Atlanta Granted New Hope AME Landmark Status
The city officially designated the Buckhead church and its historic cemetery as a protected landmark.
Updated on Sept. 22, 2026 in African-American
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The City of Atlanta has officially granted historic landmark status to the New Hope AME church. This protective designation covers both the church building and the cemetery located on the campus.
Why it matters
This formal recognition serves to safeguard historic cemeteries from encroachment by developers. It also provides the congregation with necessary access to grants for ongoing site maintenance.
The city designation officially covers the New Hope AME church building and the 600 graves identified on the property. This status provides the site with formal protection and eligibility for maintenance funding.
The players
New Hope AME
This historic religious institution in Buckhead serves as the site of the new landmark designation.
City of Atlanta
The local municipal government responsible for granting the landmark status and managing historic preservation efforts.
The details
The designation encompasses the entirety of the campus, ensuring that the 600 graves situated behind the sanctuary remain preserved. By securing this status, the church gains a legal framework to manage the site against potential future development pressures.
Timeline
September 26, 2026: Annual Jazz on the Green concert
Culture Shift
This designation follows the standards established by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 to ensure the longevity of cultural sites. It reflects a growing societal commitment to preserving historically Black spaces within rapidly developing urban environments.
Residents in the area can expect the site to remain preserved from future commercial construction thanks to this new legal status. This ensures that the historic cemetery continues to serve as a protected cultural space for the community.
The takeaway
Securing landmark status is a critical step for congregations looking to preserve historic burial grounds. Local communities can support these efforts by participating in site events and advocating for the continued protection of heritage landmarks.
What happens next
The annual Jazz on the Green concert is scheduled to take place at the location on September 26, 2026.
Further reading
Learn more about local heritage preservation efforts on the African-American page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WCLK | The Jazz of The City.
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