Popular ‘Phoenix Flies’ back for 18th year through March 28

In-person outings, virtual options play up notable history.

The Atlanta Preservation Center’s popular “Phoenix Flies” event series is back after being cut short last year because of the coronavirus pandemic. This year’s three-week program, which gives Atlantans an inside look at notable historic sites, includes almost 100 free vir- tual and in-person events.

Through March 28, the series, now in its 18th year, will highlight dozens of significant places. The sched- ule includes guided walk- ing tours of historic neighborhoods, cemeteries, parks and gardens, including spots like the Westview Cemetery abbey and the Goodrum House garden in Buckhead.

All of the events are free to the public, though reser- vations or registration are required for some events.

Most of the in-person events will take place outdoors. Virtual options include virtual tours of the Atlanta Daily World building on Auburn Avenue and the downtown Peachtree Center Historic District, and virtual lectures and presentations on topics like convict leasing and the history of Oglethorpe University.

“We are also grateful to have partners that have adapted and grown to show how they can still carry out their mission — while preserving the very basic needs of the space they represent. By using the virtual domain and safe interaction, we have crafted a way to remember the past and look forward to the future — by having preservation remind us of what we are,” said David Mitchell, the executive director of the preservation center.

More information is on t he center’s web s ite at atlantapreservationcenter.com.