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Lunch & Learn: On the Circuit: Networks of Black Entertainment in Georgia
February 18, 2026 @ 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
On the Circuit: Networks of Black Entertainment in Georgia
The Bartow History Museum will host a special roundtable program, On the Circuit: Networks of Black Entertainment in Georgia, exploring the history and legacy of the Chitlin Circuit and its vital role in providing safe performance spaces for Black entertainers during segregation.
In 2024, the Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA) received a grant from the Fox Theatre in Atlanta to develop a historic context for the proposed Georgia Chitlin Circuit Heritage Trail. From the 1920s through the mid-1960s, the Chitlin Circuit functioned as a statewide network of tent shows, theaters, and juke joints that allowed Black performers to tour and perform safely across the South.
The program will feature a panel of experts involved in the heritage trail project. Mary Wilson Joseph, Community Outreach Coordinator with DCA, will introduce the initiative and outline its goals. Leigh Burns, Director of Community Partnerships at the Fox Theatre, will discuss the grant program and the importance of supporting this research. Historians Renee’ Donnell and Wes Nimmo of New South Associates will present findings from the study completed this year, highlighting research methods and notable Chitlin Circuit venues across Georgia.
Ms. Joseph will conclude the program by moderating a panel discussion and audience Q&A, giving attendees the opportunity to engage directly with the speakers and ongoing preservation efforts.
Admission
- Free for museum members
- $9 for non-members
