GivingTuesday 2024 is December 3rd!
Why donate to The Patch Works? Because…
The Patch Works Keeps History Alive!!!
Cabbagetown’s History is Atlanta’s History… and its Future!
For more than 140 years, Cabbagetown has played a crucial role in Atlanta. Known since the 1970s as Cabbagetown, it began in the 1880s as Factory Lot, followed shortly after as Fulton Mill Village. For over a century, Fulton Mill Village was a strong-willed and staunchly independent mill town that formed around one of the country’s most successful cotton bag companies: Fulton Bag & Cotton Mills. For generations, the mill-era residents lived in a unique, closely-knit community nestled within Atlanta’s city borders.
With the closure of the factory in 1981, the community transitioned from a working-class neighborhood into an artist’s community… still strong-willed, staunchly independent, and very close-knit. Now, visitors from all over the world flock to Cabbagetown to experience first-hand its public artwork on display.
Cabbagetown was Atlanta’s First Historic Landmark District
In the 1970s, Atlanta’s historians and preservationists grew increasingly alarmed about the city’s habit of razing its historic structures and even entire neighborhoods. In 1975, a small group of local historians recognized the importance of Cabbagetown’s history and sought to save it from the destruction other old communities had experienced. In 1976, because of their efforts, Cabbagetown was placed on the National Register of Historic Places. In 1979, it became Atlanta’s first Historic Landmark District, a designation that provides the neighborhood with the highest level of protection – based on national standards – which will ensure that Cabbagetown is preserved well into the future.
Preservation Succeeds Only if People Know Their History
The Patch Works Art & History Center strongly believes that effective preservation must start at the local level. Communities must take action to keep their stories alive.
Any city – not just Atlanta – can get overwhelmed by the magnitude of its collective neighborhood stories. Sometimes, tangible and intangible histories get lost simply because municipal resources aren’t available to understand and maintain them.
This is why The Patch Works wants to see community-based museums across Atlanta. When enough of these localized museums are developed, they can tell the greater story of the city by connecting as an educational network. And The Patch Works will assist any neighborhood that wishes to make this happen.
The Patch Works NEEDS a “Forever” Home!
We are actively on the hunt for a new location. It has been far too long, and people are clamoring to see our collections, hear live music, listen to guest lectures, and participate in workshops.
Your generosity will assist The Patch Works in its pursuit of a new Cabbagetown-based art and history center!
The Patch Works Art & History Center is a US 501(c)(3) Nonprofit Organization and a 509(a)(2) Public Charity. Donors can deduct contributions made to The Patch Works under IRC Section 170.
