Preserving and Sharing Rural African American History in Georgia

1903-The Flat Rock Methodist Episcopal Church: Seated-Will Tanner, Tom Christian, Spencer Bryant-Chairman, Jerry Sypho, Rance Baily; Standing-James Wise, Hill Lyons, Rev. Jim Davis-Pastor, Henry Shoemaker, & Andrew Waits.

The Flat Rock Archive, Inc

The Flat Rock Archive, Inc is located in the City of Stonecrest, Georgia. We are housed within a historical landscape and currently maintain the 20th-century Georgian Cottage known as the T.A. Bryant, Sr. House, which was built in 1917. We also maintain the historic Flat Rock Cemetery which is currently being restored

Preserving and Sharing Rural African-American History in Georgia

The T.A. Bryant, Sr. house was donated to the Archives by Rev. T.A. Bryant, Sr.’s son, and Co-Founder, Rev. T.A. Bryant, Jr. The site also includes a barn, smokehouse, and outhouse constructed throughout the 20th century. The Flat Rock Archive, Inc., also includes the Historic Flat Rock Cemetery, with burials dating back to enslaved people.

Plan Your Visit

Field Trips

Are you a school, teacher, scout group, home school family or assisted living home? Contact us to book your next field trip. We can customize our tours to fit your curriculum. All ages and groups are welcome.

Individuals

Visit the archive as an individual or family. There are many ways to enjoy the archive on a personal level. You can Sign Up for upcoming volunteer opportunities, plan a Saturday visit, and share your history with us.

Cemetary Tour

Are you interested in touring the Flat Rock Historic Cemetery? Please submit an inquiry and let us know you are interested. We plan tours in the colder months. Visit Find a Grave for a list of interred individuals.

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Walk through African American History.

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Expertise and insight

Guests say the Guide shared top-notch knowledge.

Cancellation flexibility

Free cancellation up to 48 hours before the start time.

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News & Events

Black History Month – Fannie Lou Hamer

February 7, 2025 No Comments

#BlackHistoryMonth Spotlight: Fannie Lou Hamer

“You can pray until you faint, but unless you get up and try to do something, God is not going to put it in your lap.” – Fannie Lou Hamer.

Today, we honor the indomitable spirit of Fannie Lou Hamer, a fearless civil rights activist who dedicated her life to fighting for voting rights and racial equality. Born in 1917 in Mississippi, Hamer rose from humble beginnings as a sharecropper to become one of the most powerful voices in the Civil Rights Movement.

Hammer’s words remind us that change requires both faith and action. Her unwavering courage in the face of adversity continues to inspire generations to stand up for justice and equality.

At the Flat Rock Archive, Inc., we’re committed to preserving and sharing the rich history of African Americans in our community. Let’s carry forward Hamer’s legacy by actively working towards a more equitable future for all.

#FannieLouHamer #CivilRights #BlackExcellence #FlatRockArchive #blackhistory365

Black History Month – Barbara Jordan

February 4, 2025 No Comments

🖤 Black History Month Spotlight: Barbara Jordan 🖤
The Flat Rock Archive, Inc. celebrates a champion of integrity in public service.

“We call ourselves public servants, but I’ll tell you this: we as public servants must set an example for the rest of the nation. It is hypocritical for the public official to admonish and exhort the people to uphold the common good.”

Barbara Jordan: A Legacy of Leadership
*First African American woman elected to the Texas Senate after Reconstruction
*First Southern Black woman in the U.S. House of Representatives
*Renowned for her powerful defense of the Constitution during the Watergate hearings

Jordan’s words echo through time, reminding us that true leadership means embodying the values we preach. At The Flat Rock Archive, Inc., we preserve stories of local leaders who, like Jordan, set examples of service and integrity for their communities.

Why This Matters to Flat Rock
Our mission is to document the rich history of African American life in Flat Rock. Jordan’s call for accountable leadership resonates with the legacy of service we’ve uncovered in our own backyard – from community organizers to elected officials who upheld the common good.

Visit The Flat Rock Archive, Inc. to explore how Jordan’s spirit of public service is reflected in our community’s own history!

#BlackHistoryMonth #BarbaraJordan #FlatRockArchive #LeadershipLegacy #BlackHistory365✊🏾

It’s Black History Month!

February 1, 2025 No Comments

🗣️ “If they don’t give you a seat at the table, bring a folding chair.” – Shirley Chisholm

This Black History Month, Flat Rock Archive, Inc. honors Shirley Chisholm, a trailblazer who embodies the resilience spirit that defines our community’s history.

👑 Shirley Chisholm’s Legacy:

First African American woman elected to Congress (1968)
First Black candidate to run for a major party’s presidential nomination (1972)
Championed education, civil rights, and women’s equality
Co-founded the Congressional Black Caucus

Chisholm’s determination to claim her place in politics mirrors the tenacity of Flat Rock’s founders, who built a thriving community against all odds. Her advocacy for the underrepresented echoes our mission to preserve and amplify rural Black voices in American history.

At Flat Rock Archive, we continue to “bring our folding chair” by ensuring our community’s stories are heard and celebrated. Visit us to explore how local history connects to these national icons of Black excellence.

#BlackHistoryMonth #ShirleyChisholm #FlatRockArchives #BlackExcellence #WomensHistory #BookATour

Remembering Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Part 2

January 20, 2025 No Comments

📸 On this Martin Luther King Jr. Day, January 20, 2025, we at the Flat Rock Archive honor a true champion for justice.

Dr. King led with unwavering determination, inspiring change and fostering unity, leaving an indelible mark on history. His words continue to guide us: “If you can’t fly, then run; if you can’t run, then walk; if you can’t walk, then crawl, but whatever you do, you have to keep moving forward.”

These powerful words remind us that progress is always possible, no matter how small. At the Flat Rock Archive, we’re committed to preserving and sharing the stories of those who, like Dr. King, kept moving forward in the face of adversity.

Today, we recommit ourselves to Dr. King’s vision of equality and justice. Let’s honor his legacy by continuing to move forward together in our community and beyond.

#MLKDay2025 #FlatRockArchive #KeepMovingForward #CivilRightsLegacy #CommunityUnity

Remembering Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

January 19, 2025 No Comments

📸 Today, we honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. – a visionary leader whose words continue to inspire and guide us.

“Intelligence plus character – that is the goal of true education.”

At the Flat Rock Archive, we strive to embody this powerful message by preserving and sharing the rich history of our community. Dr. King’s wisdom reminds us that knowledge alone is not enough; it must be coupled with strong moral fiber to create meaningful change.

As we reflect on Dr. King’s impact, let us recommit ourselves to fostering both intellectual growth and character development in our community. Through education, preservation, and celebration of our shared heritage, we can build a brighter, more inclusive future for all.

#MLKDay #FlatRockArchive #CommunityLegacy #Education #CharacterMatters

Giving Tuesday – December 3, 2024

November 25, 2024 No Comments

Our movement is growing and we're building a future

Completed Projects

Historic Cemetery - Phase 1 Completed

We are happy to announce that we have completed phase I of our historic cemetery restorative project. Thanks to the help of our furry friends, the goats, we have cleared the overgrowth of the graves and revealed more site locations. The goats have done a wonderful job of eating the weeds, vines, and vegetation that were covering the tombstones, without damaging the stones or the soil. They have also provided us with some entertainment and joy along the way. We are grateful to the goat owners and caretakers who have partnered with us in this project. We invite you to visit the cemetery and see the amazing results of the goat’s work. Stay tuned for the next phase of our project, where we will repair and restore the tombstones and create a memorial garden for the cemetery. Thank you for your support and interest in our project. Together, we can honor and preserve the history and heritage of this sacred place.

Barn Stabilization Complete

We are thrilled to announce that we have successfully completed our barn stabilization project. This project was aimed at preserving and protecting the historic barn that is part of our heritage farm. The barn was in danger of collapsing due to structural damage and decay. With your generous support, we were able to hire a professional/historic contractor who repaired the foundation, walls, roof, and doors of the barn. The barn is now safe and secure, and has been wired with electricity. We are ready to host our educational and cultural programs. We invite you to visit our farm and see the restored barn for yourself. Thank you for helping us save this valuable piece of history. A special thanks to Dekalb County CEO Michael Thurmond and Board of Commissioners for their unwavering support.

Flat Rock Archive, Inc. Roof Completed

We are proud to announce that we have finished our new roof project for the T.A. Bryant Homestead and Historic Museum. This project was essential to preserve and protect the building, which dates back to 1917 and houses many valuable artifacts and exhibits. The old roof was leaking and had deteriorated, putting the museum and its collections at risk. With your generous support, we were able to replace the roof with a new and durable one that matches the original style and design of the building. The new roof will ensure the safety and longevity of the museum and its treasures. We invite you to visit our museum and see the new roof for yourself. Thank you for helping us keep our history alive.

Taking decisive steps towards a brighter future, addressing one issue at a time

Urgent Projects

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