News
New Children's Events Big Hits With Kids
KENNESAW, GA – Families and kids enjoyed new events and programs designed especially for kids by the Southern Museum this year.
An estimated 2,000 people arrived in downtown Kennesaw for All Aboard Days on May 14 and 15. Kids rode miniature trains from the North Georgia Live Steamers and bounced in a Thomas the Tank moonwalk. Other entertainment included model railroad displays, steam engine tractor demonstrations, storytellers, and bluegrass concerts by Ducktown Station and Appalachian Highway.
“The miniature train rides were such a unique attraction, and the kids couldn’t resist them,” said Executive Director Jeff Drobney.
A new children’s program, “So You Want to Be a Civil War Soldier?” will be back by popular demand in 2006. A large battalion of kids ages 6 – 12 learned about the life of soldiers on June 15. After enlistment, “new recruits” were trained on military equipment and experienced the thrill of drilling like real Civil War soldiers. Participants sang popular tunes of the 1860s and ended the day with a bang with the firing of a Civil War cannon. The program was available to the public for only $5 per child and to Museum members for free.
The program was made possible with funding from the Kennesaw Downtown Merchants Association and the Kennesaw Museum Foundation.
A second children's program, "So You Want to Be a Railroad Engineer?" was also a sell out crowd. Participating children earned their "Engineer's License" after practicing railroad signals and safety skills, and operating a train on a locomotive simulator July 13.
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.
The Southern Museum is located 20 miles north of Atlanta, off I-75 at exit 273 For more information, visit www.southernmuseum.org or call (770) 427-2117.