The Wren’s Nest is inviting literature lovers out for a day of Brer Rabbit Blues & BBQ. The former home of Joel Chandler Harris, author of the Brer Rabbit and Uncle Remus stories, the Wrens Nest is the oldest house museum in the state.
For over a century, the Wren’s Nest, located over 3 acres at 1050 Ralph David Abernathy Blvd, Atlanta, GA 30310, has served the community by keeping the art of storytelling alive.
Today, our mission is to continuing preserving African-American folklore through storytelling, tours, and student publishing.
As an organization founded on storytelling and literature, the Wren’s Nest encourages young authors to develop their talent and passion for writing. “Each semester we work with students from Brown Middle School and KIPP STRIVE Academy through our Scribes program. We give the students a theme, connect them with mentors, and challenge students to develop their writing skills,” said executive director Melissa Swindell. “The students’ work is then published in two separate books, one for each school.”
The Wren’s Nest Scribes program is funded by MailChimp, Gas South, the Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs, Fulton County Arts & Culture, the Georgia Council for the Arts, and contributions from individuals and local businesses. “Hands-on community support makes the Brer Rabbit Blues and barbecue fundraiser a reality. Not only are our vendors – Monday Night Brewing and Das BBQ – our neighbors, but they support us through donations and their time,” said Melissa Swindell, executive director of The Wren’s Nest.
“Das BBQ has provided the food at the past two fund-raisers, and we’re very pleased to have them back for a third year,” added Wren’s Nest board member Jim Auchmutey, who was guest curator of the “Barbecue Nation” exhibition at the Atlanta History Center.
Guests at the barbecue will also enjoy live music as they picnic in the 2.5-acre yard surrounding house. The Tom Hill Band will perform blues music, and share the stage with local non-profit, Jazz Matters, led by Edwin Williams, the former bass player for at Dante’s Down The Hatch, a beloved Atlanta restaurant that was a noted jazz venue.
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