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From Slavery to Civil Rights: The Southern Museum Explores Liberty
02/25/08
KENNESAW, Ga. – While slavery ended at the conclusion of the Civil War, the long, hard battle for equal rights was just beginning.
Liberty on the Border: A Civil War Journey in Time, a new exhibit at the Southern Museum in Kennesaw, chronicles the African American journey from slavery through civil rights. The traveling exhibition explores the differing attitudes of Americans on slavery leading up to the Civil War, the dilemmas faced by African Americans during the war, and the lasting impact slavery had on the struggle for human rights.
“This exhibit is exceptionally powerful,” revealed Southern Museum Curator Mike Bearrow. “It really delves into the hard choices both whites and African Americans who opposed slavery had to make. Oftentimes, every choice would lead to negative consequences.”
The exhibition is divided into three sections. “Liberty Denied”, explores slavery and its role leading up to the Civil War. “Liberty’s Trial” examines the impact of the Civil War on personal liberty. “Liberty’s Legacy” details the long battle against the racism that arose in the aftermath of the war, concluding with the advances made during the Civil Rights movement led by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
The struggles faced by African Americans since coming to the United States are brought to life through artifacts such as slave shackles and interactive exhibits that include audio slave narratives; an exploration of positive and negative popular culture imagery through films, TV, and advertising; and, Civil Rights memorabilia. The laws that at first supported and then defeated racism are also explored.
“This exhibition is the American version of “The Odyssey” in which the nation, African Americans in particular, suffered and fought for their rights and liberty, against almost overwhelming odds. I believe this is a story all Americans need to know,” Bearrow said.
Created by the Cincinnati Museum Center, and on display at the Southern Museum until September 7, this thought-provoking exhibition uses photographs and documents, touchable replicas and artifacts, backdrops and dioramas, handson interactives, audio visual effects, diaries, and music to tell this uniquely American story.
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.
The Southern Museum is located 20 miles north of Atlanta, off I-75 at exit 273. For more information, call (770) 427-2117, extension 3177.
