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September 2008

TheTelegraphNews & Events from the Southern Museum of Civil War and Locomotive History

TheTelegraphin Association with the Smithsonian Institution Vol. VI, No. 2

Whoo-whoo. Chug. Tap-tap-tap. Sounds coming fromthe Southern Museum’s new Education Center willbe anything but the hush-hush normally reserved

for museums. Years in the making and opening this month,the Education Center provides opportunities for all childrento touch, listen, and talk as they find out about the impact ofrailroads on America through hands-on exhibits and activitiesdesigned just for them.

“Community members wanted a place where they couldbring children,” said Jennifer Legates, director of curriculumand educational initiatives. The result is an 8,000-square-footspace with something for all ages.

Visitors can “drive” a train on an interactive locomotive bymoving their bodies back and forth and waving their arms, orthey can try on clothes like those found in America in the 19thcentury. Two telegraphs allow children to tap outmessages, teaching them about the days beforecell phones.

Community members wanted a placewhere they could bring children. Theresult is an 8,000-square-foot space

with something for all ages.

The highlight of the Education Center is thehistoric Georgia Merci Boxcar, one of 49 boxcarssent to the United States by the people of Francein 1949 to express appreciation (“Merci” is Frenchfor “thank you”) for American relief efforts therefollowing World War II. The Southern Museumhas been the custodian of the boxcar since January2006. The exhibit displays some of the Frenchcultural gifts that were aboard the boxcar.According to Assistant Curator Ava Wilkey:

New Education Center BringsRailroads to Life for Children

In the new Education Center, younger children have a place to play with railroad-themed toys.

Grand Opening Sept. 27Bring the whole family for a day of fun

On Saturday, Sept. 27, from 1–5 p.m., the SouthernMuseum will host a free grand opening for its newEducation Center. Children can play outdoor

games and listen to stories and short programs. Familieswill enjoy a signal corps demonstration on the Museum’sfront lawn, a railroad flag-signaling program, and weapons-firing demonstrations every hour.

Winners of a student art contest, a special competitionto commemorate the grand opening, will be announcedand winning entries will be on display.

For more information, see www.southernmuseum.org.

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In the new Education Center, children learn aboutrailroad safety.

Education Center DonorsLeoDelle Lassiter Jolley Foundation

Fred R. Keith & FamilyPrice Gilbert Jr. Charitable FundRobert W. Woodruff Foundation

Vaughan FoundationImlay Foundation

Entertainment Design GroupSteve & Kris Guy

Publix Supermarket CharitiesGeorgia Northeastern Railroad

Cobb County Board of CommissionersFederal Highway Administration

North American Railway FoundationBright Wings Foundation

Thank you to our Cornerstone members.

“Artifacts on display will include a beautiful conch shell carvedusing a cameo technique and a Victory bracelet made of Germanrequisitioned coins. There are also military medals won duringWorld War I and earlier, as well as an 1850s intricate needleworkportrait of George Washington done by Francois Carquillat—aprolific weaver from Paris—done on a Jacquard loom.”according to assistant curator Ava Wilkey.

The staff hope the Education Center will makethe Southern Museum even more popular for

field trips. In addition to the exhibits, the Centeris outfitted with two classrooms where studentscan meet after touring the Museum to discuss

the significance of what they saw.

Even children not quite ready for school can find a placein the new Education Center. The Georgia W. Pierce Pre-Kindergarten Area offers small tables where little ones can playwith train sets, color, or read books. A large soft train provides aplace for children to climb and roll.

The Museum staff hope the Education Center will make theSouthern Museum even more popular for field trips. In additionto the hands-on exhibits, the Education Center is outfitted withtwo classrooms where students can meet after touring theMuseum to discuss the significance of what they saw. “We reallyneeded this space for conducting programs,” said Legates. Notonly will school groups benefit, but Mommy and Me programs,day camps, and other events will take place in the classrooms.

Access to the Education Center is included with regularMuseum admission, and the Center operates the same hoursas the Museum.

Education Center, cont.

Georgia’s French Gratitude Boxcar is decorated with coats of arms of the historic provinces of France. Visitorscan learn about the history of the car, see the gifts that were inside it, and participate in an activity to learnmore about these signs in the new exhibit.

disorders during this time. Readerswho were stumped should take solacein knowing that this item fooled eventhe museum staff. “I, the so-calledexpert, pronounced it a ‘fifty-fourcaliber bullet mold,’” said curatorMike Bearrow. “We here at themuseum play ‘What Is It?’ more thanour visitors might suspect,” he said.Congratulations to the two astutereaders who responded correctly:Cedric Gifford and Bob Hoenes.

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Every fisherman dreams ofcatching “the big one.” Usuallythis refers to an enormous fish,

but this fall, catching “the big one”might just mean you’ve won a fullyloaded custom boat.

The Kennesaw Museum Foundationis raffling off a high-performance boatto benefit the programs of the SouthernMuseum.

The drawing for the boat will beOct. 25, 2008, at the foundation’sannual Heroes and Legends Gala. Boattickets cost $100 and can be purchasedat the museum or online at

www.boatraffle.org. Only 2,008 ticketswill be sold to ensure good odds forparticipants.

Donated by Kennesaw-basedYamaha Marine Group and orderedspecially for this raffle, this Skeeter 20idual console with Yamaha VZ250 HPDIfishing boat offers features such as:

• Hot foot and pro trim

• Hydraulic tilt steering

• CD player with AM/FM stereo

• Minn Kota 36V Max Pro troll motor

• Hummingbird 797 c2SI bow-mountedfish finder

Last Chance to Win Custom Fishing Boat• Hummingbird 997 cSI dash-mountedfish finder and GPS

• Custom EZ Loader trailer on customaluminum wheels

In addition to the high-gradefeatures, the boat also boasts a custompaint job with a twist: It’s painted in thecolors of the star attraction of theSouthern Museum—the Generallocomotive.

For more information on thisspecial opportunity, seewww.boatraffle.org.

Agolf tournament held April 14,2008, raised more than $42,000for the Southern Museum.

Thirty-one teams braved unpredictableweather to participate in the event, heldat the Brookstone Golf and CountryClub, west of Kennesaw. The MacTecthreesome of Ron Huffman, Jon Hart,and Leslie Stubblefield won thetournament.

For the sixth consecutive year,the event was presented by Carl BlackBuick/Pontiac/GMC. Other tournamentsponsors include Carrabbas ItalianGrill and the PGA Tour Superstore.

Proceeds will be allocated foreducationalprograms andacquisitionof artifacts atthe Museum.

GolfTournament

BenefitsMuseum

Could this be a long-lost jackbelonging to a child? Or maybeit’s a weight of some sort. Your

official clues: It’s not much larger thana quarter, it’s metal, and it’s from theCivil War era. If you recognize thisitem, e-mail curator Mike Bearrow atmbearrow@kennesaw-ga.gov. Thewinner and the correct answer will beannounced in the next issue ofThe Telegraph.

What Was It?In the last issue ofthe newsletter, weasked you toidentify the item onthe right. The correctanswer is Civil War-era suppositorymold. Suchpharmaceuticalswere much morecommon then thanthey are today dueto lack of fiber-rich vegetables and fruitsand the commonality of digestive

What Is It?

Saturday, Oct. 25, 2008, willbe a night to remember asthe Kennesaw Museum

Foundation hosts the 11th annualHeroes and Legends Gala to benefitthe Southern Museum. Enjoy anelegant dinner at the museum andbid for enticing prizes at a live andsilent auction. Tickets are $125.Call Leslie Edge at 770-427-2117,ext. 3183 to purchase tickets or formore information.

Winners of the April golf tournament.

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The Curators’ Corner

Saving Your StuffBy Ava Wilkey, Assistant Curator

We all have too much stuff. Itis hard to get rid of, and wealways seem to accumulate

more. But while your broken 1970sblender should be sent to curb, youprobably have other items—quilts, oldphotographs, Grandpa’s uniform—thatshould be cared for and saved as partof your family history.

Two of the most common questionswe field at the museum are, “How do Itake care of it?” and “What do I do withit?” A retired senior conservator at theSmithsonian Institution, Don Gaitherwrote in his book, Saving Stuff, that “youare responsible for the museum of you.”His book is an excellent resource on howto care for and display personalhistorical material.

Your Collection’s Six EnemiesAccording to Gaither, the conditionsbelow speed the deterioration ofyour materials:

1. Light. Ever wonder why that oldletter’s ink is fading or a photographframed on the wall is turning yellow?It is likely light damage, which isirreversible, so it is best to avoid itif possible.

2. Moisture. Material kept in humidconditions will expand and mildew.But too-dry conditions cause cracking.

3. Temperature. When items are kepttoo hot or too cold, or experiencewide temperature fluctuations,numerous problems can result.

4. Contamination. Air pollution, saltwater, soot, oil, and other substancesdamage collections.

5. Biological attack. Uninvited “guests”to our homes, such as rodents, moths,silverfish, carpet beetles, and even petscan invade and multiple quickly,causing serious damage.

6. Use and handling. Excessive handlingand improper storage material cancause more damage than many ofthe items listed above. Yes, sometimesyou are the enemy to your stuff.

Never store your collectionin the attic or basement.

Basements are a wet, humid,and dark haven for mold and

mildew, while attics are too hotand humid in the summer andcold and dry in the winter.

Now that you know your collection’senemies, here are some easy guidelineson how to avoid these problems:• Never store your collection in the inthe attic or basement. Basements area wet, humid, and dark haven for moldand mildew, while attics are too hotand humid in the summer and coldand dry in the winter. Keep yourmaterials where you comfortablyreside in your home. Your livingspaces have steady temperaturecontrol and fewer pests.

• Remember natural materials aremost sensitive: wood, paper, leather,and textiles.

• Inspect for pests and, if there isevidence of them, have the area orhome treated.

• Do not display items such as printsand paintings within inches of a lightbulb or within direct view of anoutside window.

• If possible, invest in acid-free storagecontainers such as acid-free albumsand boxes with acid-free tissue. Thereare many products on the market.

• Handle materials only when necessaryand with clean, washed hands. Cottongloves are best for picking up metals.

• Do not attempt to repair items in poorcondition. When in doubt, consult aconservator. There are professionalswho specialize in the care andpreservation of artifacts. Visit orcall the American Institute ofConservators at http://www.aic-faic.org/guide/form.html tolocate a conservator.

Finally, consider the long-term careof the material. After you and yourfamily are gone, who will care for it?A museum’s role in a community is toprovide a repository where objects arepreserved and interpreted in publictrust for perpetuity. In other words,we’re in the business of saving stuff. TheSouthern Museum’s mission is to collectmaterial relating to Civil War andlocomotive history. A museum’s abilityto accept a donation depends on theitem’s suitability for that particularmuseum, the condition of the item, itsorigin, and availability of storage space.

While museums cannot accept everyitem offered, there might be a facilitythat would appreciate your item,interpret it for the public, and, mostimportantly, preserve it for futuregenerations. Remember, you are just acaretaker for today—the work you donow will make sure historical materialsare here for generations that follow.

Don’t Forget!Renew Your MuseumMembership Yearly!

Call Membership CoordinatorCindy Dadyala at

770-427-2117 ext.3182

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Seniors MonthSept. 1–30In celebration of NationalGrandparents Day, the SouthernMuseum is offering senior citizens (60and up) half-price regular Museumadmission through the entire monthof September. Come celebrate thepast with us. For more informationcontact the Education Departmentat 770-427-2117 ext. 3174 orprograms@southernmuseum.org.

Mark Your Calendar!

www.southernmuseum.org

March on Big ShantyOct. 4, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.The 125th Ohio Volunteer Infantry willbe encamped on the Museum’s front lawnand hold weapons firing demonstrationsthroughout the day. The event is free.

History of War: A Military TimelineOct. 11, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.Oct. 12, Noon–4 p.m.Trace the history of wartime experiencesand the evolution of weaponry and tactics

Preschool ProgramsAll programs are from 10 a.m.–11 a.m.

Designed for children ages 3–5 and their parents. Free with Museum admission. No reservations required.For more information, contact the Education Department at 770-427-2117 ext. 3173 or children@southernmuseum.org.

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in a unique living history weekend.Tracing back to Roman times, livinghistory interpreters and militarypersonnel will bring history to lifein a truly educational and interactiveexperience. Co-sponsored by theSouthern Museum of Civil War andLocomotive History and City ofKennesaw Parks and Recreation.Location: Park across the street fromthe Southern Museum. Admission: $5

Mommy & MeSponsored by Gas South

The Museum’s history, themes, andexhibits provide a fun and excitingstarting point for educational activities.

Making Dot Pictures Sept. 18Learn all about pointillism bymaking your own work of art.

19th Century Oct. 2Children’s ClothingWhat were skeleton suits, and whowore them? Find out during this funand interactive program.

A Music Lesson Oct. 16What songs were popular in the 19thcentury?

Pumpkin Party Oct. 30Come out and decorate your ownpumpkin.

Harvest Time Nov. 13Holidays have changed throughoutthe years. Learn how Americanscelebrated Thanksgiving long ago.

The Polar Express Dec. 4Based on the popular children’s book,come join the Southern Museum onan imaginary trip to the North Pole.

A Creature Was Stirring… Dec. 18The classic Christmas story as only theSouthern Museum could tell it, just intime for the holidays.

Share a StoryCome listen to a story and then act it outusing props.

“I Spy Shapes in Art” Sept. 24You’ll explore art through shapes in thisinteractive story.

“Curious George Oct. 22Takes a Train”What will happen when our favoritemonkey goes on a train ride?

“Down by the Station” Nov. 19How many ways can people get around?

Kreative KidsThe Museum’s exhibits and themes providethe historical perspective for creating.

Make-A-Toy Sept. 13Children will get to make their owntraditional “ball-and-cup” catch toy in thisfun lesson.

Mask-querade Oct. 4Become your favorite animal by creatingyour very own animal mask.

Thanksgiving Turkey Nov. 1Did you know that you could make aturkey out of a pine cone?

Old Fashioned Dec. 6Holiday OrnamentsWhat did people in the 19th centurydo during the holidays? They madetheir own decorations, of course, andso will you at this fun workshop.

Games for LearningThe Museum’s exhibits and themesprovide the historical perspective forplaying games.

Old-Time School Games Sept. 9What games did children enjoyplaying in a one-room school?

Old-Time Circle Games Oct. 7Enjoy circle games from long ago.

Old-Time Board Games Nov. 4Play some familiar and not-so-familiar board games.

Winter Fun Dec. 9Come play some old-fashioned winteractivities.

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www.southernmuseum.org

per adult, $3 for children 4–12, children 3 and under arefree. For more information, contact 770-427-2117 ext. 3176or programs@southernmuseum.org.

A Polar Express AdventureDec. 13, 5 p.m.–9 p.m.Your family can travel on a make-believe journey to the NorthPole in this hands-on event like no other. Take an imaginarytrain trip, help make toys in Santa’s Workshop, and be sure toget your very own jingle bell before leaving as the halls of theSouthern Museum are transformed. Be sure to wear yourpajamas as you embark on a unique experience inspired bythe popular “Polar Express” book. Admission: $7.50 foradults, $5.50 for children 4–12. Museum members andchildren 3 and under are free. For more information,

contact the Education Department at 770-427-2117ext. 3177 or education@southernmuseum.org.

Mark Your Calendar, cont.

By Wesleigh Reaves, Group Tour Manager

Learning: An EndeavorFor All Seasons

Spring is one of the busiest timesfor student field trips at theSouthern Museum. You might

think the education staff prepares for anice summer break, right? Not so! Thestaff spent the summercombing throughthe new GeorgiaPerformance Standardsfor schools, putting thefinishing touches onthe new EducationCenter, and rebuildingour educationalofferings from theground up.

In addition, webrought back some ofyour favorite publicprograms. Childrenparticipated in camps:“So You Want to Be aCivil War Soldier” and

“So You Want to Be a Railroad Engineer.”There is no better sight for the Museumeducators than to see the enthusiasm ofthese young historians as they practicedrilling or signaling. Our public

interpretiveprograms were alsopopular with manyfamilies thissummer whovacationed in town.We continued tobuild relationshipswith Georgiaeducators thissummer by offeringteachers freeMuseum admissionand goodie bags inthe month of July.

As we moveinto fall andchildren return to

school, we’re gearing up to bringstudents up close to history. TheSouthern Museum staff has unveiledthe much-anticipated Education Center.We’re also kicking off new thematiceducational tours that incorporateinteractive team activities, living historypresentations, hands-on learningopportunities, and new “heads-on”activities in which students analyzehistoric objects and primary-sourcedocuments.

Check the Museum calendar onlineas we keep our momentum goingthroughout the fall. Watch for detailson new Homeschool Days themes, theMilitary Timeline and Special SchoolDay in October, and Seniors Monthin September. For more informationor to plan a group outing, call me,or send an e-mail to programs@southernmuseum.org orgroups@southernmuseum.org.

continued from page 5Homeschool Days Fall 2008Oct. 6, Nov. 3, and Dec. 8, 10 a.m.–2 p.m.Children of all ages who are homeschooled can explorethe Museum’s exhibits for a special rate. Educationalprograms will be offered hourly, giving everyone the chanceto learn more about history. Reservations not required.(Please note: The Museum does not provide group tourson Homeschool Days.) Admission rates: $4 per student(4–12 yrs.), $6 per adult, children 3 and under free.For more information, contact the EducationDepartment at 770-427-2117 ext. 3174 orprograms@southernmuseum.org.

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Locomotive Historical Society, help withgrant work, and process the SouthernRailway Historical Association’s D.C.files. He also works side by side withDaniel Pete, our newest team member.

We recently reached amilestone in processing our10,000th Southern Railway

Presidents file.

Daniel graduated from the StateUniversity of New York Fredonia with adegree in history and enjoys genealogyresearch. In the Archives and Library, hecurrently is working with the SouthernRailway Val Section Reports andscanning historic photographs toenhance the Museum Web sitewith visuals.

Our tremendous growth has beenmade possible by the individuals andorganizations that have loaned ordonated collections, the professionalstaff, our dedicated volunteers, and ourdonors. Thanks all of who have takenpart in allowing us to become a first-class research facility.

We also have increased our bookcollection tenfold, some of whichinclude Railway and LocomotiveHistorical Society magazines/bulletins,1921–2007, a complete set of Poor’sManual of Railroads, 1868–1930, donatedby the Jack Tarver Library of MercerUniversity, and the George WrayCivil War Collection, donated by theKennesaw Foundation. In the summerof 2003, we acquired the extensive 6,000cu. ft. Southern Railway HistoricalAssociation Collection.

We recently reached a milestonein processing our 10,000th SouthernRailway Presidents file. This achievementwas achieved so quickly because of thework of Charlie Bell, Harry Carpenter,Carol and Greg Clarke, Kelsey Fritz, KatieOdom, and Harry Saunders, our faithful,dedicated and very hard-workingvolunteers. We cannot thank you enoughfor being a part of our Museum family.

Staff member Dick Hillmancontinues to write articles for “Wheelsof Time” magazine and the Railway and

By Sallie Loy, Senior Archivist

Archives Collection Expands

In the five years since the SouthernMuseum opened its doors, theArchives and Library has grown from

a small entity to a larger, well-respected,professional division of the Museum.This behind-the-scenes section of theMuseum houses historical Civil War andrailroad records, and is a place whereresearchers can go to gather firsthandfacts, data, and evidence from letters,reports, notes, photographs, and otherprimary sources.

In 2003, the Archives’ majorcollections were the Glover MachineWorks collection, including glass-platenegatives, photographs, builders’ files,locomotive specification sheets,accounting records, books, catalogs,business and personal correspondence,and the Museum’s own Civil Warcollections.

Today, we maintain and store—and make available to the public—51 Civil War, 57 railroad, one cottonindustry, two Merci Boxcar, and 21individual collections.

This photo from the Museum Archives shows a Tennessee street scene from the late 1920s. It is part of theSouthern Railway Historical Association’s collection.

New staff member Daniel Pete, assistant archivist.

P.O. Box 846 • Kennesaw, Georgia 30156770-427-2117 • Fax 770-421-8485

Please visit www.southernmuseum.orgfor more information on upcoming events.

NONPROFIT ORGUS POSTAGE

PAIDKENNESAW. GAPERMIT NO. 39

Thanks to Our2008 Corporate

Members

Ashton StaffingBB&T

Bentley, Bentley & BentleyCarl Black Buick/Pontiac/GMCChastain & Associates Inc.CheckPoint Mortgage

Cobb Energy ManagementGeorgia Power

Kennesaw Mountain High SchoolNorth Metro Technical CollegeO’Neill CommunicationsPacesetter Steel Services

Vulcan Materials Company

From the General Emporium

Schools are back in session (did we hear a collective sigh from parents?) and thesummer travel season has wound down. Now is the time to take advantage ofthe 10 percent member discount on gift shop purchases as you plan for the fall.

And believe it or not, the busy holiday season will be here before you know it.We have a nice selection of ladies’ long-sleeved shirts with four different Museum

scenes—the General, Kennesaw Depot, Glover Machine Works, and the famouslocomotive Best Friend of Charleston.

Freshen up your home décor with our teapots, glass tankards, and perfume bottles.Historical wall-hanger rifles and pistols make interesting conversation pieces in

the den or living room. We have an assortment of weapons available.Children and adults alike appreciate good books. We have a wide collection of

new books about the Civil War and railroads for both age groups.Don’t forget to present your membership card at the gift shop counter to receive

your 10 percent discount.

No matter your skills or schedule, the Southern Museum has a place for you onits volunteer roster. Our volunteers play a vital role in outreach, education,and Museum maintenance. With the new Education Center and the addition

of many new children’s history workshops and early education programs, now is agreat time to find out how your skills can benefit the community through theMuseum.

Opportunities include assisting with exhibits and special events, leading tours,keeping the museum exhibits in good repair, and much more. For more information,contact Cindy Dadyala at 770-427-2117 ext. 3182.

Volunteer at the Museum