Atlanta History Center Announces New Podcast on WABE “1912: The Forsyth County Expulsion and Its Aftermath”
Podcast Aims To Correct Historical Record and Challenge Myths About Forsyth County, Ga. and “Haunted” Lake Lanier
Atlanta (November 12, 2024)—Atlanta History Center, in collaboration with WABE, Atlanta’s choice for NPR and PBS, announces 1912: The Forsyth County Expulsion and Its Aftermath, a six-episode podcast uncovering the devastating story of more than 1,000 Black residents forced out of Forsyth County, Ga., and the enduring impact on their descendants. The podcast will be available on the WABE/NPR Podcast Network and all major podcast platforms, with the first two episodes launching on Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2024, followed by new episodes released weekly.
Hosted by Rose Scott of WABE’s Closer Look and Sophia Dodd, digital storytelling research manager at the Atlanta History Center, 1912 aims to correct the historical record and confront widely held myths about Forsyth County and the “haunted” Lake Lanier. The podcast highlights the generational impact that has persisted for over a century in the county—a place The Oprah Winfrey Show visited in 1987 when the area was known as a hotbed of racism, having excluded Black residents for 75 years.
Listen to the trailer HERE.
The series is complemented by an in-depth exhibition at the Atlanta History Center, along with extensive digital content available at AtlantaHistoryCenter.com, including research archives, an interactive property map, and profiles of the families expelled from Forsyth County.
The series culminates in a live recording of the sixth episode at the Atlanta History Center on Monday, Nov. 18, 2024, featuring a panel discussion with three descendants of those families, moderated by Scott, with more than 40 descendants expected to attend.
“Our mission is to connect people, culture, and history to cultivate a deeper understanding of our shared past,” says Pola Changnon, chief content officer at Atlanta History Center. “We are committed to challenging the myths that have persisted for years by engaging with the community, listening to their stories, and working toward a fuller understanding of what truly happened. Through our approach of ‘showing our work,’ we’ve made a wide range of records and research freely accessible on our website, inviting the public to engage directly with the evidence supporting this project. By shedding light on events like the 1912 expulsion, Atlanta History Center aims to broaden perspectives on our history, helping people recognize its lasting impact and fostering a path forward.”
Based on two years of extensive research, including digitizing never-before-seen documents and images from Atlanta History Center’s renowned Kenan Research Center, as well as featuring never-before-heard audio from a survivor of the expulsion, 1912 debunks myths such as the supposed flooding of a Black town called Oscarville beneath Lake Lanier.
“This podcast connects directly to AHC’s broader storytelling efforts, where we examine myths and commonly held beliefs, much like our work with the Margaret Mitchell House and Gone with the Wind, the Cyclorama and Monument: The Untold Story of Stone Mountain,” says Kristian Weatherspoon, executive producer of 1912 and vice president of digital storytelling for Atlanta History Center. “These stories often serve an agenda, particularly around Lost Cause ideology, and we have taken a bold stance in confronting them. While the narrative around Forsyth County often focuses on the haunting of a lake, the real story is about the victims — those who endured racial violence, displacement and land theft. We aim to shed light on the truth, honor those affected and ensure myths and fictionalized accounts do not overshadow their stories.”
The expulsion from Forsyth County was not an isolated act of violence but a deliberate, sustained effort targeting every Black family across 200 square miles. Through the voices of descendants, extensive research and thorough genealogy work of Elyse Hill—one of only five African American board-certified genealogists in the nation—the podcast unearths how these families were systematically displaced and how this forced removal has shaped their lives and legacies for generations. By spotlighting personal narratives and tracing these families’ legacies, the podcast shows that the impact of 1912 continues to resonate today, drawing parallels between historical racial expulsions and contemporary issues such as gentrification.
“WABE is honored to partner with Atlanta History Center to share this important story,” says Scotty Crowe, Senior Vice President of Audio for WABE. “Our collaboration reflects a shared mission: to amplify voices and broaden perspectives on our collective history. We believe that by deepening our understanding of the past, people will gain a clearer sense of how history shapes the present. WABE and Atlanta History Center are committed to opening meaningful dialogue and preserving stories that inform, inspire, reflect, and empower Atlanta and beyond.”
Podcast Episodes Overview:
- Episode 1: “The Expulsion” – Scott and Dodd recount the events of 1912, using oral histories and archival records to reveal the terror that forced families to flee.
- Episode 2: “The Bagley Family” – This episode follows the Bagley family’s story of displacement and resettlement, highlighting their efforts to rebuild in the Buckhead area.
- Episode 3: “Lake Lanier Myths” – The hosts debunk myths about Lake Lanier, discussing the impact of sensationalized narratives on real historical events.
- Episode 4: “The 1987 Brotherhood March” – Scott and Dodd explore modern civil rights efforts and the county’s response to deep-rooted exclusionary practices.
- Episode 5: “The Struggle for Reconciliation” – This episode examines present-day efforts, such as the Forsyth Descendants Scholarship, to address the past.
- Episode 6: Live Recording – The final episode, recorded live at the Atlanta History Center, features living descendants sharing their stories in a moderated discussion with Scott.
ABOUT ATLANTA HISTORY CENTER
Founded in 1926, Atlanta History Center is dedicated to connecting people, culture, and history to foster a deeper understanding of our shared past. Spanning 33 acres, Atlanta History Center offers a comprehensive experience, featuring the Atlanta History Museum — one of the nation’s largest history museums and home to the Cyclorama: The Big Picture exhibit — alongside three historic houses: the 1920s Swan House, the 1860s Smith Farm and the 1830s Wood Cabin. Visitors can also explore the Goizueta Gardens, the Kenan Research Center, the Grand Overlook Ballroom and enjoy dining at Souper Jenny café or BRASH coffee shop. Additionally, Atlanta History Center owns and operates Atlanta History Center Midtown, which includes the Margaret Mitchell House, gallery space and event venues. For more information, visit AtlantaHistoryCenter.com.
ABOUT WABE
WABE is Atlanta’s original, independent, non-profit source for news and local stories and the choice for NPR and PBS. Our stations deliver fact-based journalism and inclusive, engaging, cultural content that informs, inspires, reflects, and empowers the millions who call the Greater Atlanta area home. WABE’s programs, podcasts, and events make Atlanta’s stories and storytellers accessible and relevant across various platforms for our diverse audience. WABE original programming, along with national NPR and PBS content, is available on WABE 90.1FM, WABE.org, WABE TV (PBS-30), and WABE-HD1/ WABE-HD2, as well as streaming on the WABE Mobile App, Hulu + Live, YouTube TV, Chromecast, PBS.org, Local Now, Roku, Android TV & mobile, Amazon Fire TV & tablets, iOS, tvOS, and Android TV live streams. Visit wabe.org for more information.
