April 2011
the southern
museum
The Telegraph
News & Events from the Southern Museum of Civil War and Locomotive History in Association with the Smithsonian Institution
Vol. VIII, No. 1
Through the Ages: A Living History Timeline
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in this
issue From the Executive Director ........... 2 Golf Tournament ............................ 3
ake a look back at some exciting landmark events in world history at the Southern Museum’s Living History Timeline, May 14, 10 AM – 4 PM and May 15, Noon – 4 PM on the Depot lawn (across the street from the Museum). Tracing a series of pivotal events from Roman times to current day will bring the past to life in a truly educational and interactive experience. The timeline is expected to be a fun-filled weekend, with many historical periods thoroughly represented. “Interpreters will recreate military and civilian life as it has changed over the centuries through displays, demonstrations and drills. Some of the best reenactment and living history units available will be participating,”
said Harper Harris, lead interpreter at the Museum. For information, contact 770.427.2117, ext 3058 or jpies@ kennesaw-ga.gov. Prices: $5 adult, $3 children (ages 4-12), FREE ages three and under.
Summer Day Camps . ..................... 3 Archives Article................................. 4 Calendar .......................................... 5
LeMat revolver on loan from member of the Old Guard of the Gate City Guard
Curator’s Corner ............................. 6 Great Locomotive Chase 5K . ......... 6 Play is the Work of Children ......... 7
We ARE the Smithsonian in Your Neighborhood!
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The Old Guard of the Gate City Guard Exhibit to open in May 2011!
he first of many events designed by the Southern Museum to commemorate and explore topics relevant to the 150th Anniversary of the Civil War will be The Old Guard of the Gate City Guard; a new temporary exhibition located in the Cobb Energy Gallery. The original Gate City Guard was one of the first military units to respond to the call for arms in defense of Georgia in 1861. This exhibit is being produced in collaboration with the Old Guard of the Gate City Guard of Atlanta, Inc., State Bank & Trust Company, Kennesaw Museum Foundation and the Southern Museum. The gallery will be open to the public from May 28, 2011 until October 16, 2011. (continued on back page)
New
OPENING JULY 23!
Permanent Exhibit: Working Safely on the Railroad Funded by the North American Railway Foundation (NARF), this new exhibit will focus on the importance of railroad safety as it was applied in the past as well as 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 NARF is to explore, nurture and support railway safety, efficiency and technology. Free with Museum admission.
General Overlook Now Open! For the first time, visitors of the Museum can view the General locomotive from the balcony in the viewing room. From this new vantage point, you get a spectacular view of the control room and water tank. Be sure to check it out on your next visit!
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From the Executive Director
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Our expanded full he year 2011 marks the day children’s summer sesquicentennial, or 150 year Richard Banz, D.Ed. camps will focus on the anniversary, of the beginning of Civil War with age-appropriate learning the American Civil War, interchangeably programs and interactive experiences. The referred to as the War Between the “Working on the Railroad” camp (June States. Activities will be held throughout 14, 2011) will include the importance of the nation over the next four years to Civil War era railroads and will feature commemorate events related to the the Western and Atlantic Railroad and conflict and to educate the public on such its impact in creating our community of associated issues as slavery and states Kennesaw, then known as Big Shanty. The rights. The Southern Museum will be “Civil War Soldier” camp (June 15, 2011) offering a full range of programs that will will allow children to step back in history appeal to children, school groups, families and experience a day in the life of a Civil and adults as well as the novice and most War infantry soldier. avid Civil War historian. During the fall of 2012 curatorial and The Southern Museum will begin archival staff will begin to rotate several its commemoration of the War Between different artifacts and the States with an documents into display exhibition in our Cobb The Southern Museum will providing visitors Energy Gallery that will be offering a full range of with new viewing highlight the history programs that will appeal opportunities. The and accomplishments to children, school groups, year will culminate of the Old Guard of families and adults as well with the Southern the Gate City Guard of as the novice and most avid Museum celebrating the Atlanta, Inc. Originally Civil War historian. holidays in the Civil the Gate City Guard, War tradition. Museum this organization was guests will be invited on December 3, 2011 formed in 1857. At the beginning of the to make their own vintage ornaments, Civil War the unit served in the western see typical 1860s Christmas decorations Virginia Campaign. The organization was in the Lacy Hotel gallery and throughout dissolved shortly thereafter and its former the Museum, and enjoy period music and members, joining other detachments, dances in our Cobb Energy Gallery. served with distinction for the remainder However, all of these activities are of the war. In 1870 the unit was reformed only the beginning of our commemofor the purpose of promoting patriotism, ration. In 2012 we look forward to goodwill, friendship and reconciliation. special programming highlighting Camp The Guard participated in the SpanishMcDonald (the large Confederate training American War and later toured several camp formerly located in Big Shanty), the northern cities earning the nickname sesquicentennial of the Great Locomotive the “best drilled company in the world.” Chase, and the unveiling of the restored This “peaceful invasion” of the north, as 65th Georgia Infantry battle flag. Please it came to be known, culminated in the be sure to regularly check our website and dedication of the 1911 Peace Monument Facebook page for continual updates and in Atlanta’s Piedmont Park. The unit still while there please feel free to tweet us exists today and is generously sponsoring your ideas and experiences regarding the this exhibition in collaboration with the commemoration. We look forward to your Kennesaw Museum Foundation, Inc. and involvement. State Bank & Trust. The gallery will be open from May 28 – October 16, 2011.
Kennesaw Museum Foundation
15th Annual Great Locomotive Chase Golf Tournament Registration & Payment due April 26, 2011 Monday, May 9, 2011 • Noon Shotgun Start Pinetree Country Club Senator Johnny Isakson, Honorary Chairman
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njoy the rolling hills of Pinetree golf course and some friendly competition during the 15th Annual Great Locomotive Chase Golf Tournament at Pinetree Country Club on May 9, 2011. Registration begins at 10 AM, with a shotgun start at noon after an 11:30 welcome. This year, in addition to the dinner provided by Carrabba’s Italian Grill, players will be treated to a “progressive lunch” sponsored by Adriane’s Delectable’s, Barbecue Street, California Dreaming and Pinetree Country Club. Money raised will benefit the Kennesaw Museum Foundation, whose
ament Winners
Chastain & Associates, 2010 Golf Tourn
mission is to support the educational outreach programs of the Southern Museum of Civil War & Locomotive History and to assist the Museum in the preservation of its archival materials and artifacts. A number of sponsorship opportunities are still available including: • Title Sponsor ($10,000) • Presenting Sponsor ($5,000) • Heritage Sponsor ($2,500) • Legacy Sponsor ($1,500) • Team Sponsor ($1,000) • Individual Player ($250) • Participating Hole Sponsor ($250) • Driving Range/Putting Green Sponsor ($250) • Tee or Green Sponsor ($100) All sponsors will be recognized by signage throughout the tournament. To sign up as a sponsor, call Leslie Edge at 770.427.2117, ext 3183, or ledge@ kennesaw-ga.gov. For information on sponsorships or playing in the tournament, visit southernmuseum.org and download the golf brochure.
SUMMER
Day CAMPS *
Working on the Railroad June 14, 9 AM – 4 PM Ages 5 to 8 Learn about the different jobs on the railroad through story, song and fun activities. Registration required by June 7.
Civil War Soldier June 15, 9 AM – 4 PM Ages 9 to 12 Learn about the everyday life of a Civil War Soldier through drills, skirmishes and camp activities. Registration required by June 8. *Camp participants will bring their own packed lunch. No peanut products please! $35/$25 museum members. For more information, call 770.427.2117, ext. 3173 or email children@southernmuseum.org
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What To Do With My Stuff? – David Ibata interviewing Martin K. O’Toole
Visit the General Emporium Today!
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ome and see the new items for sale in our gift shop. We now carry Wheeler’s Pecans, cameo jewelry, Willow Tree Cards and new Civil War CDs and DVDs. This year we are commemorating the 150 Anniversary of the Civil War and we have several items relating to this celebration. Remember, when you shop at the General Emporium, you are helping support the Museum for future generations.
Members receive a 10% discount!
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he following is an edited version of an article by David Ibata for the Nashville, Chattanooga & St. Louis Railway Historical Society newsletter, “The Dixie Flyer.” David interviewed Martin K. O’Toole, a Marietta attorney who is also on the Kennesaw Museum Foundation board. The purpose of the article was to provide answers to the questions that many of us have regarding the disposal/ disbursement of our important material.
Any competent estate attorney will assist in ensuring material finds an appropriate home. Most institutions prefer to receive material “with no strings attached,” meaning that they are then free to retain that which meets their needs while remaining free to dispose of material outside of their mission or is declared as surplus.
When these decisions are made it’s time to get specific with the recording of your wishes.
Q What happens to collections if no
Q What about giving things
prior arrangements have been made?
A Sadly, material can get “trashed.” If you have a sense of material having importance, then you also have some responsibility to see it safeguarded.
Q What does the typical collector have of value?
A Some collections don’t mean much
Check out our 150th Anniversary of the Civil War t-shirts and more items at the General Emporium gift shop in the Museum.
Are you on our mailing list? Sign up today to be included on all upcoming events! SouthernMuseum.org (click “Join & Save!” on the home page)
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to non-historians or people who don’t “think historically.” This is why we need to make plans now. Identify and record what material is important, what is of interest, and what you perceive the value to be. This should all be recorded in your will, or here in Georgia, a codicil can be added to the will.
Q Who might be interested in the material one might have?
A Knowing like-minded people frequently goes along with the hobby of collecting. These others may well be a source of good advice in learning of suitable recipients of one’s collection. One criteria to be considered is whether an institution under consideration is declared as a 501(C)(3) facility (meaning it is a not-for-profit) which then makes the donation qualified as a tax deduction for your descendants if completed after your death.
away before one passes?
A That’s considered a gift, and the same criteria applies to this type of donation – only now you might enjoy the tax deduction vs your descendants after your death.
Q Any other thoughts? A Talk to a professional estate planner. Decide who it is that you feel will be the best recipient for your material, contact them to make arrangements for the donation and then see to it that your decisions are recorded officially in your will or codicil. To all railroad/civil war collectors – remember that the Southern Museum would be happy to be a home for your “stuff.”
calendar May 9 • Noon Shotgun Start 15th Annual Great Locomotive Chase Golf Tournament
Mommy & Me
Thursdays • 10 AM – 11 AM May 5 (This Train) • May 12 (Old-Time Fun) • May 19 (A-Camping We Will Go) • June 2 (How Does Your Garden Grow?) • June 9 (Gears and Machines) • June 16 (Let’s Paint With Dots!) • June 23 (How Will We Get to the Beach?) • June 30 (Travel By Rail)
Tee off for the Kennesaw Museum Foundation! All money raised will benefit the Museum. Enjoy the rolling hills of Pinetree golf course and some friendly competition for a great cause. $250 per golfer. See page 3 for details.
May 14 • June 11 • July 9 • August 13 • 2 – 3 PM Lecture Series Historical Society Lecture Series May 14..............Kennesaw Now & Then June 11........................ Marietta History July 9....................Western Music Show August 13........................Leonidas Polk The Kennesaw Historical Society and the Southern Museum sponsor this interesting lecture series led by a variety of scholars, authors and other experts, which is held in the Jolley Education Center. Admission is free. For info, contact 770.427.2117, ext 3174 or programs@southernmuseum.org.
May 14 • 10 AM – 4 PM May 15 • 12 PM – 4 PM Through the Ages: A Living History Timeline Tracing a series of pivotal events from Roman times to present day, living history interpreters and military personnel will bring the past to life in a truly educational and interactive experience. For information, contact 770.427.2117, ext 3058 or jpies@ kennesaw-ga.gov. Prices: $5 adult, $3 children (ages 4-12), FREE ages three and under. See front page for details.
SPECIAL EXHIBIT! May 28 – October 16 The Old Guard of the Gate City Guard The original Gate City Guard was one of the first military units to respond to the call for arms in defense of Georgia. The Museum’s new temporary exhibit will
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. Sponsored by
Make It & Take It
Every third Saturday of the month 10 AM – 11:30 AM
May 21 (Medals of Honor) • June 18 (Create-A-Flag) • July 16 (Memory/ Keepsake Boxes) • August 20 (School Days) Children age six and up will engage in hands-on projects that bring history to life. Workshop participants must be accompanied by an adult. Please arrive no later than 9:45 AM in order to have enough time to complete projects. Free with museum admission – all materials provided. For details on any of the above programs, visit southernmuseum.org or contact the Early Childhood Department at 770.427.2117 ext. 3173 or email children@southernmuseum.org.
include rare weapons, historic photographs and memorabilia associated with the organization’s proud and significant history. The artifacts will be on display from May 28 – October 16. Free with admission. For info, call 770.427.2117, ext 3174. See page 1 for details.
NEW! Opens July 23 Working Safely on the Railroad This new permanent exhibit will focus on the importance of railroad safety as it was applied in the past as well as 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. Free with Museum Admission. See page 2 for details.
September 10 • 8 AM 3rd Annual Great Locomotive Chase 5K Join us on Main Street in downtown Kennesaw for our annual 5K race, including tot trot and 1K family fun run. All proceeds benefit the Museum. Check for registration and race details on the race website: greatlocomotiverace.com See page 6 for details.
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Curator’s Corner: The Ties That Bind By Curator Mike Bearrow
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ailroad ties serve the purpose of foundation for the rails that are laid on top of them. They bind the rails in place, making it possible for trains to run. A visit to a museum is a visual experience. It is also an opportunity to learn and discover new stories. The Southern Museum receives two types of donations: objects with stories attached to them and those which, over time, became separated from their individual histories. A historical object that has lost its history has lost its voice. It is for this reason we treasure donations whose stories have remained bonded with them. One such Donor David donated treasure Sherman is a simple red globed railroad lantern. Hundreds like it exist in museum and private collections all over our nation. Without its story, provided by the donor David Sherman, the lantern
David Sherman’s Central of Georgia Red Globed Railroad Lantern would be unremarkable. Here is that story. When David was a young boy he often went to work with his father whose family owned a large wholesale grocery company adjacent to the roundhouse and rail-yards of the Central of Georgia Railroad in Albany, GA. The rail-yard became David’s playground. At times when his father was attempting to get work done and David was distracting him, he would take him over to an engineer friend of his who was switching cars with a steam locomotive in the rail-yard and ask if he would “take care of his boy” for awhile. Handing him up to the cab of the locomotive, the engineer would order David to sit in the fireman’s seat and touch nothing. If he behaved he would let him blow the whistle. If he was really good, the engineer allowed David to ring the locomotive bell. No greater powers were ever given to a six-year-old! One day a hostler, who worked on the steam locomotives and knew David’s father well, gave young David a red globed lantern. It was the first railroad related object personally owned and
treasured by David. One can imagine the excitement in David’s eyes at that moment. Normally in the railroad business, red means STOP. David saw a different signal entirely. To him it meant GO! That little red globed lantern, like the first tie laid down for rail, was the beginning of his lifelong journey in collecting railroad memorabilia. Today, many years later, his extensive collection resides at the Southern Museum for long-term preservation, education and interpretation. The stories and histories associated with many of these objects were well-documented by David. They will be preserved as well. Thank you David for sharing these “ties that bind.”
Save the Date: September 10, 2011! for the Great Locomotive Chase 5K
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njoy a morning of fun and fitness for the whole family at the Kennesaw Museum Foundation’s 3rd Annual Great Locomotive Chase 5K in downtown Kennesaw September 10, 2011. The festivities will include a tot trot, 1K family fun run, and the 5K race, which begin and end on Main Street. Runners of all ages and abilities are encouraged to participate and all proceeds benefit the Southern Museum. Plus, stay downtown for the annual “Taste of Kennesaw” festival, which begins shortly after the race. Registration and race details will be available soon on the race website: greatlocomotiverace.com.
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Membership has its Rewards
A Play is the Work of Children By Judy Parker, Early Childhood Educator
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ow important is play time to a child’s development? Studies have shown that play as part of early childhood education fosters innovation and creative thinking. Play is not only essential for physical development; it is also an important component in the development of creative learning.
“All genuine learning is active, not passive. It involves the use of the mind, not just memory. It is a process of discovery in which the student (child) is the main agent, not the teacher (adult).” Philosopher & Author Mortimer Adler What can parents do to engage their children in creative thinking? Imaginative play activities such as role playing and fantasy play engage children in abstract thinking and thus encourages
them to be independent thinkers. The Southern Museum offers opportunities that engage children in imaginative play activities. Our weekly Mommy & Me program features story time, role-playing and hands-on creative activities. The Jolley Education Center features a try-on clothing area, which encourages children to engage in dramatic play; a diesel simulator that allows children to become a train engineer; and replica telegraph stations where they can become dispatchers and pretend to send messages over the wires. The adjacent Georgia W. Pierce preschool room also allows children to engage in imaginative play with the climb-on train, toy train tables, and even a replica railroad dining car which lets children enjoy being chefs and passengers. “All genuine learning is active, not passive. It involves the use of the mind, not just memory. It is a process of discovery in which the student (child) is the main agent, not the teacher (adult).”
s a result of the Southern Museum’s affiliation with the Smithsonian Institution, members receive many exceptional benefits from both. Our Local Merchant Discount Program is one such benefit. The Museum has teamed up with a number of local merchants to offer Museum members special discounts. Participating merchants include:
• • • • • •
Trackside Grill Carlile Florist & Gifts Neusha Beauty Salon Eclectic Living Whistle Stop Café By-Gone Treasures & A Bit of Glass • Cobblestone Corner • Darrah Photo For more information regarding merchant discounts you can go to the Museum’s website at southernmuseum.org, select “Membership” and then “Individual/Family.” You can also call us directly for specific information at 770.427.2117, ext 3182.
– Philosopher & Author Mortimer Adler
Thanks to Our Corporate Members Ashton Staffing • Carrabba’s Italian Grill • Chastain & Associates, Inc. • Embassy Suites • Fontis Water • Pacesetter Steel Service, Inc. • Vulcan Materials Company 7
Kennesaw Museum Foundation P.O. Box 846 • Kennesaw, Georgia 30156 770.427.2117 • Fax 770.421.8485
Please visit southernmuseum.org for more information on upcoming events.
The Old Guard of the Gate City Guard Opening May 28
Dueling pistol on loan from member of the Old Guard of the Gate City Guard
NONPROFIT ORG US POSTAGE PAID KENNESAW. GA PERMIT NO. 39
speci a exhib l it!
In collaboration with the Old Guard of the Gate City Guard of Atlanta, Inc., State Bank & Trust Company and the Kennesaw Museum Foundation (continued from front page)
March 26 • 10 AM – 4 PM
On display inside The Old Guard of the Gate City Guard will be rare weapons, historic photographs and memorabilia associated with the organization’s proud and significant history, including a LeMat Revolver, an original ship lantern from the famous Confederate Raider CSS Alabama and several unusual pikes. Visitors will learn many different aspects about the unit including the following:
Origins of a State Militia Unit: Included in the gallery will be a replicated parade ground for young recruits to find out if they desire to join the militia and defend Georgia during the Civil War.
A New Beginning: How did southern veterans of the Old Guard deal with the defeat of the Confederacy and embrace
their new mission as peacemakers and ambassadors of good will to the North?
Building a Monument for Peace: Discover the efforts of Colonel Joseph Burke and the lasting achievement of the unit, including the 1911 construction and dedication of the Peace Monument still standing in Atlanta’s Piedmont Park.
A Legacy of Service: What role did the Old Guard and other citizen soldiers play in our nation’s history from the early days of the American Revolution to the present? The artifacts will be on display in the Cobb Energy Gallery from May 28 – October 16. Free with Museum admission. For more information, call 770.427.2117, ext 3174.