We are excited to share something new with our community — the launch of Virginia-Highland History Meetings, a series of free, open-to-all gatherings designed to bring neighbors together around the fascinating history of our beloved neighborhood.

Beginning this May and continuing through 2027, we will meet every other month or so — pausing during the busy summer travel season — to hear from local experts and scholars on topics that explore the people, places, and stories that have shaped Virginia-Highland into the community we know and love today.

Each evening will be held in the warmly historic upstairs room at Atkins Park Restaurant, where you are welcome to enjoy dinner and drinks while you learn and connect with your neighbors.

These meetings grow directly out of the History Committee's community shuttle tours, which have introduced many of us to the neighborhood's remarkable past — from European settlers in 1821 to the Todd and Cheshire families, the Adair mansion, the Nine-Mile Trolley, and the spirited fight to stop Interstate 485 from cutting through our neighborhood. Now we are bringing those conversations indoors, with guest speakers and a welcoming setting for all.

2026–2027 Schedule

All meetings are held from 6:30 to 8:30 pm at Atkins Park Restaurant, Upstairs Room, 794 N. Highland Avenue NE.

Thursday, May 7, 2026

Jewish Migration in 20th Century Atlanta
Speaker: Catherine Lewis, PhD

Thursday, August 13, 2026

Webb Construction & Nora G. Webb — The Female Leader Who Built VAHI
Speaker: Kady DeWees

Thursday, September 10, 2026

History of Atkins Park and North Highland Park
Speaker: Paul Burks

Thursday, November 12, 2026

The Architecture of Virginia-Highland
Speakers: Pam Bullock and Mark & Julie Arnold

Thursday, January 14, 2027

Workshop: How to Learn About Your House History
Speaker to be announced

Thursday, March 11, 2027

Topic and speaker to be announced

Details

When: 6:30 – 8:30 pm
Where: Atkins Park Restaurant, Upstairs Room — 794 N. Highland Ave NE, Atlanta
Cost: Free and open to all neighbors

We are deeply grateful to the team at Atkins Park Restaurant for hosting us in their beautiful upstairs space. Given the restaurant's own century-long history in this neighborhood, it feels like the perfect home for these conversations.