News

Seniors Celebrate the Past for Half Price at the Southern Museum

08/21/06

KENNESAW, GA – Seniors will celebrate the past at the Southern Museum of Civil War and Locomotive History for half the normal ticket price this month.

“Stories are passed down from generation to generation, and grandparents often tell the best stories,” said Jennifer Legates, Director of Education and Public Programs. “We wanted to give them the gift of true and exciting stories from Kennesaw, in honor of National Grandparents Day.”

Seniors will learn stories from Kennesaw about the railroad and Civil War from artifacts, photographs, and even audio and video clips from the Museum’s three collections. Two “famous” coats now on display add even more stories to be heard at the Museum, including the stories of Union Major General George Armstrong Custer’s wedding and General John Bell Hood, an amputee who was a vicious fighter but ultimately failed to defeat the fires that seized Atlanta.

The Museum invites seniors and their families to discover the stories from Kennesaw and the Civil War during Seniors Month, and other upcoming Southern Museum events:
 
Southern Museum Seniors Month. September 1 – 30. History is an ongoing process that allows each generation to pass along the stories of their lifetime. In celebration of National Grandparents Day, the Southern Museum is offering senior citizens (60 and up) half price admission – normally $6.50, but only $3.25 during the month of September. Come celebrate the past!
 
Great Locomotive Chase Bus Tour. September 23, 9 am – 5 pm. Retrace the route of the exciting Great Locomotive Chase on a full-day bus tour following the famous locomotive’s historic route. Stops include Kingston Station, Cooper Iron Works, Tunnel Hill, and Ringgold Depot. Departs from/returns to the Southern Museum and includes a stop for lunch. Sponsored by the Southern Museum of Civil War and Locomotive History and the Kennesaw Historical Society. $60; $45 for Museum members. Register by September 8. For information and reservations, call 770-427-2117 ext. 110 or groups@southernmuseum.org.
 
Museum Day. September 30, 9:30 am – 5 pm. The Smithsonian magazine’s second annual event offers free admission with a special “Museum Day” card available from Smithsonian magazine.
 
Georgia Watercolor Society Show. October 1 through November 17. Pastoral landscapes and vivid portraits will enchant visitors to the Southern Museum of Civil War and Locomotive History this fall as it hosts the Georgia Watercolor Society’s Annual Show. The paintings will range in style from realism to impressionism to contemporary and abstract, and will be judged by nationally known watercolor artist and teacher Alex Powers. Free with Museum admission.
 
Homeschool Days. October 2, November 6, December 4. 10 am – 4 pm. Homeschooled students can explore the Museum’s exhibits for a special rate. Fun, interpretive programs offered throughout the day. Reservations not required. $4 students; accompanying adult $6. (Please note: the Museum does not provide group tours on Homeschool Days.) Contact the Education department for more information at 770-427-2117, ext. 114.
 
The Haunted Museum. October 13 & 14, 4 – 9 pm. Take a spooky guided tour through the Southern Museum of Civil War and Locomotive History. Beware of chilling characters and creepy sounds from every corner. This eerie experience is recommended for children six and older. Admission: $5 per person (ages 6 & up). Co-sponsored by Kennesaw Parks & Recreation and the Southern Museum.

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; a full-scale replica of a locomotive factory that helped rebuild the South after the war; and through May, a traveling exhibit featuring photographs of the people who dedicated their lives to the railroad.

The Southern Museum is located 20 miles north of Atlanta, off I-75 at exit 273.  Click here for visitor information, or call (770) 427-2117.