December 2010
The Telegraph
the southern
museum
News & Events from the Southern Museum of Civil War and Locomotive History in Association with the Smithsonian Institution
Vol. VII, No. 6
Heroes and Legends Gala Raises Much Needed Funds By Claire Barth
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n and Mayor Mark Left to Right: Paul Chastai an award for his el Mathews present RJ Pat the Museum. of t por sup g din stan out
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he Kennesaw Museum Foundation hosted its annual Heroes and Legends Gala on October 16, 2010 at the Embassy Suites Kennesaw. The event raised $25,000 to support educational and outreach programs at the Southern Museum. The Gala also honored RJ Patel and Vulcan Materials Company for their outstanding support of the Southern Museum. Award recipient RJ Patel served as vice president of the Kennesaw Museum Foundation from 1998 to 2010 and
chairman of the Annual Campaign Committee during the same time period. Vulcan Materials Company was honored for its support of the Kennesaw Museum Foundation as a corporate partner. Vulcan has made significant contributions to the Southern Museum, the City of Kennesaw and Smith-Gilbert Gardens. Vulcan was also the major corporate sponsor of the Big Shanty Festival and the Glover Machine Works exhibit at the Museum. continued on page 3
From the Executive Director ........... 2 Homeschool Days Programs . ........ 3
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New Executive Director .................. 3 Archive Volunteers .......................... 4 Calendar .......................................... 5 The Lacy Hotel ................................ 6 Staff Spotlight . ................................ 7
Haunted Museum is a Horrifying Hit We ARE the Smithsonian in Your Neighborhood!
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his year’s Haunted Museum was the spookiest on record, and the community showed up in droves to make it the Museum’s most popular event this year. The Museum was closed during regular hours on October 22nd and 23rd so that it could be transformed from a benign history museum to a dark and eerie setting for some ghastly and gory sights. Over 70 volunteers planned and acted out skits intended to entertain and scare visitors, and judging from the screams emanating from the museum, we think they were successful. What’s more is that the total attendance for both nights exceeded 1,300 guests! Thanks to everyone who attended, volunteered and helped make the event’s success possible!
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.
From the Executive Director
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growth as we have acquired numerous s all good things must eventually nationally significant collections, such come to an end, so too has my as the recently donated David Salter time as Executive Director of the Photographic Collection which includes Southern Museum and the Kennesaw over 40,000 images documenting Museum Foundation. After nearly 10 ½ railroading’s “golden age” in the South in years at the helm of both organizations, the early 20th century and through our I am stepping aside to pursue other innovative partnership with the Southern professional opportunities. This was Railway Historical Association. not an easy decision and was not made None of the achievements of the in haste. In all honesty, it was a very Museum would have been possible difficult decision to leave an institution without a dedicated and committed staff. in which I have invested nearly half of The sign of a good manager is to hire my working life. The last ten years have the best people and then step aside – my been a whirlwind of growth, development, job was simple – empower a very able transformation and maturation for the and professional staff to do their jobs Museum. When I assumed the role of to the best of their Executive Director in ability and to make 2000, the Museum certain everyone was consisted of one I am very proud of all committed to the 3,500 sq. ft. building, that has been accomplished same goals. I am very one major artifact, in the last ten years and I proud of all that has the General, no want to thank you for your been accomplished professional staff support and membership in the last ten years and no real plan for with the Southern Museum. and I want to thank growth. Fast forward you for your support ten years and the and membership with Museum is now over the Southern Museum. As I have said 50,000 sq. ft. in size, is a member of many times, the Southern Museum is an the prestigious Smithsonian Affiliations extraordinary institution and has a very program, consists of three permanent bright future. The new director, Dr. Richard exhibit galleries, has a 3,000 sq. ft. Banz is a very capable leader who brings a temporary exhibit gallery, a library and wealth of museum experience to his new archive and the new 8,000 sq. ft. Jolley role. Dr. Banz is committed to ensuring the Education Center. Moreover, we have continued positive growth of the Museum. hosted dozens of temporary exhibitions The last ten years have been a blast. from the Smithsonian and other museums, THANK YOU! organized numerous community programs such as our Haunted Museum, Military With warmest regards. Timeline and Mommy and Me Series, and have hosted hundreds of thousands of visitors from throughout the United States and from all over the world. Our Library and Archive has continued its phenomenal
The last ten years have been a whirlwind of growth, development, transformation and maturation for the Museum. 2
Homeschool Days Programs The Southern Museum’s Homeschool Days programs offer homeschooled students of all ages a unique learning experience. The Museum’s homeschool programs allow students the opportunity to get a hands-on learning experience on topics they may be covering in their course material. Our programs include subjects such as An 1861 Winter, African American Heroes in History, Women in the Railroad, and the Anniversary of the Beginning of the Civil War. Students participating in these programs create crafts, tour the Museum and participate in activities directly related to the topic of the month. The Southern Museum is very excited to offer Homeschool Days!
African American Heroes in History February 7, 2011 • 10 AM – 2 PM Women of the Railroad March 7, 2011 • 10 AM – 2 PM 150th Anniversary of the Beginning of the Civil War April 4, 2011 • 10 AM – 2 PM If you are interested in receiving information or signing up, please contact the museum tour coordinator at programs@southernmuseum.org or 770.427.2117 ext 3174. You may also visit our website at www.southernmuseum.org/ed_homeschool.htm.
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Heroes and Legends Gala Jeff Drobney, director of Recreation and Culture for the City of Kennesaw, expressed his gratitude to the local businesses and individuals who support the Southern Employees of Vulca n Materials Compan Museum. “We are so thankful y accept their award for outstanding sup port of the Museum. for the support given to us by the community; in return, we remain Thank you to the following sponsors committed to sharing the stories of its for making this event a success: Cobb artifacts and people so that all individuals EMC, City of Kennesaw, MacTec, O’Neill may have the opportunity to understand Communications, North Georgia Staffing, its significance to our nation’s history,” Atlanta Bonded Warehouse, Kennesaw Drobney said. Business Association, Doug & Claudia The Gala festivities included a Davis, BB&T, Embassy Suites-Kennesaw live auction, silent auction and dinner and State Bank & Trust. catered by Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse.
Museum Welcomes New Executive Director Richard Banz
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r. Richard Banz has been promoted to Executive Director of the Southern Museum of Civil War and Locomotive History. Richard came to the City of Kennesaw in April 2010 as Director of Education and Public Programs for the Southern Museum and accepted the position of Executive Director in early December. Richard has over twenty years experience in museum administration and education. Prior to arriving in Kennesaw, Richard taught American History at York College of Pennsylvania. From 2000 through 2007, he worked as director of Interpretation and Collections at the York County Heritage Trust. Richard also served as Chairman of the Alliance of Pennsylvania County Historical Societies from 2006 to 2007. He earned a Doctor of Education in adult education from Pennsylvania State University in 2009. His additional interests include visiting Civil War sites, playing the trumpet and model railroading. Richard and his wife Debra reside in Acworth.
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The Southern Museum Scout and Youth Programs
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he Southern Museum is excited to offer supplemental programs for Scouts and other youth groups! These unique programs are fun, educational, and help fulfill the requirements for Boy and Girl Scouts to earn badges, Try-Its, or higher ranks. Boy Scouts can work toward Railroads, American Heritage, What Makes America Special (Bear Requirements), Tall Tales (Bear Requirements), and Family Fun requirements. Girl Scouts can earn Wave the Flag and Local Lore Try-It. Open to Scout groups or any youth group of ten or more children. For more information on these programs, please contact the museum tour coordinator at programs@southernmuseum.org or 770.427.2117 ext 3174.
These unique programs are fun, educational, and help fulfill the requirements for Boy and Girl Scouts to earn badges, Try-Its, or higher ranks.
Photos currently being processed: The two photographs seen to the left and far right belong to the SRHA Collection of Photographs for the 727th Railroad Operating Battalion. The 727th was instrumental in keeping the supply lines open and troops moving in North Africa and Europe during WWII. The image in the center is just one example of the many Southeastern railway photographs contained within the David W. Salter Collection. This one depicts Central of Georgia Locomotive No. 182.
Archives Offers Thanks to Volunteer Dedication By Daniel Pete, Assistant Archivist
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he Archives department wishes to take this opportunity to recognize some of our outstanding volunteers. Without their help, we would not be able to process the many donations that we receive in Archives. Their hard work and dedication are invaluable. Heather Hale has been a tremendous help in assisting with the development and setup for numerous Archival projects. Heather has been Heather Hale instrumental in Georgia Archives Month for the last two years, and she was also helpful in the development of the “Up Through the Rails” display that is now in its 13th month. Currently, she is working on a finding aid for the 727th Railway Operating Battalion, affiliated with the Southern Railway, which operated during WW II. The materials within this series consist of TIES magazine articles (a Southern Railway publication), photographs and correspondence/
documents relating to the career of Lt. Colonel Fred W. Okie, one time battalion commander of the 727th. In addition to the finding aid, she has also been involved in a short video of the 727th that was posted on our Southern Museum YouTube page in time for Veteran’s Day. Pete Silcox, our other outstanding volunteer, helps us process the massive photograph collection of David W. Salter. Pete is a retired CSX Track Manager who lends his expertise to identify many of the photographs that have not been labeled with the railway line or location. His enthusiasm and knowledge of everything railroad has proven to be invaluable. Because of his help, we are able to process the David W. Salter Collection of Railroad Photographs quite Pete Silcox efficiently. Some examples of the two collections the volunteers are currently processing are pictured above.
Thanks to Our Corporate Members www.southernmuseum.org 4
Ashton Staffing • Carrabba’s Italian Grill • Chastain & Associates, Inc. • Fontis Water • Pacesetter Steel Service, Inc. • Vulcan Materials Company
calendar February 19 • 1 – 4 PM Mother & Daughter Tea Enjoy this traditional Victorian teatime complete with sandwiches, scones, biscuits and a dessert finale. Entertainment includes: a fashion show, music, games and a special makeand-take craft. For more information, call 770.427.2117 ext. 3058 or email jpies@kennesaw-ga.gov. $35 per couple; $25 for Museum members.
March 12 • April 9 • May 14 2 – 3 PM Lecture Series The Kennesaw Historical Society and the Southern Museum of Civil War and Locomotive History sponsor this interesting lecture series. For more information, call 770.427.2117 ext. 3174 or email programs@southernmuseum.org. Keep checking www.southernmuseum.org for lecture topics.
April 12-16 Week of the Young Child Join us for our second annual event focusing on the importance of early learning and the people who make it possible. Details to follow on museum website www.southernmuseum.org.
Sponsored by
Mommy & Me ............. Thursdays • 10 AM – 11 AM January 6 (The Name Train) • January 13 (Caboose on the Loose!) • January 20 (Let’s Go!) • January 27 (Build-A-Train) • February 3 (Shape Safari) • February 10 (Young Abe Lincoln) • February 17 (Train Song) • February 24 (Simple Toys, Simple Joys) 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
Every third Saturday of the month 10 AM – 11:30 AM Free with museum admission – all materials provided. Children age six and up will engage in hands-on projects that help 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. For details on any of the above programs, visit www.southernmuseum.org or contact the Early Childhood Department at 770.427.2117 ext. 3173 or email children@southernmuseum.org.
Trains, Trains, Trains Family Event January 22 • 10 AM – 4 PM Crazy about trains? You won’t want to miss this family event. We will be building a model trestle bridge, operating model trains and providing tips on how to build your own model train layout. For more information, call 770.427.2117 ext. 3174 or email programs@kennesaw-ga.gov. For more information on the above programs, contact the Museum at 770.427.2117, ext. 3173, or children@southernmuseum.org.
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This hotel was the largest and perhaps most important structure within Big Shanty (now Kennesaw) before and during the Civil War era.
Curator’s Corner: Digging into Kennesaw’s Past By Mike Bearrow
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team of archaeology students led by Dr. Jeffrey Glover and Graduate Student Melissa Scharffenberg of Georgia State University recently conducted new test excavations on what may possibly be the former location of the Lacy Hotel. This hotel was the largest and perhaps most important structure within Big Shanty (now Kennesaw) before and during the Civil War era. The Lacy served as a breakfast stop for passengers on the Western and Atlantic Railroad and was the location selected by Andrews Raiders to commandeer the “General” in April of 1862. The hotel was destroyed by fire by order of Union General William T. Sherman in November 1864. This isn’t the first archeological investigation into the Lacy Hotel. In 1997 excavations were conducted by Dr. Betty Smith and students of Kennesaw State University. While many fascinating objects and fragments were uncovered it remains undetermined as to whether the actual Lacy Hotel site had been discovered. Another endeavor performed by MacTech revealed little evidence of past human activity at the site of the pedestrian underpass prior to its construction in 2009.
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The latest effort began with Ms. Scharffenberg conducting a review of the information obtained from prior investigations. Seeking the assistance of fellow graduate student Gretchen Egginman, new magnetic resistivity testing was utilized to search beneath the ground’s surface. Testing revealed evidence of two possible foundations which was followed by students digging excavation pits. In December the pits were carefully filled in and the unearthed objects sent to Georgia State University for detailed analysis. While evidence may not determine the actual location of the Lacy Hotel it will contribute to our growing knowledge of early Kennesaw or the town formerly known as Big Shanty. The various discoveries
from the excavation site reveal further clues into the multiple uses of the land located across the street from the Southern Museum. Because this land has been used and reused over time from possible early Native American inhabitation to the present it is sometimes difficult to excavate as objects from various time periods can become intermixed.
Above: Melissa Scharffenberg checks an equipment reading prior to beginning excavation. Left: One of the foundations discovered during the excavation.
Trains, Trains, Trains By Dr. Richard Banz
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verybody loves trains! Some people enjoy riding trains while others prefer watching trains. Other folks enjoy modeling or operating miniature electric trains. Whatever your passion for trains, be sure to join us at the Southern Museum on January 22, 2011 for Trains, Trains, Trains!
This event also includes several hands-on activities for the future railroader. Held in the Jolley Education Center (home of the Georgia “Merci” Boxcar) the event is geared for the entire family. Visitors will take pleasure in seeing case exhibits of model and toy trains, “engineering” a train inside our diesel simulator, or operating the telegraph stations. A “white gloves” table featuring railroad artifacts will be accessible for the public to touch and handle. An operating
Visit the General Emporium Today!
model railroad, similar to one you can build, will be set up along with advice for getting started in model railroading. This event also includes several handson activities for the future railroader. Children ages six and up will enjoy “Make It and Take It” workshops where participants can design and build their own railroad bridge. Young children ages four and under will delight in exploring the Georgia W. Pierce Pre-K Room which includes a climbable “pillow” train, a model transportation center with trains and cars for play and coloring activities. All children are invited to try on old-fashioned outfits located in the replica hotel and dry goods store which were commonly found within railroad towns and communities.
ome and visit the General Emporium for all your gift needs. We have several new items including train gift wrap, new food items, jewelry and Civil War 150 Anniversary t-shirts. When you shop at the General Emporium, you are helping support the Museum and the preservation of the General.
Members receive 10% discount.
Staff Spotlight
Melinda Senn Assistant Educator & New Volunteer Coordinator
A Dickens’ of a Christmas
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hanks to everyone who turned out for our Dickens’ of a Christmas event on December 10th and 11th! We hosted nearly 300 guests, Dickens’-era dancers, a hammer dulcimer player, a violinist, a guitarist, carolers and holiday goodies in the finale. And it took six Scrooges to pull off the event! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all of our members and patrons! We look forward to seeing you next year!
The Museum was thrilled to introduce a new staff member, Melinda Senn, to the Education Department in September. Melinda’s responsibilities include conducting tours and interruptive programs, program development and supporting our volunteers. A native of Virginia, she and her husband moved here in December 2009. Melinda graduated from Virginia Commonwealth University in 2004 with a degree in history. Melinda’s Museum career includes Monticello, Historic Jamestown and most recently Henricus Historic Park in Virginia. A self-proclaimed history geek, Melinda’s love for her job shows in her enthusiastic approach to each new assignment. She has made a great addition to our Museum team.
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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.
125th Ohio Civil War Infantry Encampment March 26 • 10 AM – 4 PM General Sherman’s Army will be returning to Kennesaw! The 125th Ohio Infantry will provide a living history Civil War encampment on the front lawn of the Southern Museum. Musket demonstrations will be performed every hour (timing may be subject to change). See the encampment for free or combine it with a tour of the Museum! For more information, call 770.427.2117 ext. 3180 or email programs@southernmuseum.org.
NONPROFIT ORG US POSTAGE PAID KENNESAW. GA PERMIT NO. 39