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For more information: Rebecca Roberts, 4046883353, ext. 13 www.preserveatlanta.com
Atlanta Preservation Center kicks off tour guide recruiting ATLANTA (October 7, 2009) – The Atlanta Preservation Center (APC) is now recruiting volunteers to conduct tours of 10 historic neighborhoods and sites around the city. One of the missions of the APC is to educate Atlantans and visitors alike about the city’s historic sites. One of the best ways to spread that knowledge is through a walking tour, where guests can see some of the city’s finest architectural treasures up-close and at a leisurely pace. The experiences of strolling by Downtown’s first skyscrapers, staring at the stars in the Fox Theatre’s ceiling or comparing the elaborate designs of Victorian mansions is greatly enhanced by the knowledge and enthusiasm of the APC’s volunteers. While guests are entertained and enlightened, tour guides are rewarded by doing a small part to preserve Atlanta’s past. “In my twenty years as a tour guide, I've probably introduced thousands to Atlanta history, and why it’s important to be vigilant or we’ll lose our identity as a community,” said Cathy Vogel, a Fox Theatre guide who has also volunteered with the APC’s summer camp and Urban Experience. “But I've probably received more than I've given in the wonderful stories that people like to share.” Meeting people from around the globe makes being a guide enormously rewarding for Hillery Rink, who leads groups through the Fox as well as historic Grant Park. "I thoroughly enjoy meeting the people on my tours and sharing a bit of Atlanta history with them,” said Rink. “It's sometimes easy to forget that, for most people, everything you're telling them is new and interesting. Their smiles and feedback energize me and I always finish a tour feeling great, even on days when I had other things on my mind beforehand." Along with the Fox, the APC conducts tours of several historic neighborhoods: Historic Downtown, Sweet Auburn/MLK, Jr. Historic District, Inman Park, Grant Park, Druid Hills, Historic Midtown, Ansley Park, the Midtown/SoNo Commercial District and the railroad district around Underground. Volunteers need not have any special knowledge of these areas: The APC offers extensive training. Fun and informative education sessions provide future guides with the history and significance of the areas they want to focus on. The next training sessions begin in January, 2010. Three introductory and overview classes will be held January 13, 20 and 27 from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. at the Grant Mansion, 327 St. Paul Avenue. An additional four to six classes will provide in-depth details on each specific tour, and will be held in February and March. Guides must be members of the APC or join with a $35 individual or $60 family membership. As members, guides are welcome to take all of the APC’s regularly scheduled tours at no charge. In addition, there is a $25 fee for training materials. Guides must commit to attending all classes and to giving at least one tour a month for two years. Prospective volunteers are invited to contact Rebecca Roberts, 404-688-3353, ext. 13, to set up an interview.
The Atlanta Preservation Center is a citywide non-profit association of interested citizens, civic and business organizations. Composed of over 1100 members, the Center promotes historic preservation in Atlanta through education and advocacy. In addition to conducting guided walking tours in seven historic districts and one landmark, the Center publishes a newsletter, offers workshops, and works with neighborhoods, developers, businesses and government on preservation issues and projects. Such projects range from assisting neighborhoods with historic designations to promote redevelopment of historic buildings. For guided walking tour information or to learn how you can join the Center in preserving Atlanta’s heritage, please call our hotline at 404.688.3350 or visit our website at www.preserveatlanta.com.