September 2010
the southern
museum
The Telegraph
News & Events from the Southern Museum of Civil War and Locomotive History in Association with the Smithsonian Institution
in this
issue From the Executive Director ........... 2 Accepting Internships ..................... 3 David Salter Collection .................. 4 Upcoming Events . .......................... 5 Marking Time .................................. 6 Train Travels .................................... 7
We ARE the Smithsonian in Your Neighborhood! smithsonian traveling exhibit:
NARF Funds New Exhibit By Richard Banz
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he North American Railway Foundation (NARF) has approved $27,000 to assist in the design and construction of “Working Safely on the Railroad.” This new exhibit will be placed inside the entrance area of the Jolley Education Center and will focus on the importance of railroad safety as it was applied in the past as well as it is in the present. The exhibit will also introduce the role of organized labor in railroading and its impact on increased efficiency, improved working conditions and greater awareness of professional safety. The purpose of the North American
September 18 - November 20
Railway Foundation is to explore, nurture and support railway safety, efficiency and technology. They also aim to preserve the history of railroads in the United States and Canada through education and outreach. This is the second significant investment NARF has made to the Southern Museum. In 2003, NARF invested $100,000 to support the design and construction of a series of interactive railroad related exhibits showcased in the Jolley Education Center.
Sons of Confederate Veterans to Help Preserve Flag
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The Way We Worked
Vol. VII, No. 5
s reported earlier this year, the Museum has acquired the 65th Georgia Infantry Flag. In order to prepare the flag for display at the museum, the flag must first be preserved. The Museum is currently seeking donations to fund the preservation process. And thanks to the Sons of Confederate Veterans, half of the funds have been raised! These well-known organizations made this significant donation to the preservation fund
Martin K. O’Toole and Jeff Drobney
just last week. We would like to thank the following contributors: • Leonidas Polk Camp • Camp McDonald • Robert E. Lee Camp • Past Georgia Division Commander Charlie Lott (continued on page 6)
From the Executive Director
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his past spring, the Southern Museum and Kennesaw Museum Foundation suffered a significant loss with the death of Dr. Frank Boone. Dr. Boone was a long time board member of the Kennesaw Museum Foundation and was instrumental in the development and growth of the Southern Museum. I had the honor of speaking at his memorial service, and as one final tribute to Dr. Boone, I wanted to share my speech with our membership. “Good evening. I want to extend my personal condolences to the Boone family and to thank you for asking me to speak this evening. I am humbled, honored and forever grateful. It is an honor and blessing to be asked to speak at the memorial service for a man that I consider to be a once in a lifetime ‘community and generational leader.’ “Dr. Boone had opened a window for me through which I could view the full complexities of community life and introduced me to a leadership style that was far superior to anything that I had previously been exposed to...” First, I would like to remind everyone to let us not miss the meaning of this day by mourning the death of Frank Boone – the day of mourning has passed. The eve of celebration, remembrance and embracing the meaning of Dr. Boone’s life has just begun. As it is written in Romans 14 verse 8: ‘For if we live, we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Lord. Therefore, whether we live or die, we are the Lord’s.’ I first met Dr. Boone in September 2000 and it was in that initial meeting that I quickly realized that I was being introduced to a very unique and
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influential community leader. You see, I was raised in a family and come from a background where if you wanted something accomplished it tended to go like this, ‘I need you to do this; get it done.’ Not a lot of discussion – A very loud, somewhat intimidating in-your-face style of leadership. Now here I was sitting in front of a man who was completely opposite of that – and it scared me to death – I didn’t really know how to react. Because sitting in front of me was a man that carried himself with tremendous confidence, but was neither boastful nor self righteous. I left that meeting completely mesmerized by the man I had just met. Over the next few months, I sat back and watched, observed and listened to Dr. Boone in a variety of community and professional meetings. What I saw was a quiet, unassuming, behind-thescenes leader who was very, very effective. Without knowing it, Dr. Boone had opened a window for me, through which I could view the full complexities of community life and introduced me to a leadership style that was far superior to anything that I had previously been exposed to and that would change my life forever. Between September 2000 and 2010, I worked with Dr. Boone through numerous organizations and on many projects impacting Kennesaw, and what I came to realize early on was that Dr. Boone had a passion for Kennesaw and its residents that burned deep within him. Every decision, every action, and every vote he cast was done with one goal in mind: how are my actions going to improve the community in which I live and lives of the residents of the City of Kennesaw? I never saw him make a decision or statement that was self serving – that just wasn’t Dr. Boone – he was the man behind the scenes – asking deliberate questions, assisting where he could, prodding when necessary. He did not care to receive credit for his work or his generosity. You see, it was not about
“...his beloved Kennesaw Business Association is a testament to the vision that he and others shared when trying to harness the power of local businesses.”
him. It was about the good of the order, what was best for his community and his fellow citizens. As I said earlier, my involvement with Dr. Boone continued for nearly a decade and extended from the Kennesaw Museum Foundation to the Historic Preservation Commission, to the Kennesaw Downtown Development Authority to the Kennesaw Business Association and to the Smith-Gilbert Gardens Foundation. As many of you are aware, Dr. Boone was a champion of all of Kennesaw – especially the downtown. He believed in what it has to offer, and he was unapologetic in his promotion and in trying to move it forward. His vision, passion and commitment were vital to planning, developing and building the Smithsonian affiliated Southern Museum. He shouldered the cause when others doubted it. He understood the importance of preserving a community’s history, its green space. He recognized that historic preservation can serve as an economic development tool, and his beloved Kennesaw Business Association is a testament to the vision that he and others shared when trying to harness the power of local businesses. For all of Dr. Boone’s accomplishments, and the list is lengthy, perhaps his greatest legacy will be his mentoring of a new generation of community leaders. The men and women assuming leadership roles across Kennesaw and Cobb County that have all been shaped by Dr. Boone. As I mentioned, the day of mourning
A session designed to prepare students for conducting their own professional career search is included as part of the internship.
Accepting Internship Applications
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n today’s competitive job market, employers are seeking graduates who possess superior professional skills gained through practical work experiences. Fortunately, the Southern Museum administers a regionally acknowledged internship program to accommodate students interested in archival management, curatorial practice, and/or exhibition design as potential career opportunities. College students may also intern to satisfy college field placement requirements. Internships provide students with a structured work experience and the opportunity to relate theory to practice while interacting within a professional museum environment. Museum staff members provide interns with helpful feedback, academic credit evaluation and may serve as liaisons with the students’ academic advisors. A session designed to prepare students for conducting their own professional career search is included as part of the internship. College students gain exposure to overall museum operations while concentrating on an individual project within a specific museum department, which is determined by academic background and area of interest. Examples of past projects include the design and implementation of museum interpretive programs, processing and cataloging artifacts and documents, and exhibition planning and design. Internships are competitive and limited. Opportunities are offered in the fall, spring and summer. Applications are currently being accepted.
In order to apply, or for more information, contact Dr. Richard Banz, Director of Education & Public Programs, at 770.427.2117, ext. 3177 or education@southernmuseum.org.
Membership has its Rewards
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s a result of the Southern Museum’s affiliation with the Smithsonian Institution, members now receive many exceptional benefits from both institutions. One benefit that all members have the opportunity to enjoy is our Local Merchant Discount Program. The Museum has teamed up with a number of local merchants to offer Museum members a special discount. Participating merchants include: • 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 For more information regarding merchant discounts you can go to the Museum’s website at www.southernmuseum.org, select “Membership” and then “Individual/Family.” You can also call us directly for specific information at 770.427.2117, ext. 3182.
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has passed and a day of celebration has begun. Through his zeal, grace and commitment to Kennesaw, Dr. Boone forever changed our lives. And so today, I stand before you calling out to a new generation of leaders to pick up the torch and continue Dr. Boone’s legacy of others before self, compassionate leadership,
honesty and integrity and community service. Inspire a new generation as he inspired you. Thank you and God bless.”
“For all of Dr. Boone’s accomplishments, and the list is lengthy, perhaps his greatest legacy will be his mentoring of a new generation of community leaders.” 3
Smithsonian Magazine Change
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he Smithsonian Magazine is changing its publication frequency from 12 times per year to 11 times per year, combining the July and August issues in 2010. The July/ August 2010 issue, celebrating the magazine’s 40th anniversary, will feature “40 Things You Need to Know for the Next 40 Years.” This expanded issue will count as two issues. The Smithsonian Affiliate Reciprocal Membership Program! As a member of the Southern Museum, you now have reciprocal membership privileges at more than 20 Smithsonian-affiliated museums across the country. Your privileges include: • Free admission into participating museums • Member discounts on purchases made on the premises for concert and lecture tickets • Discounts in gift stores Members MUST provide verification of their membership by presenting their home affiliate’s membership card. You will find a complete list of participating museums on our website at www.southernmuseum.org under membership benefits.
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David W. Salter Collection Finds a Home at the Southern Museum By Dick Hillman
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collection of national importance has been recently donated to the Southern Museum. David W. Salter, a native of Pitts, GA, was a distinguished photographer and locomotive enthusiast. Beginning in the 1940s, he began photographing railroads all over the Southeastern United States. He had a unique point of view and utilized high-quality photographic equipment, which gained him notoriety in print mediums nationwide. As Salter became known for his depictions of the stalwart steam engine, now an icon of the industrial revolution, against the backdrop of the gentility of the rural South, other well-known photographers became admirers of his work. Salter began to trade, buy and sell with his contemporaries. Salter collected thousands of his own photographs, those of others, along with countless pieces of train memorabilia. The net result is a massive collection of train and railroad antiquities. Salter decided several years ago that his entire collection would be donated to the Smithsonian Institution. In early 2009, the Museum expressed interest in Salter’s collection and conveyed its desire to keep the collection in the Southeast, where its inspiration is so firmly rooted. Six months later, the Museum received word that it was under consideration as the recipient
and that Salter was planning to visit in early 2010. Sadly, in January of this year David Salter passed away. Upon receiving this news we immediately made the decision to ardently pursue the Salter collection. Museum archivists began preparing a proposal for the family that conveyed their passion for Salter’s work and their commitment to maintaining it for future generations to see. With great excitement, we received the entire David W. Salter Photographic Collection in July. The acquisition of this collection, along with the Southern Railway Historical Society Collection, is of profound importance to the Museum, as it increases our visibility and relevance as a research center of national importance. For more information about the David W. Salter Collection, email Dick Hillman at dhillman@kennesaw-ga.gov.
Salter collected thousands of his own photographs, those of others and countless pieces of train memorabilia.
calendar September 11 Great Locomotive Chase Bus Tour & Battle of Tunnel Hill Reenactment Retrace the steps of the greatest theft in Civil War history! We will start at 8:30 AM at the Museum; depart for the Cooper Ironworks, Kingston, Adairsville Depot, Tunnel Hill, and Ringgold at 9 AM. We’ll return to the Museum by 5:30 PM. Visit the Museum website for more information and to download the registration form. $75 non-members, $60 for members. Questions? Contact Jane Pies at 770.427.2117 ext. 3058 or jpies@kennesaw-ga.gov.
Mommy & Me
Thursdays • 10 AM - 11 AM September 2 • A Music Lesson September 9 • Passenger Trains September 16 • All Aboard the Dinotrain! September 23 • Harvest Time! September 30 • Chessie, the Railroad Cat Designed for children ages three to five and accompanying adults, Mommy & Me provides fun and exciting beginning to a lifelong love of learning! With hands-on projects and intriguing stories, Mommy & Me is free with Museum admission.
October 22 - 23 • 5 - 9 PM Haunted Museum! The Museum will be host to ghouls and ghosts for two nights in October! Join us for a night of fun, complete with pumpkin trails and refreshments. And whatever you do, don’t miss the train! Recommended for ages 10 and above. For advanced ticket sales, contact Jane Pies at jpies@kennesaw-ga.gov or 770.427.2117 ext. 3058. The Museum will be closed during regular business hours on these days.
December 10 - 11 • 5 - 9 PM A Dickens of a Christmas Scenes from Dickens’ A Christmas Carol are played out in the Museum with a festive finale in the special exhibits gallery. For more information, contact Jane Pies at jpies@kennesaw-ga.gov or 770.427.2117 ext. 3058. The Museum will be closed during regular business hours on these days.
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Sponsored by
Make It & Take It
Saturdays • 10 AM - Noon August 28 • Keepsake Boxes September 4 • Terrariums September 11 • Old-Fashioned Fun September 18 • Decoupage Art September 25 • Garden Art
Designed for children ages six and up, Make It & Take It Weekend Workshops provide hands-on fun and learning experiences. Free with Museum admission, and all supplies are provided!
Homeschool Days September 19 (Working on a Locomotive) • October 4 (The Way We Worked) November 1 (Native American) • December 6 (An 1861 Winter) Homeschooled students of all ages can now explore the Southern Museum in guided tours, hands-on activities and make-and-take projects. Special admission rates: $5 per person, free for children three and under. Reservations are recommended but not required. For more information contact the Education department at 770.427.2117 ext. 3174 or programs@southernmuseum.org
For more information on the above programs, contact the Museum at 770.427.2117, ext. 3173, or children@southernmuseum.org.
the southern
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Preserving Flag • Chattahoochee Guards • John B. Gordon Camp A special thanks goes out to the benefactors at the Georgia Division of the Sons of Confederate Veterans. When asked what motivated the organization to get involved, Martin K. O’Toole, the Georgia Division’s former Judge Advocate explained, “This particular Battle Flag was used in the tragic Confederate assault at Franklin, Tennessee and is actually stained with the blood of the color bearer. The 65th Georgia fought valiantly and their Brigade Commander was one of the six Confederate generals killed that day. As decedents of the honorable men who served the Confederacy during the South’s struggle for independence, we are committed to ensuring that future generations know the heroic story of these men.” Though great strides have been made in raising funds for the cost of the preservation, there is still a ways to go. If you are interested in making a donation (no donation is too small!), please contact Leslie Edge at ledge@ kennesaw-ga.gov or 770.427.2117 ext. 3183. We look forward to sharing this magnificent historical artifact with the community!
Thanks to Our Corporate Members Carrabba’s Italian Grill Chastain & Associates, Inc. Fontis Water Pacesetter Steel Service, Inc. Vulcan Materials Company
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Marking Time: A Civil War Soldier Chronicles His Time in Captivity
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arking time” is military terminology for stepping or marching in place with the feet moving up and down in the same place to a rhythmic beat until the order is given to move forward again. The idea of marking time makes a great metaphor as well. For instance, Civil War soldiers who spent time in captivity often “marked time” by reading, socializing and keeping a journal. These activities helped ward off depression and illness. Mrs. Diane Rooks of Gainesville, GA recently donated the diary of her ancestor, George Washington York. York was a resident of Cobb County after the war and served the Confederacy in the 49th Alabama Regiment until he was captured at Port Hudson, Mississippi in July of 1863. He spent the remainder of the war at Johnson’s Island POW Camp for officers located on a small island on Lake Erie near Sandusky, Ohio. York’s diary of approximately eighty pages is fascinating. It allows us to step back in time and see how one soldier bided his time until he could return home to his family. His journal begins with a curious combination of his own poetry mixed with verses of popular songs of the period. There is little doubt that he and his fellow captives spent many hours in song and chorus.
Pages from York’s diary.
The next seven pages of his journal contain a numbered listing of every single general in the Confederate army, 1 through 191, including their rank and whether or not they had graduated from West Point Military Academy. We believe this was another activity he shared with his fellow captives. Unfortunately, there is no associated commentary of their opinions of each general. The next eleven pages are a record of all of the officers in George’s prisoner barrack. Page after page is filled with the name, rank, regiment, home address, date of capture and location for each officer. Each of the one hundred and forty-seven entries is made by the individual officer in his own unique script and style. The list of signatures written in antiquated handwriting is vaguely reminiscent of the Declaration of Independence. Officers from Georgia, South Carolina and Alabama comprised the POW camp at Johnson’s Island. Of interest to historians is that officers were organized into barracks according to their state of origin. Perhaps the most important information contained within the diary is a single page, which contains a listing, by category, of all inhabitants on the island for the date of March 15, 1864. The total is 621 and includes officers of all rank, enlisted men and civilians. This documentation will be used by preservationists and historians to help reconstruct (continued on page 7, sidebar)
See America Via the Rails
Get an early start on your Christmas Shopping!
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unique and exciting travel opportunity awaits you. As a member of the Southern Museum of Civil War and Locomotive History, the Smithsonian Institution and Collette Vacations invite you on two thrilling train journeys: Canadian Rockies by Train or The Trains & Canyons of the Southwest.
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Trip Highlights:
Canadian Rockies by Train 9 days – 13 Meals; starting at $2,399.00 British Columbia, Vancouver, VIA Rail, Jasper Alberta, Columbia Icefields, Lake Louise, Banff & Calgary Departure Dates: 2010 – September 12, 13, 15, 16, 17, 18, 26, 27 October 3, 4, 6, 7, 10, 11, 17, 18 2011 – April 27, 28
Their custom-crafted tours are created for adventurous travelers who seek the thrill of discovery and learning, combined with flexibility and economical rates.
Trains & Canyons of the Southwest 9 days – 13 Meals; starting at $1,999.00 Scottsdale, Phoenix, Verde Canyon Railroad, Sedona Trolley Tour, Grand Canyon Railway & Sandia Peak Tramway Departure Dates: 2010 – September 3, 24, 27 October 3, 8, 22 November 5 Smithsonian Journeys Travel Adventures offers the best in educational travel worldwide. Their custom-crafted tours are created for adventurous travelers who seek the thrill of discovery and learning, combined with flexibility and economical rates. Local subject experts selected by Smithsonian Journeys for each trip make the difference between simply seeing and truly understanding the destination. A $100 deposit is due upon reservation. For more information on this exciting Smithsonian travel opportunity, please contact our membership coordinator Cindy Dadyala, 770.427.2117 ext. 3182, or you can email Cindy at cdadyala@kennesaw-ga.gov.
Are you on our mailing list? Sign up today to be included on all upcoming events! www.SouthernMuseum.org
hop for unique gifts at the Museum Gift Shop. We have a large selection of glass necklaces, bracelets and other gift items. We also have sweatshirts with the museum logo, as well as denim shirts. Recently, we’ve added some fascinating civil war books that any history buff on your list would enjoy. Museum members receive a 10% discount on all items.
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Marking Time the history of Johnson’s Island Civil War Military Prison. When the Museum has completed the transcription of the diary, we will be sharing a copy with Johnson’s Island Preservation Society. The last thirty pages of the diary were written post captivity. They contain lists and notes about farm supplies and other sundries. It was a relief to learn that George survived the war and captivity. Like so many of his fellow Southerners, he returned home to raise a family and make a living off the land growing a staple of corn and a little cotton. Ultimately and unknowingly, George York established yet another meaning of “marking time.” By maintaining a journal at the Civil War POW camp, he was marking time by creating solid historical markers that would allow his ancestors to reconstruct and imagine a life and time that could have so easily been lost.
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Kennesaw Museum Foundation P.O. Box 846 • Kennesaw, Georgia 30156 770-427-2117 • Fax 770-421-8485
Please visit www.southernmuseum.org for more information on upcoming events.
Great Locomotive Chase 5K, 1 Mile Fun Run & Tot Trot
NONPROFIT ORG US POSTAGE PAID KENNESAW. GA PERMIT NO. 39
September 18 - November 20
In Conjunction with A Taste of Kennesaw
September 11 Sign up today to be a part of the Great Locomotive Chase! The entire family is invited to enjoy downtown Kennesaw for a day of fun, food and fellowship! Visit www.greatlocomotiverace.com for more information and to register. Early bird registration ends September 6th!
smithsonian traveling exhibit:
The Way We Worked “The Way We Worked” features 86 photographs from the National Archives focusing on the history of work in America and documenting work, clothing, locales, conditions and conflicts. These exquisite photographs, along with accompanying artifacts, span the years 1857 to 1987 and provide visitors with a fascinating glimpse of a nation at work. For more information, contact 770.427.2117 or programs@southernmuseum.org.