Lights…Camera…Lecture!

I wish I had known Wilbur G. Kurtz, Sr. I can only imagine how fascinating it would have been to talk to him about his life, hear first-hand stories of his early years in Atlanta, and, of course, chat with him about his friendship with author Margaret Mitchell.

The next best thing, however, is spending time with Bill Kurtz III, who is returning to the Old School History Museum on Sunday, October 10 –by popular demand –to tell us more about his renowned grandfather!

Seven years ago, Bill III came to our museum’s Sunday lecture series to speak about his famous artist/historian grandfather. As I listened, I felt an immediate connection to this Illinois-born gentleman who came south in 1903 and fell in love with my hometown, Atlanta.

I realized that I had grown up seeing some of Wilbur Kurtz’s historical artwork in Atlanta buildings without knowing about the artist himself. Also, I thought of the time my mother let me, a teenager, read her original copy of Gone With The Wind and later took me to see a re-run of GWTW in an Atlanta theater. As Bill spoke, I realized the film would have been quite different historically if his grandfather had not gone to Hollywood in the late 1930’s to guide the filming.

Not only was Kurtz an artist and historian, he also played a major role in the preservation of Atlanta’s history. He worked with the WPA in the mid 1930’s and was responsible for selecting and supervising the team of artists and craftsmen who restored the Atlanta Cyclorama. Another connection to Mr. Kurtz…my thoughts immediately went back to my 8th grade Georgia history class and our school bus trip to visit the Cyclorama.

I remember that my classmates and I walked down a long wooden ramp and moved slowly around the huge painting with a guide who told the story using a pointer with a lighted arrow. It was dark and a little chilly; the ramp seemed a bit rickety, but I was totally mesmerized! Today, the Cyclorama building at the Atlanta History Center is lovely and comfortable, and I am still awed by this massive 135-year-old painting and so grateful that Wilbur Kurtz, Sr. was in Atlanta to help save it.

I am excited that Bill is returning to share more stories with us – this time he will include Song of the South and The Great Locomotive Chase, two more films for which his grandfather provided historically accurate technical advice.

I do hope you will join us on Sunday, October 10, 2 p.m. at The Plaza Arts Center Theater for a memorable lecture. Who knows…you might take your own trip down memory lane!

Sandra Rosseter, Director

Old School History Museum

Further Reading:

Join author David O'Connell as he recounts the fascinating life and vibrant works of Georgia's preeminent artist-historian.

This book is available on Amazon.