The Wren's Nest:: an Atlanta landmark reclaimed

The Wrens Nest, Atlantas first house museum, was established in 1913. Formerly the home of author Joel Chandler Harris (1846 1908), Harris was best known for writing the Uncle Remus stories. The museum has a complicated history that involves Harris himself, the management of the museum, and the socio-cultural aspects of the time. Accusations of cultural appropriation inherent in Harriss use of the stories, the segregated site management, the association with Disneys Song of the South, and the changing demographics of the West End over the sites 105-year history, collide at the Wrens Nest. This thesis considers these topics in light of the Museums current mission statement and strategic plan alongside two frameworks; one addressing practical house museum management and the other, the theory of third space. It provides an assessment of the Wrens Nests potential to become a more valued, influential, and educational historic site.