At Atlanta’s Past Revisited, we believe history is best told through many voices and perspectives. That’s why we’re proud to launch our Guest Historian series, where we invite fellow history lovers, researchers, and storytellers to share their insights into Atlanta’s rich and complex past OR share with us how they plan to preserve Atlanta’s history.
I’m honored to feature a contribution from Mary Ilona from the Herndon Home in Atlanta, GA. Her research and storytelling adds depth to our understanding of the city’s prominent resident’s, and we’re thrilled to showcase their work here.
Please enjoy this special feature, and join us in welcoming our guest historian to the site.
Georgia State Graduate Students Gain Hands-On Preservation Experience at the Herndon Home Museum
By: Mary Ilonah – Historic Preservationist, GSU ’25
Date Posted: November 13, 2025
This week, graduate students from Georgia State University gained invaluable, hands-on experience in historic preservation at the Herndon Home Museum, a significant African American historic landmark in Atlanta. Held in the Carriage House, the session bridged academic learning with real-world preservation practices.
Stephanie L Cherry-Farmer from the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) led a seminar on the National Register of Historic Places, detailing the listing criteria and emphasizing the importance of sites like the Herndon Home Museum, which is recognized on the National Register.The session was anchored by Professor Morris Scott, who helped students relate the discussion to broader preservation principles and the management of historic sites.
During the visit, Mary Ilonah, Operations Manager at the Herndon Home Museum, led students on a guided tour, explaining how the museum preserves the site and its collections. This provided the students with hands-on experience in understanding the stewardship of the sole surviving 20th-century African American home in the nation, offering invaluable insight into preservation practices, cultural significance, and the challenges of maintaining historic landmarks.
This educational opportunity deepened students’ understanding of historic preservation frameworks and the importance of nationally recognized landmarks, supporting the development of future heritage professionals and promoting awareness of Atlanta’s rich African American history.
Herndon Home Museum Debuts New “Artifact of the Month” Program with a Rare First Reveal
By: Mary Ilonah – Historic Preservationist, GSU ’25
This October, the Herndon Home Museum, Atlanta launches its Artifact of the Month series, spotlighting rarely displayed treasures from our collection and inviting visitors to discover objects that shaped the daily lives of the Herndon family.
For our inaugural feature, we are unveiling something truly special: the baby shoes of Norris Herndon which date back to 1897/1898.
A Small Object with a Monumental Story
At first glance, the shoes are delicate—tiny leather soles that once carried the tentative steps of an infant. Yet, they are also powerful symbols of promise and possibility. These shoes belonged to Norris Bumstead Herndon, the only son of Alonzo and Adrienne McNeil Herndon. Preserved for more than a century, they bridge the gap between infancy and legacy, reminding us how even the smallest steps can lead to remarkable destinies.
Born into privilege at a time when opportunities for African Americans were severely limited, Norris grew up under the guidance of his father, Alonzo Franklin Herndon—the formerly enslaved man who rose to become Atlanta’s first Black millionaire. When Alonzo passed away in 1927, Norris inherited not only wealth but also responsibility. He became the president of the Atlanta Life Insurance Company, expanding the company into a powerhouse of Black enterprise and ensuring that the Herndon name would remain central to Atlanta’s civic and economic life.
To stand before Norris’s baby shoes today is to reflect on the journey from innocence to influence, from early childhood to leadership in one of the most significant African American-owned businesses in the nation.
Why “Artifact of the Month” Matters
The Herndon Home Museum’s new Artifact of the Month program is designed to make history feel personal. Each month, visitors will encounter an object rarely seen by the public, each one offering an intimate portal into the Herndon family’s world. From clothing and furnishings to personal keepsakes, these objects breathe life into the story of a family that defied the odds and redefined what was possible for African Americans in the 20th century.
Visit the Herndon Home Museum this October to see Norris Herndon’s baby shoes. For more information, contact 404-581-9813.
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