2026 Events
SPECIAL EXHIBIT
A Victorian Wedding
On display February 7-28, 2026
View the William Root House as it would have appeared during a Victorian-era wedding and reception. No wedding had a greater impact on marriage rituals and traditions than Queen Victoria’s wedding to Prince Albert on February 10, 1840. Southerners, in particular, had a fascination with the British aristocracy and eagerly adopted their customs and etiquette. Museum visitors will see how a southern middle-class family like the Roots would have planned their nuptials and learn the origin of many wedding customs and traditions still practiced today. Nineteenth century wedding illustrations and invitations and an authentic 1860s gown will be displayed during this exhibit. This exhibit is included with the cost of regular museum admission and is free for Cobb Landmarks members.
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SPECIAL EXHIBIT
A Victorian Wedding
On display February 7-28, 2026
View the William Root House as it would have appeared during a Victorian-era wedding and reception. No wedding had a greater impact on marriage rituals and traditions than Queen Victoria’s wedding to Prince Albert on February 10, 1840. Southerners, in particular, had a fascination with the British aristocracy and eagerly adopted their customs and etiquette. Museum visitors will see how a southern middle-class family like the Roots would have planned their nuptials and learn the origin of many wedding customs and traditions still practiced today. Nineteenth century wedding illustrations and invitations and an authentic 1860s gown will be displayed during this exhibit. This exhibit is included with the cost of regular museum admission and is free for Cobb Landmarks members.
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Super Museum Sunday
February 8, 2026 | NOON-4:00pm
CLHS's William Root House Museum joins over 100 historic sites and museums in Georgia to offer FREE ADMISSION on Georgia Historical Society's Super Museum Sunday. See a list of participating museums.
LECTURE
Behind Closed Doors:
Sex in Victorian America
February 26, 2026 | 6:30pm
The Third Door
Were Victorians as sexually repressed as we perceive them to be? Join us at The Third Door for a lecture exploring the complex social and private lives of nineteenth century Americans. We'll cover a wide range of topics, from Victorian-era sex education and contraception to the emergence of explicit photography during the Civil War. We will also examine those on the fringes of society—from celibates to polygamists—who redefined the boundaries of love and marriage, alongside the activists who sought to regulate morality (often with unintended consequences). This lecture is restricted to guests 21+. By purchasing a ticket, you acknowledge that you understand this program will include adult themes. Tickets for this program are $30 per person and must be purchased in advance. Each lecture ticket includes one signature drink ticket (valued at $10). Doors open at 6:00pm. Lecture begins at 6:30pm.
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LECTURE
Homesteading & Folk Herbalism with Grant Wallace
April 18, 2026 | 4:00pm
Join us for an inspiring afternoon with Atlanta farmer and entrepreneur Grant Wallace. Grant will share about his journey from starting a backyard garden to cultivating herbs for Atlanta’s top chefs, ultimately leading to the establishment of Moonie Mart, his modern take on a country store. Grant will discuss the rewards of homesteading and embracing self-reliance, and how prioritizing simplicity can enrich your daily life. Space is limited. Tickets are $15 and must be purchased online in advance.
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Plant Sale & Antique Market
May 2, 2026 | 9:00am-1:00pm
A beloved Marietta tradition, the annual Root House Plant Sale & Antique Market returns on May 2nd. This unique sale offers shoppers a wide selection of vintage and native Georgia plants, many of which can be found growing in the Root House gardens. In addition to plants, we'll have a sidewalk sale with antique and vintage decor and garden items. Our Gift Shop will have a variety of garden items available for purchase including small batch botanical products. Availability is limited and all plants and items are sold first-come, first-served, so plan to attend the preview sale or arrive right at 9:00am for the best selection.
PREVIEW SALE
Join us for an exclusive preview night on May 1, 2026 from 5:00pm to 7:00pm. Enjoy early access to our sale, and purchase plants and items before they’re available to the general public. Tickets are $10 and must be purchased online in advance.
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Mother's Day Tea Party
TDB
Join us for our annual Mother’s Day Tea Party at the William Root House. This family-friendly event will take place in the Root House garden (weather permitting). Guests will enjoy a variety of finger sandwiches, pastries, and a selection of teas. Each reservation includes a farmhouse table and seating for four guests. Guests are encouraged to have fun dressing up! Space is limited. Table reservations are $150 per table (seats four guests). Reservations are required and must be booked online in advance.
COMING SOON
Juneteenth Celebration
June 19, 2026 | 10:00am-4:00pm
Join us as we commemorate Juneteenth, an annual celebration of the emancipation of the last remaining enslaved African Americans in the U.S. in June 1865. The day will include guided museum tours, living history demonstrations, storytelling, and more. We are pleased to offer FREE ADMISSION to this program.
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Independence Day Fireworks
July 4, 2025 | 6:00pm-9:30pm
Enjoy Marietta’s amazing fireworks display from the best viewing spot in town - the William Root House gardens! Bring your own table decor, beverages, and food. A prize will be awarded to the table with the best decorations. Guests will have access to the restroom in the Root House Visitor Center during the event. Space is limited! Reserve your table below!
$300 Reservation
- Includes one table and seating for four.
- On-site parking for one vehicle is included with this reservation.
$450 Reservation
- Includes one table and seating for six.
- On-site parking for one vehicle is included with this reservation.
Root House Harvest Dinner
TBD | 6:00pm-8:30pm
Don’t miss a special evening of rustic elegance at the William Root House. This ultimate insider experience includes a private tour of the museum followed by an intimate candlelit meal served on the grounds of the antebellum home. The southern-style dinner will include appetizers, fried chicken, seasonal vegetables, and dessert.
COMING SOON
SPECIAL EXHIBIT
Victorian Funeral
On display October 1 - October 31, 2026
During the month of October, visitors to the William Root House will see the home decorated for mourning. Curtains will be drawn, and rooms will be adorned with black crepe and ribbons. Daytime tours are included in the cost of regular museum admission.
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VIP EXPERIENCE
Midnight Wake
TBD | 11:00pm-Midnight
Hannah Root’s father, Leonard Simpson, died in the Root House on October 11, 1856. Upon his death, the Root family would have observed a wake, maintaining a vigil over his body in the period between his passing and burial. During this VIP experience, guests will be guided through the house’s candlelit rooms and learn about 19th-century embalming and funeral practices. As midnight approaches, guests will gather to recite a poem about death, written by Leonard Simpson himself in 1839. This program is restricted to guests 12 years or older. By purchasing a ticket, you acknowledge that you understand this program will include adult themes. Tickets for this program are $50 per person and must be purchased in advance. Space is extremely limited.
COMING SOON
LECTURE
Death, Crime and the Coroner
Tales from the Life of William K. Root (1841-1891)
TBD | 6:30pm
In the 19th century, the first person called to investigate a suspicious death was the coroner, oftentimes an elected official with little to no medical training. Hannah and William Root's eldest son, Willie Root, served as Cobb County coroner from 1883 to 1887. A pharmacist and medical school graduate, Willie Root had a curious relationship with death: serving in gruesome Civil War field hospitals, experiencing personal loss within his family, and witnessing tragic crime scenes as coroner. This program is restricted to guests 18 years or older. By purchasing a ticket you acknowledge that you understand this program will include violent adult themes. Tickets for this program are $15 per person and must be purchased in advance.
COMING SOON
Victorian Funeral Flashlight Tours
TBD | 5:00pm-9:00pm
During this special after-hours tour, visitors to the William Root House will explore darkened rooms decorated for a Victorian era funeral. Guests will view 19th century embalming equipment, mourning jewelry made from human hair, and other curious artifacts related to death and mourning in the Victorian era. Flashlight tour tickets are $10 in advance and $15 at the door.
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Victorian Christmas Candlelight Night
December 11, 2026 | 4:00pm-8:00pm
The William Root House in downtown Marietta will be transformed for the holidays. Candlelit rooms will be decorated with live greens, fruit, and handmade decorations in the style of the 1860s. Candlelight Tour tickets are $10 per person.
COMING SOON
