurant—it’s an Athens icon! Ranked #26 on Yelp’s list of Top 100 Restaurants in Georgia, their fun vibe and eccentric menu are just the start of what makes them so special. With two locations, one near Five Points and another on the east side, they serve up authentic Latin American flavors that keep us coming back for more. We’re beyond excited to have their support for Historic Athens Porchfest 2024. Thank you, Cali-N-Titos!

Thank You, Porch Performers! ?? Historic Athens Porchfest would not be possible without the incredible generosity of our vibrant music scene. This year, 209 amazing acts are contributing their time, talent, and artistry to make this event a success. These performers are often asked to play for free, for "exposure," or even to pay to play. Yet, they’ve chosen to support our nonprofit fundraiser and share their gift with all of us tomorrow. Because of their dedication—and the support of our sponsors—Historic Athens Porchfest remains a free event for everyone to enjoy. Don’t forget to show your appreciation! We have tip buckets at every porch. You can scan the QR code on the buckets or visit bit.ly/porchtips24 to see a list of all the performers and their Venmo, Cash App, and other tipping options. When you see a performer tomorrow, make sure to give them your thanks!

Let's give a round of applause for Nighthawks Lounge for being the neighborhood sponsor of Newtown for Historic Athens Porchfest 2024 presented by Cafe Racer! Co-owned by Krista and Jerry Slater, Nighthawks is a sleek, art-deco-inspired bar offering more than just amazing cocktails—it’s a space designed for connection and conversation. This elegant lounge is part of the Slaters’ impressive collection of local spots, including The Expat, The Lark, and Slater’s Steakhouse. Thank you, Nighthawks, for your generous contribution to Historic Athens Porchfest 2024!

We want to give a shout-out to Arcollab for sponsoring the Normaltown neighborhood at this year’s Historic Athens Porchfest, presented by Cafe Racer! Arcollab is renowned for blending innovation with sustainability, from new construction to historic preservation. Led by principals Lori Bork Newcomer, Joseph Smith, and Gabriel Comstock, their designs reflect a deep sense of place while honoring environmental concerns. With over 75 years of combined experience, their work spans from residential to large-scale commercial projects, always with a collaborative, client-focused approach. We’re thrilled to have Arcollab’s support for Historic Athens Porchfest 2024 and celebrate their commitment to thoughtful, sustainable design in Athens. Thank you, Arcollab!