The Athens-Clarke County Library Heritage Room is throwing it back in the upcoming “Back In My Day” exhibition. Spanning five decades from the early 1950s to the 1990s, take a stroll through time to relive or discover for yourself Athens’ history.
Since 1950, Athens has experienced rapid growth, not just in population size but industry, art, education, and culture. This growth brought even more people to our beloved city, but also set in motion massive redevelopment in the late 1960s through local urban renewal and Model Cities programs. These programs not only changed the landscape of the Athens community, but also displaced many longtime residents, reshaped historic neighborhoods, and altered the social and economic fabric of the area.
While the post–World War II era was marked by massive economic and infrastructure development, it also brought social and political change like public school integration and the expansion of civil rights. Many were ready for the technological and artistic movements of the 1980s and 1990s and our community brought a new focus towards historic preservation and support of the artistic community. As we moved closer to the new millennium Athens was marked by shifting demographics, economic challenges, and increased community activism.
These moments are presented in the “Back In My Day” exhibition through items housed in the Athens-Clarke County Library Heritage Room Archives and Manuscript collections. Featured are ephemera from local schools such as photographs, jerseys, and programs; Athens’ pop culture as seen through local publications; and so much more that has been donated to the Heritage Room by other community members.
So take a step back in time, share your favorite Athens moment using the #AthensInMyDay, and consider donating your memories to the archival collections at the Athens-Clarke County Library Heritage Room.
The exhibit will open March 30, 2025 at the Athens-Clarke County Library in the Bogue Art Gallery.