The Georgia Department of Community Affairs’ Historic Preservation Division has released a new report titled On the Circuit: The Chitlin’ Circuit and Segregated Black Entertainment in Jim Crow Georgia. This publication provides a detailed historic context statement focused on Black entertainment venues that operated during the era of segregation in the state.
The report is intended to support the creation of a Chitlin’ Circuit Heritage Trail, which would highlight key sites where African American performers entertained audiences during the Jim Crow period. The proposed trail aims to educate visitors about this aspect of Georgia’s cultural history.
To produce On the Circuit, researchers traveled across Georgia to document venues and develop case studies for possible stops along the future heritage trail. Funding for this project was provided by a grant from Fox Theatre’s Fox Gives program.
Mary W. Joseph, HPD Community Outreach Coordinator, collaborated with New South Associates on the research and writing of the report. Their work included defining what constitutes the Chitlin’ Circuit, examining its origins at both national and regional levels, and identifying individuals and locations important to its story and preservation.
Selected sites associated with the circuit throughout Georgia were featured as case studies in the report. These are intended as potential destinations for inclusion on the future heritage trail, with room for further expansion as more sites are identified.
“On the Circuit is a groundbreaking resource to recognize the rich musical heritage and resilience in Georgia,” said Jennifer Flood, DCA’s Historic Preservation Division Director. “We look forward to the report’s impact in supporting a heritage trail to encourage visitors to these important sites.”
Reports like On the Circuit are made publicly available by HPD for use in various history and preservation initiatives. These resources offer guidance for individuals and professionals seeking to understand how their properties fit into larger historical themes.
Further information about On the Circuit and other historic context statements can be found on the DCA website at dca.georgia.gov, which also features details about other programs managed by the Historic Preservation Division.
