News

Civil War Soldiers Take Over Downtown Kennesaw!

3/19/09

KENNESAW, Ga. – Both Union and Confederate soldiers will camp out in front of the Southern Museum as the annual Big Shanty Festival takes place the weekend of April 18 – 19.

“There will be the usual weapons firing demonstrations,” explained Harper Harris, lead interpreter for the Museum. “There will be a cannon, along with the typical artillery. The ‘soldiers' will be dressed with historical accuracy. It's not only a great learning experience, but it's a lot of fun for families who are out for the festival to come by and watch the demonstrations.”

More information about this annual encampment can be obtained by calling Harris at 770.427.2117, ext 3180, or e-mailing programs@southernmuseum.org.

Got allergies? The Southern Museum has plenty of activities to get you out of the house but away from the spring blooms, including:

Mommy & Me, sponsored by Gas South
April 2 – 10 AM — I Love Trains!
April 9 – 10 AM — Let's Make a Toy!
April 16 – 10 AM — Freight Train, Freight Train
April 23 – 10 AM — Owney, One Lucky Dog!
May 7 – 10 AM — Chessie, the Railroad Kitten
May 14 – 10 AM — Curious George Rides a Bike
May 21 – 10 AM — I've Been Working on the Railroad
May 28 – 10 AM — I Want to be a Museum Worker!

Mommy & Me programs are designed for pre-K students ages three to five along with their parents. Events are free with Museum admission, and no reservations are required. For more information, contact the Museum at 770.427.2117, ext. 3173, or e-mail children@southernmuseum.org.

Home School Day
April 6 – 10 AM — 2 PM — 19th Century Play Day
May 4 – 10 AM — 2 PM — Codes, Messages, and Missions

Home-schooled students of all ages can now experience history at the Southern Museum in special Home School Days set-aside just for them! Reservations are not required. $4 per student four through 12 years old, $6 per adult, and free for children three and under. Call 770.427.2117, ext. 3174 or e-mail programs@southernmuseum.org for more information.

Historical Society Lecture Series
April 11 – 2 PM — Rare Videos of the General
May 9 – 2 PM — Reconstruction

Using local historians and experts in historical fields, the Museum brings history to life with enlightening discussions and frank debates. Sponsored by the Kennesaw Historical Society and the Southern Museum of Civil War & Locomotive History, discussions are held in the Museum's new Jolley Education Center. This event is free. Those wishing to tour the Museum either before or after the event should enter through the main entryway. For more information, contact 770.427.2117, ext. 3174 or e-mail programs@southernmuseum.org.

The Civil War Comes to Georgia
April 11 – 10 AM – 4 PM

Living historians of the Civil War era will provide a glimpse into life during the 1860s, holding various demonstrations, including weapons firings, throughout the day. The event is free of charge. For more information, call 770.427.2117, ext 3174, or e-mail programs@southernmuseum.org.

Assault on Big Shanty
April 18 – 10 AM — 4 PM
April 19 – Noon — 4 PM

Both Union and Confederate soldiers will be encamped across the street from the Museum in downtown Kennesaw, and will be holding weapons demonstrations in conjunction with the Big Shanty Festival. For more information, call 770.427.2117, ext 3174 or e-mail programs@southernmuseum.org.

Children's History Workshops
April 25 – 10 AM — Noon — Civil War Tactics
May 30 – 10 AM — Noon — Decoupage Self-Portraits

Children's History Workshops help you get your hands on history through fun projects! Reservations are not required. The workshops are $10 per child, or $7 for Museum members. For more information, call 770.427.2117, ext 3173, or e-mail children@southernmuseum.org.

A Smithsonian Institution affiliate, the Southern Museum features collections of rare Civil War weapons, uniforms, and other personal items; an exciting exhibit about The Great Locomotive Chase, including a short movie; and a full-scale replica of a locomotive factory that helped rebuild the South after the war. The Museum is currently hosting the popular exhibit, “William Wardrop Creations: Man's Imagination & Machines.”

Admission is $7.50 for adults, $6.50 for senior citizens 60 and older, $5.50 for children four through 12 years old, and free for children three and under. The Southern Museum is located 20 miles north of Atlanta, off I-75 at exit 273. For more information, visit www.southernmuseum.org or call (770) 427-2117