News

'Week of the Young Child' Activities and Special Events at the Southern Museum

(Kennesaw, GA) —The Southern Museum of Civil War & Locomotive History is pleased to announce its involvement in the nationwide 'Week of the Young Child,' with special activities planned from April 12-17. On April 5, Kennesaw Mayor Mark Mathews will be proclaiming April 12-17 the Week of the Young Child in Kennesaw.

“Emphasizing early education paves the way for success in later life,” explained Judy Parker. Parker is the early childhood educator at the Museum. “The Museum has always held early education in the highest regards — our Mommy & Me and Make It & Take It programs are proof of that! It was just natural that we develop the Week of the Young Child, in coordination with the National Association for the Education of Young Children.”

The week is packed with events, including story times, dancing, crafting activities and games that the whole family can enjoy. “We have activities going on daily,” Parker said. “Most are held hourly from 10 AM to noon, and from 1 PM to 4 PM.”

Also, during the Week of the Young Child, the first child age eight or younger in a family gets in free, while all subsequent children (eight or younger) in the same group receive half-priced admission. “It's going to be a lot of fun,” Parker stated. “With different activities and surprises going on every day, the Southern Museum will definitely be the destination of choice for children ages eight and younger, and their caregivers!”

For more information on activities scheduled and times, visit the Museum's Web site at www.SouthernMuseum.org.

Young children aren't the only lucky ones — the Museum has plenty of activities to keep you going through April and May, including:

Mommy & Me Children's Program Series
April 1 • A-Camping We Will Go
April 8 • Flags, Whistles and Bells
April 15 • I Love Trains!
April 29 • How Does Your Garden Grow?
May 6 • Curious George Takes a Train
May 13 • Down by the Station
May 20 • Simple Toys, Simple Joys
May 27 • A Civil War Child's Life

Designed for children ages three to five and their caregivers, Mommy & Me introduces children to a lifelong love for learning while incorporating history and fun! Mommy & Me is on Thursdays at 10 AM. Free with Museum admission. For more information, contact 770.427.2117, ext 3173, or children@southernmuseum.org.

Make It & Take It Weekend Workshops
April 10 • Build-A-Bridge
April 17 • Painting with Dots
May 8 • Honoring Mothers
May 15 • Medals of Honor
May 22 • Recycled Art
May 29 • Diaries and Journals

Make It & Take It Weekend Workshops provide hands-on learning for students ages six and up. History jumps out of the textbook through craft projects, stories and songs. Make It & Take It is on Saturdays from 10 AM to noon, and is free with Museum admission. For more information, contact 770.427.2117, ext 3173, or children@southernmuseum.org.

Home School Days
April 5 • Native American Culture & Crafts — Cultures IN FOCUS Series • 10 AM — 2 PM

Explore the Museum and the In Focus: National Geographic Greatest Portraits at a special rate — home-schooled students will be escorted through the Museum and will be able to engage in hands-on activities while focusing on a specific culture as reflected in the exhibit, brought to the Southern Museum by the Smithsonian Institute of Traveling Exhibition Services.

Children of all ages who are homeschooled can explore the Museum's exhibits for a special rate. Attendees participate in guided tours, hands-on activities and make-and-take projects. Reservations are recommended but not required. Admission is $5 per person, free for children two and under. For more information, contact the Education department at 770.427.2117, ext 3174 or at programs@southernmuseum.org.

Historical Society Lecture Series
April 10 • History of the Western & Atlantic Railroad
May 8 • The Kennesaw City Cemetery

Sponsored by the Kennesaw Historical Society and the Southern Museum, these fascinating programs are glimpses back into both our region and nation's history. Led by a variety of scholars, authors and other expects, come join the Museum on these trips back in time. These lectures are held at the Museum's Jolley Education Center. Admission is free. Those wishing to tour the Museum either before or after the event are requested to come in through the main entrance. For more information, contact 770.427.2117, ext 3174, or programs@southernmuseum.org.

SPECIAL EVENT! Civil War Encampment
April 17-18 • 125th Ohio Infantry and 34th Georgia Infantry

Experience the Civil War as both Union and Confederate soldiers descend upon the Southern Museum for these living history events. For more information, contact Harper Harris at hharris@kennesaw-ga.gov or 770.427.2117, ext 3180.

SPECIAL EVENT! Southeastern Railroads 2010 Convention, hosted by the Southern Railway Historical Association
April 22-25

Attendees will experience historical, modeling and prototype presentations; local home layout tours; and modular layouts at the Museum. There will also be tours through some local railroad facilities in the Atlanta area.

Registration is $49 a person, and includes unlimited access to the Museum for all four days; access to the 40 clinic presentations; the Sunday tour of local railway facilities; and access to the Kennesaw Depot modular layout display, all sales tables and home layout tour information.

There will also be a BBQ Dinner held Saturday, April 24 for an additional $15 — come and enjoy a delicious dinner presented by the Big Shanty Smokehouse and featuring smoked pork, smoked chicken legs, cole slaw, potato salad, baked beans and other Southern specialties.
For more information and to register, contact memberservices@srha.net or call Gregory Soots at 828.729.0578.

SPECIAL EVENT! Mother & Daughter Tea
May 8 • 1 PM — 4 PM

Sponsored by Tea & Traditions, mothers and daughters will enjoy a traditional Victorian teatime complete with sandwiches, scones, fruit, sweets and a delicious dessert finale. But that's not all — you'll also be charmed by a fashion show, music, games, and make-and-take crafts. So bring your favorite doll or stuffed animal for teatime with mothers, daughters, grandmothers, aunts, sisters, nieces and friends — the memories made here will last a lifetime!

Tickets are $35 per couple; $25 for couples that are Museum members; $10 per each additional person. To register, contact Jane Pies at the Museum at 770.427.2117, ext 3058, or at jpies@kennesaw-ga.gov. Registration deadline is April 30.

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. Admission is $7.50 for adults, $6.50 for seniors, $5.50 for children ages three through 12 and free children two and under.