News

Southern Museum Announces The Working White House Exhibit

(Kennesaw, GA) — The Southern Museum of Civil War & Locomotive History announces the June 19th opening of its latest exhibit, The Working White House: 200 Years of Tradition and Memories. Developed with the Smithsonian Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage and the White House Historical Association, The Working White House provides a never before seen look at the daily lives of the maids, cooks, butlers, doormen, electricians and the army of others who have kept one of the world’s most famous homes running efficiently and smoothly.

“This is a really unique opportunity to see first hand the inner-workings of 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue,” said Jeff Drobney, executive director of the Southern Museum. “Until you see this exhibit, you really have no idea what is required to maintain and operate this great home on a daily basis. It’s another world-class exhibit that we are proud to share with the community.”

The exhibit includes souvenirs and artifacts from the White House, housekeeping implements, clothing, menus and other objects from the presidencies of William Taft through George W. Bush.

The exhibit opens June 19 and runs through August 29, and is free with Museum admission. For more information, contact 770.427.2117 or programs@southernmuseum.org.

The Working White House exhibit accompanies many other events the Museum is hosting this spring and summer, including:

Mommy & Me Children’s Program Series
May 20 • Simple Toys, Simple Joys
May 27 • A Civil War Child’s Life
June 3 • I’ve Been Working on the Railroad!
June 10 • Curious George Rides a Bike
June 17 • How will we get to the Beach?
June 24 • A Picnic Lesson

Designed for children ages three to five and their adult caregivers, Mommy & Me provides a fun and exciting starting point for a lifetime of learning. Sponsored by Gas South. Free with Museum admission. Held Thursdays at 10 AM. For more information, contact 770.427.2117, ext 3173, or children@southernmuseum.org.

Make It & Take It Weekend Workshops
May 22 • Recycled Art
May 29 • Diaries and Journals
June 5 • Tiffany Art
June 12 • Play It Again – Board Games
June 19 • Folded Paper Art
June 26 • Our Country’s Flags

Students age six and up will love our Make It & Take It workshops, with hands-on projects and engaging information. Held Saturdays from 10 AM to Noon, Make It & Take It is free with Museum admission. For more information, contact 770.427.2117, ext 3173, or children@southernmuseum.org.

2010 Dixie Highway Community Yard Sale
June 5 • 8 AM – 4 PM

As part of the annual Dixie Highway Community Yard Sale, the Museum’s yard sale takes place across the street from the Museum, in the Depot parking lot and behind the playground. If you want to sell your wares, reserve your 12’ x 12’ space while they last for only $25. For more information, contact Jane Pies at 770.427.2117, ext 3058, or at jpies@kennesaw-ga.gov.

2010 Summer Day Camps
June 15 or June 16 • Workin’ on the Railroad
June 22 or June 23 • Civil War Soldier Camp

Children are going to love the 2010 Summer Day Camps at the Southern Museum. We’re bringing back two old favorites for the ultimate adventure. Each camp lasts from 9 AM to noon, and is $20 for members and $30 for non-members. Registration forms can be downloaded from the Museum’s Web site, or reservations can be made up to a week in advance by contact 770.427.2117, ext 3173, or children@southernmuseum.org.

About The Southern Museum
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 Museum is also home to the Jolley Education Center, with 8,000 square feet dedicated to the education and entertainment of young children. The Education Center offers interactive stations, including an authentic telegraph, diesel train simulator and a replica village of 19th century downtown Kennesaw. It also features an adjacent preschool playroom with train sets, books, puzzles, Legos and a climb-on train.

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.