News

Try history on for size at the Southern Museum this summer

May 31, 2006

KENNESAW, GA – Kids, adults, and train and Civil War enthusiasts will get to march in the boots of Civil War soldiers and don the striped caps of railroad engineers at the Southern Museum of Civil War and Locomotive History in Kennesaw this summer. Figuratively, that is.

Participants in the Museum’s interpretive programs will get a close-up look at how steam engines work and hear the music of the Civil War. Weapons demonstrations are among the favorite interpretive programs. Programs include guided tours of each of the Museum’s exhibits, Civil War photography discussions, locomotive factory workers’ stories, the story of the General, and more.

According to Education Director Jennifer Legates, the programs at the Southern Museum have experienced growing popularity with local residents seeking summertime entertainment and education.

“History is easier and more fun to grasp when you’re part of it, when it’s personal,” she said. “Our costumed interpreters bring a stronger sense of reality to history, especially for children who take part in the programs.”

Programs will be offered on Mondays through Saturdays from May 30 through August 12 at 12:30 pm, 1:30 pm, 2:30 pm, and 3:30 pm.

Other upcoming events in June & July include:

Living History: History’s Artillery. June 10, 10 am – 4 pm and June 11, 12 pm – 4 pm. The sound of thunderous artillery will fill the air in downtown Kennesaw during a Civil War encampment. Cannon firing demonstrations and lectures on military tactics and Civil War artifacts will be held both days. Free.

Kennesaw Historical Society Lecture Series – Civil War Artifacts that Talk. June 10, 2 – 3 pm. Local author Paul Johnson will provide a show-and-tell program on the everyday items that tell the story of our nation’s past. Free.

Children’s Program – “So you want to be a Civil War soldier?” Session 1: June 20, 10 am – 12 pm (6-8 years old); Session 2: June 21, 10 am – 12 pm (9-12 years old). Learn about the life of a Civil War soldier by experiencing it first hand! After enlistment, “new recruits” will learn about military issued equipment and experience the thrill of drilling like a Civil War soldier. Cost: $40 per child; Museum members $30. Space is limited; register by June 6, 2006.

Children’s Program – “So you want to be a railroad engineer?” Session 1: July 18, 10 am – 12 pm (6-8 years old); Session 2: July 19, 10 am – 12 pm (9-12 years old). Learn about the life of a railroad engineer by experiencing it first hand!  “Trainees” will practice their railroad signal and safety skills before learning about the operation of a locomotive. And of course, all “Engineers” receive their “Engineer’s License” ensuring they have successfully completed their training. Cost: $40 per child; Museum members $30. Space is limited; register by June 30, 2006.

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; a full-scale replica of a locomotive factory that helped rebuild the South after the war; and through May, a traveling exhibit featuring photographs of the people who dedicated their lives to the railroad.

The Southern Museum is located 20 miles north of Atlanta, off I-75 at exit 273.  Click here for visitor information, or call (770) 427-2117.