Southern Museum Interpretive Programs
Let one of our knowledgeable guides lead you through the museum for a more comprehensive understanding of our exhibits! Guided tours and programs are offered on most days each week, several times per day. All programs are free with admission and last approximately 20 minutes.
Exhibit Programs
Railroads: Lifelines of the Civil War
Learn about the vital role played by railroads and technology in shaping the course of the American Civil War. Artifacts, photographs, and illustrations come to life as this critical period in American history is explored in an interactive, personalized tour.
The Glover Machine Works
Let us guide you and your family through our Smithsonian-accredited exhibit! Meet the Glover family of Marietta, GA, explore their reconstructed locomotive factory, and see how the company waxed and waned over the years.
The Story of the General
Our most popular program! Our guide will place the Great Locomotive Chase into a wider historical context before walking you, step-by-step, through the dramatic events of April 12, 1862! Learn the fates of the Andrews Raiders after their capture, and follow the locomotive General through the next 150 years of its storied existence.
The Flag of the 65th Georgia
Sewn in 1864 for the Confederate Army of Tennessee, this bullet-riddled flag has finally found a permanent home at the Southern Museum. This program explores not only the history of Confederate flag designs, but also the exciting role played by the 65th Georgia in the Atlanta, Tennessee, and Carolina campaigns.
The Andrews Raid: What Went Wrong?
Explore the Great Locomotive Chase in an entirely new light! This program focuses on the role seemingly insignificant events can have in shaping a broader history; we do this by guiding you through our Chase exhibit and examine the various bad decisions and bad luck that plagued the Andrews Raid from its inception to its ultimate failure.
Living History Programs
*Subject to weather conditions*
Weapons Demonstration
Have you ever wondered what it was like to load and fire a Civil War-era rifled musket? Let one of our guides demonstrate the nine-step loading process that was required to fire a single bullet, and time us to see if we can fire off three shots in a minute!
Civil War Soldier Life
Life for soldiers during the Civil War was difficult at best. See firsthand some of the privations faced by troops on both sides during the conflict through a living history demonstration of a soldier’s campsite.
Civil War Drilling Exercise
In this program, you and your family will experience some of the same drilling exercises used to train troops during the Civil War! Be mustered in and learn to move in line of battle as a unit.
Sunday & Monday
Guided tours are not offered on Sundays or Mondays.
*Large group tours, special events or educational outreach initiatives may limit program availability. Call 770.427.2117, ext 3180 for daily program schedule.
