News

Big Shanty Festival Draws Civil War Soldiers

03/24/08

KENNESAW, Ga. – Union and Confederate soldiers will arrive in downtown Kennesaw during the Big Shanty Festival April 19 – 20.

“We’re expecting both Northern and Southern soldiers for the festival, but don’t believe any fighting will break out between the two groups,” revealed Southern Museum Director of Education Jennifer Legates. “However, I’m sure they will practice their shooting techniques during the weekend, so Kennesaw might get a bit loud.”

Sponsored by the Southern Museum, Union and Confederate soldiers will pitch camp for the weekend, holding periodic weapons firing demonstrations in this free living history event.

The Southern Museum has planned a variety of events in April and early May, including:

Mommy & Me - Sponsored by Gas South
April 3 • April 17 • May 1 • May 15 • 10 AM
Designed for children ages 3-5 and their parents, the Museum’s history, themes and exhibits provide a fun and exciting starting point for educational activities. Free with regular admission.
April 3: Chessie the Railroad Kitten • April 17: Shape Train • May 1: Old Time Toys • May 15: Way to Go!

Kreative Kids
April 5 • May 3 • 10 AM
Designed for children ages 3-5 and their parents. The museum’s exhibits and themes provide the historical perspective for creating. Free with regular admission.
April 5: Victorian Paper Art • May 3: Let’s Have a Ball!

Homeschool Days
April 7 • May 5 • 10 AM – 2 PM
Homeschoolers can explore the Museum’s exhibits and enjoy hourly educational programs. Reservations not required. (Please Note: The Museum does not provide group tours on Homeschool Days.) Special admission rates: $4 per student (4-12 yrs), $6 per adult, Children 3 and under Free

Games for Learning
April 8 • May 13 • 10 AM
Designed for pre-school age children ages 3-5 years old and their parents. The museum’s exhibits and themes provide the historical perspective for playing games. Free with regular admission.
April 8: Old Time Schoolroom Games • May 13: Red Light/Green Light

Bus Tour- Port Columbus Naval Museum & Andersonville
April 12 • Advance registration required by March 20, 2008 • 8:30 AM – 7 PM
Explore the fascinating role two areas of southern Georgia played in the Civil War. The day will include a guided tour of the Port Columbus National Civil War Naval Museum, Andersonville National Historic Site and the National Prisoner of War Museum. Dr. John Fowler and Dr. Bryan McGovern from Kennesaw State University will be the expert step-on tour guides for the day. Tour will depart/return from KSU Center and includes a boxed lunch. Sponsored by the Southern Museum and the Center for The Study of the Civil War Era at Kennesaw State University. $100

Children’s History Workshop- Keepsake Boxes
April 26 • Advance registration required by April 18, 2008 • 10 AM – 12 PM
Discover the history of Victorian bandboxes used to protect treasured belongings and make your own keepsake box to store your own treasures. For children 7 and up. $10 per child.

Share a Story: Inside Freight Car
April 30 • 10 AM
Designed for pre-school age children ages 3-5 years old and their parents. Come listen to a story and then act it out using props!

Historical Society Lecture Series: “The Nashville, Chattanooga and Saint Louis Railway”
May 10 • 2-3 PM
Join local author Joe Bozeman for a discussion of this fascinating historic railway line. Sponsored by the Kennesaw Historical Society and the Southern Museum. Those who would like to tour the museum before or after the lecture should enter through the front entrance. The lecture is free of charge.

For more event information, 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 4-12, and free for children 3 and under.