For almost a century, the buildings now known as Chastain Arts Center and Galloway School have stood on the hillside above West Wieuca Road, looking south across gently rolling hills. Over time, however, the view has changed dramatically: instead of today’s ball fields and a manicured golf course, a hundred years ago we would have seen Fulton County Prison and Prison Farm. At that time, the facilities that house the Arts Center and School served as the county’s two, segregated Poor Houses (sometimes called Almshouses).

“THE POOR HOUSES” by Dr. Henry M. Hope follows the history of the Fulton County-Atlanta Poor Houses from their inception, through destruction in the Civil War, rebuilding and relocations, to their final site in what we now call Chastain Park. Dr. Hope’s personal interest in the saga was sparked by the role his grandfather, R. L. Hope, played in the story as superintendent of the Poor Houses for almost 30 years, when the facility stood on land near the present-day intersection of Peachtree and Piedmont Roads.

We invite you to tour the Arts Center and hear about its remarkable evolution from Almshouse to “Arts House.” Dr. Henry Hope will be on hand to discuss his book, answer questions and sign copies. The book may be purchased from online retailers, and limited copies of the book will be available at the event.

Thursday, March 11, 7 pm

135 W. Wieuca Rd. NW 30327