business
From Underground Atlanta to Disco Kroger: Lance Russell uncovers the city’s hidden stories
By Gabi Hart at SaportaReport (Atlanta civic/news)
· June 23, 2026
· 4 min read
From a lion wandering into a downtown drugstore to the disco nightclub that inspired the nickname “Disco Kroger,” Atlanta -based filmmaker Lance Russell brought decades of Atlanta history to life during a recent Buckhead Heritage speaker series event.
Russell, co-creator of the YouTube channel ...
Key takeaway Russell, co-creator of the YouTube channel Stories of Atlanta, spoke May 28 at Buckhead Heritage’s monthly speaker series, which highlights people, places and events that have shaped Atlanta’s history.
Why this matters in The Atlanta
Lance Russell's work in uncovering Atlanta's hidden stories has significant implications for the city's historic preservation efforts. By shedding light on lesser-known events and figures, Russell's Stories of Atlanta YouTube channel helps to foster a sense of community and shared history among residents. The fact that Russell's research has led him to discover "oddities, footnotes, characters, stories that were just too good to leave buried" suggests that there is still much to be learned about Atlanta's past. This is particularly relevant in a city where rapid development and growth often threaten to erase historic sites and landmarks. As Buckhead Heritage works to preserve and promote historic resources throughout the community, Russell's work serves as a valuable complement, providing a nuanced and engaging understanding of the city's history and cultural heritage. His efforts can help inform and inspire preservation efforts, ensuring that Atlanta's unique character is protected for future generations.
About this story
Original reporting by SaportaReport (Atlanta civic/news) . The Atlanta surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit SaportaReport (Atlanta civic/news) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: business ·
Published: June 23, 2026 ·
Source: SaportaReport (Atlanta civic/news) ·
Reading time: 4 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? From a lion wandering into a downtown drugstore to the disco nightclub that inspired the nickname “Disco Kroger,” Atlanta-based filmmaker Lance Russell brought decades of Atlanta history to life during a recent Buckhead Heritage speaker series event.
Russell, co-creator of the YouTube channel ...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 23, 2026 by SaportaReport (Atlanta civic/news) and curated for The Atlanta readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Gabi Hart at SaportaReport (Atlanta civic/news). To learn more about how The Atlanta selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more business coverage from The Atlanta, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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