News

Choo! Choo! The Southern Museum's All Aboard Days Pulls In May 17-18!

05/09/08

KENNESAW, Ga. – Parents and kids alike will stay on track during the Southern Museum of Civil War and Locomotive History’s All Aboard Days! Participants will enjoy unlimited miniature train rides, interactive model railroad displays, and entertaining games and activities, including an inflatable circus train!

The event will take place May 17 from 10 AM to 5 PM, and May 18 from 12 PM to 5 PM.

“Railroads have played an important role in the history of the state of Georgia,” Southern Museum Director of Education Jennifer Legates says. “This is an opportunity for Museum visitors to have fun and learn about a period of time that makes Georgia unique.”

The North Georgia Tinplate Trackers (NGTT), an organization for model railroad hobbyists, will also be making an appearance at this year’s event. Phil Denslow, president of the NGTT, explains that their trains follow a modular layout and will surely delight many with the whimsical carnival display that will be set up.

The display includes several interactive features for visitors to play around with. “The layout has two main tracks running around the perimeter and several accessories for each module that are activated by buttons on front of the tables,” Denslow says. “Kids of all ages can use the buttons to control such things like crossing gates, trolley/hand cars and carnival animations.”

The NGTT is no stranger to making appearances at various state events. “For the last 11 years, we have set up a large layout for the Festival of Trees at the World Congress Center,” Denslow says. “[The NGTT] also sets up similar layouts at community events and toy train shows.”

For this year’s All Aboard Days event, the admission is $5 per person for ages four and up, and free for children 3 and under. There will be half-price admission to the Museum with an event hand stamp. For more event information, visit www.southernmuseum.org or call (770) 427-2117, extension 3177.

A Smithsonian Institution affiliate, the Southern Museum features collections of rare Civil War weapons, uniforms, and other personal items; an exciting exhibit about The Great Locomotive Chase, including a short movie; and a full-scale

replica of a locomotive factory that helped rebuild the South after the war. Now through September 7, the Museum is hosting “Liberty on the Border: A Civil War Journey in Time,” an interactive exhibit that explores the role slavery played in the war and the impact it had on civil rights.

The Southern Museum is located 20 miles north of Atlanta, off I-75 at exit 273. Admission is $7.50 for adults, $6.50 for seniors, $5,50 for children ages 4-12, and is free for children 3 and under.