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This week, the Around Atlanta edition of Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio is taking it to the rails with Richard Banz, executive director of The Southern Museum of Civil War and Locomotive History.
The Southern Museum of Locomotive and Civil War History has been located in downtown Kennesaw since 1972 and is now a Smithsonian Affiliate. According to Banz, the mission of the museum is “to collect, preserve and interpret items relating to The Civil War and the world of locomotives in the Southeast.”
Visitors to the museum will find many exhibits detailing the history of locomotives and the part these massive machines played in The Civil War. The most popular is “The Great Locomotive Chase” Gallery, where visitors will find the steam locomotive General, the subject of The Chase, and a dramatic exhibit featuring the story of the 1862 raid including a movie, art and artifacts surrounding the event. For those unfamiliar with “The Great Locomotive Chase,” on April 12, 1862, as part of a larger conspiracy to disarm the Confederacy, a group of Union soldiers known as “Andrews Raiders” disguised themselves in civilian clothing and planned to steal a locomotive from inside the Confederacy. The idea was to sabotage their enemies by destroying telephone lines, bridges and modes of communication along the way. The group boarded the locomotive, which was led by the General. Around the Big Shanty area, now known as Kennesaw, the train stopped for breakfast. At this point, The Raiders took control of the train and headed north. This began an 89-mile chase, which started on foot and ultimately ended when the locomotive Texas caught up with the locomotive General and The Raiders were captured.
A variety of exhibits and educational displays show visitors how important the rail system was to both the Union and Confederate soldiers during the Civil War. Artifacts like muskets, flags and instruments are displayed and The Glover Machine Works exhibit shows the “casting of a new south” and how this part of the country changed after The Civil War. Teaching opportunities such as the Jolley Educational Center offer more than 8,000 square feet of space packed with programming and learning resources for children and their parents including telegraph stations, a diesel train simulator and a replica of 19th century downtown Kennesaw, where visitors can even try on clothing that was popular during that time.
As the events of The Civil War fade further into history, many fear that there will be a lack of interest in the past. When asked about the fate of history and authentic interest in events that make up the fabric of the nation, Banz notes, “I think there’s still a lot of interest. I think that in general, history is an exciting and popular subject, especially if you visit a museum. Sometimes kids may become bored if they have to read a book, but if you come to a museum or you’re out touring and you visit major spots or whatever it may be, the museum experience in itself provides an interactive and fun experience.” Banz adds that historic events can spur an increase in visitors. For example, the museum saw an increase in visitors last year, as it was the 150th anniversary of the Civil War. Many tourists travelled to Georgia specifically to visit war sites and museums.
For those who may visit the museum in the months to come, there is a constantly evolving calendar of activities year-round for visitors looking to learn more about locomotives or The Civil War. Visitors can enjoy early learning programs like “Mommy and Me” for children ages two through five each Wednesday from 2 until 3 p.m. and each Thursday from 10 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. During the weekend, guided tours are available and children can take advantage of the Discovery Stations, which provide younger visitors with an educational experience that complements the adult guided tours.
This weekend on July 18, visitors are encouraged to come to the museum for its third annual Railroad Rendezvous, from 9:30 a.m. until 5 p.m. During this family-friendly event, visitors will learn about the railroad system and the people behind it. The event begins with an interactive hobo jungle and will also include crafts, model train displays, story time and the opportunity to climb aboard the locomotive General, an experience only extended to the public once per year.
The museum continues to expand its collection and add new exhibits. From Aug. 16 until Oct. 29, in partnership with Kennesaw State University and the Breman Museum in Atlanta, the museum will host “Seeking Justice: The Leo Frank Case Revisited.” This exhibit will travel into the details of the Leo Frank case and the dark history it holds in the area.
For more information on The Southern Museum of Locomotive and Civil War History and all of its scheduled programs and events, visit www.SouthernMuesum.org after listening to the full podcast above. Also, check out their Facebook page.
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The “Around Atlanta” segment is designed to showcase the best of metro Atlanta – the communities, attractions and special events that make this city great. To submit your event, community or attraction to the Around Atlanta edition of Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio, contact 770-383-3360.
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