The Southern Museum Telegraph - November 2009 by Southern Museum

November 2009

the southern

museum

The Telegraph

News & Events from the Southern Museum of Civil War and Locomotive History in Association with the Smithsonian Institution

Vol. VII, No. 3

In Focus Exhibit Shares Inspiring Photographs By Carly Sharec

T In Focus December 12 – April 18, 2010

in this

issue From the Executive Director ........... 2

he Southern Museum of Civil War & Locomotive History is excited to announce that its upcoming exhibit, In Focus, a collection of National Geographic’s greatest portraits, will be on display at the Museum beginning December 12 until April 18, 2010. “This collection is truly an amazing experience,” said Mike Bearrow, curator of the Museum. “Visitors will see several famous photographs, including the photo of the green-eyed Afghan girl that is known around the world.” Bearrow also explained that the exhibit features lesser known photographs, particularly

of America throughout the 20th century. The exhibition highlights the work of some of National Geographic’s most celebrated photographers. National Geographic photographers have taken more pictures of people than of any other subject, indicating “a photographer’s desire to connect with people—to capture something consequential about another person,” wrote National Geographic magazine associate editor Chris Johns in his forward. “To capture the spirit (continued on back page)

Membership Rewards....................... 2 Real or Fake?.................................... 3 Children’s Programs ....................... 4 Students Study History ................... 4 Origins of the Memphis & Charleston Railroads .................. 5 Gift Shop News ............................... 6 Great Locomotive Chase 5K . ......... 6 Thanks to Our Volunteers .............. 6 Calendar of Events . ........................ 7

Southern Museum Partners with Tapp Middle School

ecently the Southern Museum was awarded $25,000 from Cobb County Community Block Grant (CDBG) to develop a pilot curriculum with a local school serving low-to-moderate income students. Tapp Middle School’s eighth grade teachers Kathy O’Reilly and Jessica Tibbetts enthusiastically agreed to partner with the Southern Museum and are currently working with Jennifer Legates, director

By Jennifer Legates

of curriculum and educational initiatives and Sallie Loy, director of archives to plan and coordinate the program. Approximately 275 students will be involved in the development of curriculum materials working with museum staff and their teachers to select and scan historical documents creating a documentary media presentation that will be made available in the future on the Museum’s Web site. The project (continued on page 4)

From the Executive Director Jeff Drobney, Ph.D.

O Membership has Its Rewards

s a result of the Southern Museum’s affiliation with the Smithsonian Museum, members receive many exceptional benefits from both institutions. One benefit is our local merchant program. The Museum has teamed up with a number of local merchants to offer members a special discount. Participating merchants: • By Gone Treasures & Bit of Glass Inc. • Kennesaw Trains, Inc. • Trackside Grill • Eclectic Living • Cobblestone Corner • Whistlestop Café • Carlile Florist & Gifts • Neusha Beauty • Darrah Photo • Boxcar Cheesecake Company For more information regarding merchant discounts you can go to the Museum’s Web site at www.southernmuseum.com, select the ‘Membership’ link and then ‘Individual/Family.’ You can also call us directly at 770.427.2117, ext 3182 for specific information.

ver the past 26 weeks I have been training for what I consider to be the greatest physical and mental challenge of my life – the Marine Corps Marathon. For 26 weeks, beginning this past April, I have followed a strict and sometimes grueling running schedule. Starting at three miles, I have built my aerobic capacity and leg muscles to carry me the entire 26.2 miles of the Marine Corps Marathon in Washington D.C. on October 25th. For 26 weeks I have run through the heat and humidity of the Georgia summer and run through the drenching rains of September and October. I ran intervals until I thought my lungs would burst and my legs would collapse and arose at four in the morning to make certain that I could eat and digest a meal of carbohydrates and protein before my long runs on Sunday mornings. And through it all - the heat and humidity, the tired legs and the never-ending push to lower my “splits” – I learned to embrace and actually love the “process.” You see, to finish the Marine Corps Marathon in a respectable time might have been my original goal, but somewhere along the line my original goal became secondary, almost peripheral to the “process.” What I have come to realize is that all great businessmen, athletes, politicians, doctors, lawyers or whatever someone does in life must first fall in love and learn to embrace the “process” – the hard work and practice that it takes to make them successful. If you don’t look forward to the process, if you don’t embrace the miles, the foul shots, running precise routes over and over (or writing the legal brief over and over until it is perfect) - if you aren’t willing to sacrifice for the original goal, then chances are the original goal was nothing more than a dream. Something you hoped would happen did not because in all likelihood you didn’t have a real plan,

strategy or commitment to turn a dream into a reality. What separates those who are successful and those who simply “get by” in life or their profession is a “love of the process.” How does embracing the “process” and my story of training for the Marine Corps Marathon relate to the Kennesaw Museum Foundation and the Southern Museum? Everything. As the staff of the Foundation and Museum continues to work towards our goal of being a premier museum and historical and educational center in Georgia and the southeast we must continue to embrace the “process” and hard work that it will take to turn our goal into a reality. If we ever begin to hate and neglect the process then we will be doomed to failure and I am confident our staff will not allow that to happen. We are committed to do whatever it takes to continue to offer quality programs and exhibits, engaging kids programs and first-rate special events. Yes, budget constraints and reductions in donations have forced us to make some very difficult decisions this past year as it related to operations and staffing, but we have never lost sight of our goal nor have we shied away from the “process” that will ultimately lead us to success. Continue to look for engaging special exhibits and programs, family-friendly special events and expanding exhibits in 2010 and beyond. We have been busy planning a very aggressive exhibit and special events calendar and looking at ways to offer more for less. Has the work been tough? Mentally challenging? Physically draining? Yes – and that is okay because our sacrifices now will lead to success in the months and years to come. Wishing you success in embracing and loving your own “process.”

Real or Fake?

A Marriage of Form and Function

By Mike Bearrow

common desire is to own a piece of history. This desire can be easily fulfilled in today’s modern market economy, whether that desired antiquity is in the form of a sword or rifle to hang over the mantle as a display piece, or a unique document to be framed and admired. Simple economic theory states that where there is a demand, there will be a supply. In the realm of collecting and selling historical materials the demand is occasionally greater than the supply. This can have two effects. One, the surviving original materials in demand go up in price. Two, some people on the supply side of the equation become inventive and fabricate “less than original” materials to make a profit. Therefore, when looking to purchase a historical piece the buyer should practice caution. Consider the following examples.

One of the basic rules of collecting antiquities is that a little bit of knowledge can go a long way in avoiding the purchase of something that is not real.

The sword in the picture is real and fake. How can this be? A wellmeaning donor offered it to the Museum for display. It had been purchased many years before by the donor’s father and had spent most of its life in a closet. Following extensive research and consultation with several experts who know Civil War swords it was revealed to be a “mixed marriage” piece. The blade, grip, hand guard and pommel are all original to the Civil War, but were combined after the war to make a type of sword that never existed. One of the basic rules of collecting antiquities is that a little bit of knowledge can go a long way in avoiding the purchase of something that is

If something is old, it should look old.

not real. A person would not consider the purchase of a new or used car without prior research into what they want to buy. Another important rule is to bring a heavy dose of skepticism to any potential purchase. In my experience more “less than original” pieces have been offered for sale to the Museum than original. Never buy historical relics on an impulse unless you really know what you are looking at is authentic. The bugle in the picture above is original. The key element which identifies it as real is its condition. The brass throughout the piece is nicely-aged amber brown (not shown well in black and white photograph). In the museum world we call this “patina.” If something is old, it should look old. Never polish any type of metal on an artifact. If you do, you just destroyed an important element of its history and the means to identify it as genuine. The bugle is also very primitively made and well-used. It would require more time and effort than would be profitable to replicate this piece for sale as an original. In the collectors market the most commonly replicated materials are those which will offer the greatest return on investment. In Civil War collecting this has taken the form of Confederate belt plates. Many books and articles have been written on the topic of how to successfully purchase historical materials without disappointment. There are several rules of thumb to follow. Perform some preliminary research before you buy. An informed collector is a smart collector. If you have any doubts about material you are considering for purchase, get a second and third opinion. The greater the price tag the greater the possibility of “less than authentic” material. It is better to buy in person than purchase from the internet.

he Southern Museum houses and displays what is recognized by the Smithsonian Institution to be the largest and most complete collection of antique wooden casting patterns in the United States. These multi-dimensional, skillfully hand crafted, often aesthetically pleasing to view works of art were the building blocks of the entire Glover manufacturing process. The wooden patterns were pressed into special sand molds to create an impression. The patterns were then removed from the mold which was closed again and molten iron poured into it. The molten iron filled up the impression left by the wooden pattern. When the iron cooled to a solid form, the mold was broken open and an iron part in the same shape and form as the wooden pattern was revealed. The pattern maker was one of the more highly skilled and betterpaid workers at the Glover Shops. If a pattern was not right, the iron part would not work. The casting process was time consuming and expensive. There was little room for error for the pattern maker. The pattern maker of the early 20th century was as much an artist as he was a craftsman. Commonly he learned his trade from an early age as an apprentice. While the patterns were often made using blueprints and the end product served an important function, one cannot view them and not appreciate their visual appeal.

Take A hike! By Judy Parker

utumn is the perfect time to enjoy the outdoors with young children. Going on an “explore” (as popular children’s book character Winnie the Pooh would say) with your children engages their natural curiosity and is an inexpensive, fun and educational activity. Bring along sealable plastic bags for the treasures they will want to bring home - acorns, leaves, stones, birds’ nests. Discussing these items with your children helps develop strong vocabulary skills, too. You could also talk about how things are changing and compare summer and autumn by weather, temperature and colors. The Southern Museum hosts great programs for kids of all ages, including the popular Mommy & Me Children’s Program Series for children ages three to five. The Museum has also introduced Make It & Take It Weekend Workshops, hands-on activities for students ages six and up. For more information on these Museum programs, contact the Museum at 770.427.2117, ext 3173 or children@southernmuseum.org.

Extra Opportunity to Study history

his fall, some talented Cobb County high school students gave up their Saturday mornings to learn more about history. The newly established Saturday History Academy is sponsored by the Cobb County School District and is affiliated with the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History. Sessions were taught by area museums and historic sites on a variety of topics ranging from the history of flight to an introduction to American art. The Southern Museum’s class Railroads Move a Nation introduced students to the role of railroads in the growth and expansion of the United States. Activities included floor maps illustrating the 1800s railroad explosion as well as a chance for students to decide

By Jennifer Legates

the best route for the first transcontinental railroad. The Southern Museum’s archival resources helped illustrate the lessons and students were treated to a behind the scenes glimpse of the research library and archives during their field trip to the museum. The class was taught by Jennifer Legates, director of curriculum and educational initiatives at the Museum, and provided a unique learning experience for Sarah Overholdt, a Kennesaw State University student majoring in history who helped plan and conduct the lessons. The high school students final project was the creation of a mini-exhibit on railroads in the Civil War to be displayed at Sprayberry High School and the Southern Museum.

(continued from cover)

Southern Museum Partners with Tapp Middle School will provide teaching opportunities about the scientific aspects of document preservation, analytical and research skills as well as provide students with exposure to career opportunities they may not have otherwise considered. Museum education and archives staff will work with students in the school and visiting the Southern Museum during the course of the project to receive a behind-the-scenes look at the Museum’s wealth of historical documents.

The Museum received the initial grant towards the acquisition of needed computers, scanners, printers and software to begin the project. Fundraising is currently underway to cover additional expenses that will be incurred as well as sustain the program past the current school year. Anyone wishing to contribute to the project should contact the Kennesaw Museum Foundation at 770.427.2117, ext. 3183, or ledge@kennesaw-ga.gov.

The Origins of the Memphis & Charleston Railroad

By Dick Hillman, Senior Archivist

chartered in 1835 to connect a prosperous agricultural area east of Memphis, Tennessee to that river port. Now we move to 1846, and what is occurring in America with the drive to connect isolated areas to navigable water now matures to the thinking that it would be beneficial to connect water ports to one another via railroads. John C. Calhoun of South Carolina initiates a movement in that year to connect the seaport of Charleston, SC with the inland river port of Memphis, TN. 1846 is then the date of charter of the Memphis & Charleston Railroad. That same year, the LaGrange & Memphis is purchased by the M & C with the intention of extending it further eastward to connect with the pre-existing Tuscumbia, Courtland & Decatur Railroad. Origin of the Memphis This connection was completed in & Charleston Railroad 1854 resulting in a 194-mile long railroad Shoals in the Tennessee River located between Memphis, TN and Decatur, AL. By in the state of Alabama - that’s the point at 1857 the company extended the line further which a railroad with the unlikely name of east through Huntsville, AL and on to the Memphis & Charleston was born. Stevenson, AL to a connection with the pre In the earlier years of the 19th century, existing Nashville & Chattanooga Railroad. moving goods and people This railroad had a junction via navigable waterways was In the earlier years in Chattanooga, TN with the the most efficient mode of of the 19th century, Western & Atlantic Railroad travel available. On rivers, moving goods and that extended south to shoals creating rapids were Atlanta, Georgia. Now we serious impediments. In people via navigable have Memphis connected the case of the shoals in the waterways was the by rail with Atlanta, and Tennessee River, the solution most efficient mode because Atlanta was already was the creation of the of travel available. connected by rail with two-mile-long Tuscumbia the seaport at Charleston Railroad in 1832. it’s time to celebrate the “wedding of the Once any sort of railroad was first built waters.” In 1857 that’s just what they did in the early 1800s, it wasn’t long before the — transporting Mississippi River water and tremendous potential of rail transportation Atlantic Ocean water back and forth to be became understood. In the case of the deposited in it’s opposite location to the two-mile-long Tuscumbia Railroad, in the ceremonial booming of cannons. very year it opened its expansion into the After the American Civil War in 42-mile-long Tuscumbia, the Courtland & 1872, the Memphis & Charleston Railroad Decatur Railroad began. was sold and later operated by the East Another early, isolated component of Tennessee, Virginia & Georgia Railroad. what would become our subject railroad In 1898 the ETV & G became part of the is the LaGrange & Memphis Railroad Southern Railway. (also known as the Memphis & LaGrange)

e’ve previously reported that our facility is developing a national reputation as a wonderful source for historical data on railroads here in the southeastern United States. Through the first nine months of this year we’ve handled 85 research requests. One interesting example of this is a recent request for historical background on the origins of the Memphis & Charleston Railroad, and a further request that we provide a narrator for a video being done on the history of that railroad. The following data was obtained through research into our own archives, and is included in this article as an example of some of the services we are able to provide.

Volunteers Wanted: Fall is a great time to get involved with the volunteer program at the Southern Museum! With Mommy & Me Programs, Children’s Workshops, archival projects, and special events, there are more opportunities than ever before to volunteer. If you are interested in more information about volunteer opportunities at the Museum please contact Cindy Dadyala at 770.427.2117 Ext 3182. Applications are available on our Web site at www.southernmuseum.org.

Thanks to Our Corporate Members Ashton Staffing Bentley, Bentley & Bentley Carl Black Buick/Pontiac/GMC Carrabba’s Italian Grill Chastain & Associates Inc. CheckPoint Mortgage Cobb EMC Fontis Water Kennesaw Mountain High School Pacesetter Steel Services Vulcan Materials Company

Looking to Buy that Special Gift this Year? Charlie Bell

Johnathan Brown

David Byrne

Jack Camery

Charity Chastain

Gene Douglas

Kelsey Fritz

Heather Hale

Christopher Nelson

David Powell

Harry Sanders

Not pictured: Barbara Flack, Debra Kasson-Jones, Chris Knerr, Steve Martin, Bolivar O’Rear, Michael Rebman, Don Sawyer

Thanks to Our Volunteers! The staff of the Southern Museum would like to take this opportunity to express our sincere gratitude to a very special group people, our museum volunteers. We are privileged to work along side of you and are grateful for your generous contribution to the success of the Museum. We could not accomplish all that we do without your support and assistance. Charlie Bell • Johnathan Brown • David Byrne • Jack Camery • Charity Chastain • Gene Douglas • Barbara Flack • Kelsey Fritz • Heather Hale • Debra Kasson-Jones • Christopher Knerr • Steve Martin • Chris Nelson • Bolivar O’Rear • Michael Rebman • David Powell • Harry Sanders • Don Sawyer

By Henry Higgins

Kennesaw Mountain! nstead of giving that history buff We have designed two new coffee on your holiday list a pair of socks cups exclusively for the Southern this year, give them something they would really love! The General Emporium Museum. One features a full-color side view of the General locomotive in its Civil has a great selection of books, historyWar colors. The other depicts the Lacy themed coffee cups, DVDs and shirts for Hotel, the Texas and General, Sgt. John that hard-to-buy-for person on your list. Scott’s Medal of Honor, and the Southern And remember, you get 10 percent off Museum in raised marked prices just for being The General Emporium relief and full color. a member. has a great selection It’s a really beautiful Enjoy reading Civil War of books, history-themed depiction. history books? We have a number of new books in coffee cups, DVDs and Two new ornaments stock including Ghosts and shirts for that hard-to-buy- have been added to our Shadows of Andersonville; for person on your list. Christmas tree collection. Both ornaments feature Joe Brown’s Pets (about the the General, one in delicate gold metal, Georgia Militia during the war); and Co. while the other is in color with both the “Aytch” (an old favorite reissued with Lacy House and the Southern Museum corrections and comments by the author, Sam Watkins). The best-selling West Point added. This one is also a magnet so it can be displayed all year. The ornaments Military History books – The American simply must be seen to be appreciated! Civil War and the Atlas of the American So remember the General Emporium Civil War - are also back in stock. And when you are looking for gifts for last, but not least, Skeletons of the Civil children and older friends and relatives – War – True Ghost Stories of the Army of or even just for you. You are sure to find Tennessee is sure to tingle your spine! something to please everyone. Remember to read the story of the local haunting in Cheatham’s Hill Park at

Great Locomotive Chase 5K

n Saturday, September 12th, the Kennesaw Museum Foundation hosted its very first Great Locomotive Chase 5K. Beginning with a warm-up by Operation Boot Camp, we had about 275 runners for the 5K and 1K. Thank you to all of our sponsors who helped make this event a success: Cobb Energy, Gas South, Operation Boot Camp, City of Kennesaw, Hester Eye Associates, Max Muscle, Eaton Chiropractic, Dana Dorris Agency, O’Neill Communications, Big Shanty Barber Shop, Ashton Staffing, Kroger, Big Peach Running Co., Cohutta Water, Legacy Promotion, Sweet Tomatoes and Great Harvest Bread Company. Congratulations to our winners: Stephen Bell and Kelley Lowe Colenbaugh! Bell came in with a time of 16 minutes, 37 seconds and Colenbaugh clenched first place with 21 minutes, 27 seconds. Please visit our Web site at www.greatlocomotiverace. com for complete results and photos.

CALEnDAR December 7 • 10 AM – 2 PM Home School Days: 19th Century Play Day Play with the popular toys of the 19th century, along with creating your very own toy, at this popular program.

Mommy & Me

Thursdays • 10 AM - 11 AM Nov. 19 • A Thanksgiving Story Dec. 3 • The Giving Season Dec. 10 • The Polar Express Story Dec. 17 • A Creature Was Stirring

December 26 • December 29 • December 30 2009 Winter & Holiday Interpretive Programs

Jan. 7 • Gears and Machines

These guided programs are held on a wide range of topics, from weapons firing to Civil War music and photography. Free with Museum admission. Programs are approximately 20 minutes, and begin at 11:30, 2:30 and 3:30.

Feb. 4 • John Henry, Railroad Hero

January 23 • Wave the Flag Try It January 30 • Creative Composing Try It February 13 • Art to Wear Badge February 27 • Local Lore Badge Girl Scout Workshops

Jan. 14 • This Train Jan. 21 • Owney, the Mail Train Dog! Jan. 28 • Wheels, Wheels, Wheels Feb. 11 • Young Abe Lincoln Feb. 18 • Sounds and Rhythms Feb. 25 • Freight Train, Freight Train

Designed for children ages three to five and accompanying adults, Mommy & Me provides a fun and exciting beginning to a lifelong love of learning! With hands-on projects and intriguing stories, Mommy & Me is free with Museum admission.

Make It & Take It

Saturdays • 10 AM - Noon Nov. 21 • Thanksgiving Time

The Museum is offering a number of Girl Scout Workshops throughout the year for Brownies and Juniors to earn a badge or try it. Register with Debbie Pompie at 404.527.7449 or psnorth@girlscoutsofgreateratlanta.org.

Dec. 5 • Tiffany Mosaic

February 8 • 10 AM – 2 PM Home School Days: African Culture & Crafts

Jan.30 • Printmaking

Home-schooled students can now explore the Museum’s latest Smithsonian exhibition at a special rate! Admission is $5 per person. Reservations are recommended but not required.