The Georgia Department of Community Affairs’ Historic Preservation Division (HPD) has released a new historic context statement titled On the Circuit: The Chitlin’ Circuit and Segregated Black Entertainment in Jim Crow Georgia. The report is intended to be used as a reference for developing a future Chitlin’ Circuit Heritage Trail in Georgia, which aims to educate the public about African American entertainment during the era of segregation in the South.
The first phase of this project involved traveling to research and document sites related to the Chitlin’ Circuit and developing case studies for possible trail destinations. This work resulted in the publication of On the Circuit. Funding for this year-long effort was provided by a grant from the Fox Theatre through its Fox Gives program.
Mary W. Joseph, HPD Community Outreach Coordinator, collaborated with New South Associates on the creation of this report. Their research covered key aspects necessary for interpreting Chitlin’ Circuit locations across Georgia, including defining what constituted the circuit, examining its origins both nationally and regionally, and identifying people and places important to its history and preservation.
A number of sites associated with the circuit were selected as case studies. These may become part of the proposed heritage trail and could guide future additions as it expands.
“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.”
As with other historic context reports produced by HPD, On the Circuit is publicly available for use in various history and preservation projects. These resources help individuals and professionals identify and place their properties within broader historical themes.
On the Circuit along with other historic context statements can be accessed at dca.georgia.gov, where additional information about HPD and other DCA programs is also available.
