APC Alert: The Phoenix Flies Celebration 2014

Each year the Atlanta Preservation Center coordinates a series of unique events dedicated to Atlanta history and historic preservation collectively called The Phoenix Flies Celebration. It started in 2003 on the 25th anniversary of the saving of the Fox Theatre (pictured above). The preservation of the Fox Theatre in 1978 is considered a significant early milestone in the local Atlanta preservation movement.

This year’s The Phoenix Flies: A Celebration of Atlanta’s Historic Sites will be held from March 8th – 23rd, 2014. It brings together Atlanta house museums, municipal organizations, preservation groups, historical societies, state agencies and more. This group of programs features 237 free events, tours, exhibits, activities and lectures related to Atlanta history.

The Phoenix Flies Celebration 2014 includes tours and open houses at the antebellum L.P. Grant Mansion (by the APC), the Atlanta History Center’s Cherokee Garden Library, Callanwolde Fine Arts Center, Sweet Auburn Curb Market, Glenn Hotel, Capitol City Club, Wren’s Nest, Atlanta City Hall (by the Atlanta Urban Design Commission) and bicycle tours of the Westview neighborhood. In addition to tours and open houses, the Celebration offers special events such as a Saturday on the Westside (with events at Howell Station Historic District, Collins United Methodist Church and Whittier Mill Village) and lectures about historic preservation by Easements Atlanta, the Historic Preservation Division, Georgia Department of Natural Resources and M.H. Mitchell Inc.

Again, many Phoenix Flies events are free, but are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. It’s best to call ahead, do a little bit of research about the event and come very early if it’s free to the public. Events will be posted on the APC website starting in late February. (Update: 2014 Phoenix Flies Celebration List of Events)

Each organization involved in the 2014 Phoenix Flies Celebration is a Preservation Partner with the APC, who funds, publicizes and coordinates all of the events through grants, donations and sponsors.

The annual event has grown over the years. The first Phoenix Flies Celebration in 2003 showcased 40 events from 16 Preservation Partners; the 2014 Phoenix Flies Celebration boasts 83 Preservation Partners and 237 events. Be sure to check the Atlanta Preservation Center website on the regular and Click Here for a List of Phoenix Flies 2014 Events.