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Long before Flannery O’Connor became known for her peacocks in rural Georgia, she was already fascinated by birds during her childhood in Savannah. At 207 E. Charlton St., O'Connor's childhood home, she dressed chickens in outfits and taught a Bantam hen to walk backward, capturing the attention of a photojournalist.
The Greek Revival row house where she lived until age 13 is now a museum celebrating her literary contributions and unique personality. This year, the museum plans to commemorate the 100th anniversary of O’Connor’s birth with various events from March 21-23, including socials, tours, author talks, and an annual birthday party featuring vendors and an O’Connor look-alike contest.
“It’s totally wacky, and it really brings Flannery’s sort-of eccentric and quirky side to the forefront,” said Janie Bragg, executive director of the Flannery O’Connor Childhood Home Museum.
O'Connor's family resided in this home during the Great Depression before moving to Atlanta in 1938 and later to Andalusia near Milledgeville. It was at Andalusia that O'Connor returned when her health declined at age 25. There she wrote most of her well-known "Southern Gothic" stories.
Her writing interest began early; at seven years old, she wrote a book about her family members as birds. “We know that she was doted on by her parents, especially her father," Bragg told OSV News.
The house was restored after being converted into apartments in the 1960s. It now includes family furnishings and personal items reflecting their Catholic faith. Among these is Flannery’s baptismal certificate from the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist across from her home.
“They had no excuse not to go to Mass every day,” Bragg said about the O’Connors' devotion. The museum attracts visitors familiar with O’Connor’s faith-rooted themes but also challenges readers with complex narratives requiring critical thinking.
“I don’t think you can be a passive reader when you’re reading Flannery O’Connor,” Bragg stated.
Flannery O’Connor continues to captivate audiences even decades after her death at age 39 from lupus. Her life inspired recent films like "Wildcat" starring Maya Hawke and publications such as Jessica Hooten Wilson's release of an unfinished manuscript titled “Why Do the Heathen Rage?” in 2024.
Andalusia will also host centenary celebrations on March 25 with free tours and talks from artists related to children's literature about O'Connor. A larger event on March 29 will feature folk music inspired by her work.
“A big reason why she (O’Connor) continues to pop up...is because there’s been more published,” Bragg noted regarding new releases of letters, journals, and cartoons that reveal more about her as a person.
Maria Wiering is senior writer for OSV News.
