Did you know that where the downtown Georgia State University Library sits today was once the gateway to Atlanta’s red-light prostitution district? Learn more on this presentation-tour about one of GSU's many "Hidden Histories"!

A maximum of 30 attendees allowed -- sign up to get your spot! This event is for GSU students, faculty, and staff only.

We'll start inside the downtown University Library CURVE space (near Library South entrance) for a presentation of the bawdy brothels that lined Downtown Atlanta’s Collins Street from the late 1800s to the early 1900s—showcasing tantalizing tidbits from newspapers, census records, city directories, property records, maps, and more.

Then, we’ll go outside to walk South Collins Street and transport our imaginations back to those bygone days when sin and Southern hospitality went hand in hand – with tales of madams and their painted ladies (some classy, some brassy, but always sassy), the shenanigans and scandals, the sociopolitical complexities of the turn-of-the-century prostitution trade, and what finally brought the Collins district to its demise after a 40-year run.

• The presentation-tour will last about two (2) hours total – about 60 minutes for the inside seated presentation portion, about 30-45 minutes for the outside tour portion, and time in between for a bathroom break.
• The tour component requires standing for long periods and walking about 0.3 miles in total. All presentation and tour components are wheelchair accessible.
• Much of the tour component is in the shade (under the Courtland Street bridge) – please check the weather and bring jackets and umbrellas if indicated.
• Questions? Please email Dr. Mandy (your tour guide) at aswygarthobaugh@gsu.edu