Before, At, and Beyond 250: Indigenous Cultural History in Georgia

The Marietta History Center invites the public to attend an upcoming symposium, “Before, At, and Beyond 250: Indigenous Cultural History in Georgia,” on Friday, November 13 through Sunday, November 15. The weekend will feature scholars and local experts, engendering discussion, learning, and reflection on Native American history before, at, and beyond the founding of the United States.

The symposium is part of the Marietta History Center’s ongoing recognition of America’s 250th anniversary (America250), connecting local and national stories through history, art, and civic dialogue.

“America’s 250th anniversary is an opportunity to recognize the many peoples and cultures that shaped this nation before, at, and beyond 1776,” said Amy Reed, Marietta History Center Director. “The land that would become Marietta and Cobb County was home to Indigenous peoples at the time of our nation’s founding. Our symposium brings these important stories forward and reminds us that Indigenous history is American history.”

The symposium will kick off Friday evening at the Marietta History Center. In addition to a reception in the Center’s galleries, the Opening Program will feature a participatory discussion centered around an 18th-Century painting by William Verelst, titled Audience Given by the Trustees of Georgia to a Delegation of Creek Indians. The symposium continues to Saturday, with four speakers presenting on topics from historical events to ethnobotany to Cherokee language revitalization. The symposium will wrap up on Sunday, with a guided tour and weapons demonstration at Etowah Indian Mounds State Historic Park.

Event Details:

Opening Program & Reception
Date: Friday, November 13
Time: 5:30 pm to 7 pm
Location: Marietta History Center
1 Depot Street, Marietta, GA 30060
Details: Heavy hors d’oeuvres in the gallery

Speaker Presentations
Date: Saturday, November 14
Time: 9:30 am to 4 pm
Location: Marietta City Schools Meeting Room
250 Howard Street, Marietta GA 30060
Details: Light breakfast and lunch included

Excursion to Etowah Indian Mounds State Historic Site
Date: Sunday, November 15
Time: 1 pm to 2:30 pm
Location: 813 Indian Mounds Road SE
Cartersville, GA 30120
Details: Guided tour and weapons demonstration provided; tour will take place outdoors, rain or shine;
attendees must provide their own transportation to/from the site

Invited Speakers:

• Tony Harris, Citizen of Cherokee Nation and Cherokee Elder
Presentation: “Ethnobotany: If Plants Could Talk-A Cherokee Relationship”
• Dr. Heidi Altman, Georgia Southern University
Presentation: “250 Years On: The Persistence and Resilience of Indigenous Communities”
Dr. Tammy Byron, Young Harris College
Presentation: “Southeastern Indians of the Revolutionary Era”
• Dr. Michael P. Morris
Presentation: “Mary Musgrove: Georgia’s Co-Founder”

Please note the schedule of events and participants are subject to change without notice.

Ticket Information:

General Public
Full Symposium Rate: $20
Daily Rates: Friday: $10, Saturday $10, Sunday $5
Purchase tickets online
Registration required

Annual Fund Supporters
Free for “Museum Explorer” tier and up
Must reserve tickets by emailing LOestreicher@MariettaGa.gov