Make the Southern Museum the unique backdrop for your next occasion. From wedding receptions and corporate events to train-themed children’s parties, the Southern Museum is a versatile event location. The spacious front lawn offers guests a panoramic view of historic Kennesaw with views of the railroad tracks, the Depot and Main Street. The Cobb Energy Gallery is easily transformed for elegant cocktail parties and wedding receptions or for business meetings and barbecues. Regardless of the style and purpose of your occasion, the Southern Museum evokes the spirit of a by-gone era in Georgia. So plan an event your guests will never forget at the Southern Museum!

The Museum can accommodate large (up to 500 guests) and small events in several locations on the Museum campus. Please call us to discuss your event details or take a tour of the Museum. Museum staff can also recommend local caterers to provide services that range from elegant cocktail receptions to seated formal dinners.

How to Book an Event at the Southern Museum

Thank you for your interest in hosting an event at the Southern Museum of Civil War & Locomotive History. Please follow these easy steps to begin the process. Click on the underlined links for more detailed information on this website.

After reviewing Booking Information and the Museum Rules & Regulations, please download the Event Request Form and fax completed form to Aimee Harmon at 770.421.8485. Event dates must be requested at least 30 days in advance and will be held for 14 days pending receipt of a Security Deposit.
Site visits to the Museum can be arranged through Aimee Harmon by calling 770.427.2117 ext. 3174.
Event Planner will contact you within two days of receiving the form to provide a potential Event Plan with a price quote and recommend a Preferred Caterer.
The Caterer will help you select a menu, set-up options and decorations to fit your budget. You can also find Sample Menus on this website.
A Security Deposit must be paid to the Museum to proceed further with Event Planning.
Full payment of the Rental Fee and signed Contract must be delivered to the Museum no later than 72 hours before the Event Date or the Event will be subject to cancellation. Please review the Payment Policies and Pricing to answer any questions.
Payment to the Caterer should be arranged with Caterer.

Special Event Policies

Booking Information

Event date requests can be made one year in advance and will be secured upon receipt of Rental Contract and Security Deposit.
All events must be booked a minimum of 30 days in advance.
Full Rental Fee is due and payable 72 hours in advance of the Event date.
The Security Deposit will be subtracted from the full Rental Fee amount.
If the Event is cancelled by the Client, the Security Deposit shall be non-refundable.
If any part of the Museum is damaged as a result of an event, the Client will be charged for the amount of the damage.

Facility Availability

Breakfast Events in the Museum may occur from 7:30 AM to 9 AM, Monday through Friday.
Evening Events in the Museum may occur from 6:30 PM to 11 PM, Monday through Saturday.
Closed New Year’s Day, Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas and Christmas Eve.
Access to Museum for deliveries, etc. must be arranged in advance with Museum On-Site Coordinator.
The Special Exhibit room may not be available if there is an exhibit on display.

Required Permits

If alcohol is served, an Alcohol Permit Application must be submitted at least 30 days in advance of Event to be approved by Mayor and Council of Kennesaw.
If alcohol is served, an on-site police officer is required by City Statute at a cost of $35 an hour to be paid directly to the officer.

Museum Rules & Regulations

PHOTOGRAPHY
Photography is allowed only in certain areas of the Museum and on the grounds. Since artifacts may be damaged by light, use of flash photography is not permitted in the galleries or in other areas where artifacts may be displayed.

EXHIBITIONS
Exhibitions and/or the contents of the galleries may not be altered in any way. The Special Exhibits Room will be closed for events when the exhibit on display prohibits the use of the event space.

SMOKING
Smoking is not permitted within the Museum, a smoke-free environment.

CANDLES
Open flame candles are not permitted in the Museum. Sterno warmers are acceptable for use in the Museum only in designated areas and shall be supervised by attendants at all times.

CHILDREN
Children under age 17 must be supervised by parents or other adults at all times.

ANIMALS
Animals of any type are not permitted in the Museum, except animals for visual assistance.

PROJECTILES
Bubbles, balloons and other projectiles and floating decorations are not permitted in the Museum; however, they may be used on the grounds outside the building so long as they are promptly removed the same evening following the event. Birdseed and/or flower petals may be thrown outside only.

PARKING
Parking is allowed only in designated paved parking lots. There will be no parking or driving on the grass, paved walkways or service entrance.

ENTERTAINMENT
The Client is responsible for any applicable licenses for live or recorded music to be performed. Client must contact the Event Planner at least two weeks prior to the Event to consult on setup guidelines.

OUTDOOR EVENTS
The Museum is committed to a “good neighbor policy.” Included in this commitment are limitations on parking and amplified sound at any event. Additionally, the City of Kennesaw has an ordinance that governs the level of sound that can be heard on adjoining property. Client or its Agents must not assume that the Museum will provide adequate extension cords.

ACCESS TO SITE & DELIVERIES

Deliveries must be made during normal Museum hours and at enclosed loading dock and staging area only.
Private rental tents may be set up 24 hours prior to the event and must be removed immediately following the Event. Client will forfeit Security Deposit if tent remains on the property the day after the Event unless otherwise agreed upon in writing.
The Museum is not responsible for any lost or stolen equipment or property of the Client or its Agents; or any equipment rented by the same for use for the Event.

ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES
Alcohol may be served to persons over the age of 21 under the terms and conditions consistent with the applicable laws of the State of Georgia as long as the Client abides by the following rules:

No alcoholic beverages will be allowed without proper license or Permit. A closed function event serving alcohol requires by law with no exceptions, a Permit from the City of Kennesaw. An Alcohol Permit Application must be submitted at least 30 days in advance to Museum to be approved by Mayor and Council. Contact the Event Planner regarding this Permit.
Client will take responsibility for and hold the Museum harmless from ALL liabilities arising from serving and consumption of alcoholic beverages.
Kegs are not permitted inside or outside of Museum.
Client must buy any alcoholic beverages and transport them to the Museum according to Cobb County state law. Bartender services can be requested from the Caterer.
An off-duty police officer must be hired for the duration of the Event if alcohol is being served. Museum On-Site Coordinator will arrange for this. The officer will be paid $35 an hour directly by the client.

PUBLICITY
Use of any Museum logo, trademark or trade name is not permitted without prior authorization. The Client is not to promote their Event as a Museum or City-sponsored Event unless agreed upon in writing in advance of the Event.

SETUP/BREAKDOWN
Client must provide their own setup and breakdown of any additional equipment required such as registration tables, literature or signage. Arrangements must be made with Event Planner in advance of the event. If Client elects to have Museum assist with these services, a setup/breakdown fee of $250 will be charged. Equipment of the Client must be removed the day after the Event. (For Saturday and Sunday, delivery of equipment may be made on Friday and removed on Monday but must be stored in non-public viewing areas).

Payment

Security Deposit

A Security Deposit and completed Rental Contract is required to secure an Event date. (See Pricing.)
The Security Deposit will be subtracted from the full Rental Fee amount.
If an Event is cancelled by the Client, the Security Deposit shall be non-refundable.
The Museum has the right to charge the Client for damages to the Museum property during their Event.

Museum Rental Fee
Full payment of Museum Rental Fee for both non-alcohol and alcohol serving events in either the Museum or Depot must be received by Museum a minimum of 72 hours in advance or the Event will be cancelled.

Where to Send Checks
Security Deposit and Rental Fee checks should be made out to the Southern Museum of Civil War & Locomotive History and mailed to:

Southern Museum of Civil War & Locomotive History
Attn: Jane Pies
2829 Cherokee Street
Kennesaw, GA 30144

Value Added Services
Charges for Value Added Services (Reenactors, Storyteller, Costumed Tour Guides, Civil War Era Bands) shall be included in the pricing of the Event.

Caterer
Payment for food service, rental items and decorations should be arranged between Caterer and Client.

Pricing

Security Deposit

$250 Deposit required for rental of the Museum, Theater or Special Exhibit Room

Museum Rental

The Museum offers a unique environment for corporate, social, and civic events and outings. Rental prices include the use of the Museum for a maximum of four hours. Events in excess of four hours will be charged an additional $250 per hour. The Museum can provide a podium, but no other audio visual materials. Pricing does not include food and beverage costs. Please consult with Caterer.

Pricing Structure – 4 Hour Period

Up to 100 guests $1000

100 – 150 guests $1500

150 – 200 guests $2000

200 – 250 guests $2500

250 – 300 guests $3000

300 – 350 guests $3500

Pricing Per Hour (2 Hour Minimum)

$300 an hour for 100 people or less

Add $25 an hour for every 50 extra people

Includes:

Admission and access to Museum

Adequate Museum staff for duration of Event

Movie viewing (25 minute movie)

Speaker podium in theater

Gift shop open (must be requested – 2 hour limit)

Staff person to open and close Museum

Event planning fees

Does NOT include:

Caterer fees

Rental of chairs, tables and other items

Fees for security officer – to be paid directly to officer

Depot Rental

The 1908 Railroad Depot is suitable for small board meetings, Scout troop meetings or small lunch gatherings.
$50 per hour (one hour minimum)
Does not include admission to the Museum, however groups of 10 or more qualify for a group discount.
Food, rental items and decorations may be added to packages. Please consult with Caterer.
Depot rentals are subject to availability and may occur during Southern Museum operating hours only.

Value Added Services

Reenactors/Costumed Tour Guides – $50 per person
Two per 50 people recommended