News

Civil War and Locomotive Museum Named Attraction of the Year

KENNESAW, GA – The Southern Museum of Civil War and Locomotive History, a Smithsonian Affiliate, has earned the “Shining Example Travel Attraction of the Year” award from the Southeast Tourism Society (STS).

“As a new attraction, we are especially honored to receive this award,” commented Museum Executive Director Jeff Drobney, who traveled to the STS meeting in Roanoke, WV to accept the award September 6. “I feel this award spotlights the quality and uniqueness of our collections and our affiliation with the Smithsonian Institution.

“We’ve worked hard to let people know about our collections, programs, and traveling exhibits, and it’s great to be recognized for it,” he said.

The Shining Example Awards recognize those who have shown exceptional leadership and vision in the travel industry, and according to Stephanie Newton, STS Communications Director, the Southern Museum has done just that.

“The Museum has done a wonderful job of attracting tourism to Kennesaw with creative marketing strategies, and it will positively impact the local economy,” Newton explained.

Judy Renfroe, President of the Cobb County Convention and Visitors Bureau explains why she nominated the Museum for the award, “This Museum is a fantastic addition to Cobb County – it brings history to life, from Kennesaw’s role in the Civil War’s Great Locomotive Chase to the importance of railroads in troop movement to how Marietta’s Glover Machine Works helped rebuild the South after the war.

“Plus, the Museum’s affiliation with the Smithsonian Institution is very prestigious, and it will host several Smithsonian exhibits, the first of which will run September 27 – November 23.”

The STS has served the tourism industry in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia since1983.

The Museum was also recently voted “Best Historic Site for Families” by readers of Our Kids Atlanta magazine, and won a “Best Ideas” award in conjunction with the Cobb County Convention and Visitors Bureau from the Georgia Association of Convention and Visitors Bureaus.

The Southern Museum of Civil War and Locomotive History is located about 20 miles north of Atlanta, just off I-75 at exit 273, Wade Green Road. Open Monday – Saturday, 9:30 – 5:00 PM, Sunday noon – 5:00 PM. For more information about the Museum and its special exhibits, visit www.southernmuseum.org or call (770) 427-2117.