The Atlanta Historical Museum

The Atlanta Historical Museum is pleased to announce the opening of its new permanent exhibition, Brave Bessie: Soaring Above Barriers. The exhibit celebrates the life and achievements of Atlanta native, Bessie Coleman, the first African American woman, and woman of Native American descent, to earn a pilot’s license. Visitors can explore a 2/3-scale model Curtis JN “Jenny” plane, watch footage of 1920s barnstormers, and view new museum items and photographs. Large interpretive panels tell the story of Bessie’s remarkable life, from her childhood in Texas to her untimely death in Florida, and the triumphs and tribulations she experienced in-between.

The Atlanta Historical Museum and Atlanta Area Chamber of Commerce are hosting the official Ribbon Cutting for the exhibit on Friday, September 13th at 1:00 p.m. The public is encouraged to attend and light refreshments will be served. The museum would like to acknowledge the Atlanta City Development Corporation and Atlanta Tourism Committee for their financial support of the new exhibit. The museum is excited to announce that further updates and additions to the museum’s other exhibits are expected to take place in 2025.

Brave Bessie: Soaring Above Barriers is now open to the public during regular museum hours, Monday-

a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (closed 12:00 to 1:00 p.m. for lunch). The Atlanta Historical Museum is located on the upper level of the historic Texas and Pacific Railroad Depot at 101 N East St. in Downtown Atlanta. Museum entrance is free. Learn more by visiting experienceatlantatx.com or call Kelsey Knox, City of Atlanta’s Tourism & Visitor Center Director, at 903-650-2582.