Join the Southern Museum for a Sensory-Friendly Afternoon! From 2 PM to 5 PM, the museum is transformed into a sensory-friendly environment. We welcome visitors with Autism Spectrum Disorder, sensory processing issues or special needs to explore the Museum at their own pace. All ages are welcome. Included with general admission and free for members.

Sensory Friendly afternoon has two themed story times at 3 PM and 4 PM, along with an exhibit connection. Visitors can explore the museum if they choose not to participate in the programming.

February 23rd  – Gandy Dancers On the Rails 

• Topic: African American History Month-Track Workers 

• Book: John Henry, an American Legend by Ezra Jack Keats 

• Exhibit Connection: Track work tools opposite the General’s tender   

March 30th – Reading on the Rails 

• Topic: Women’s History Month 

• Book: Miss Dorothy and her bookmobile, by Gloria Houston  

• Exhibit Connection: Reading Room Visit 

April 27th – Nighttime Railroading 

• Topic: Running trains at night   

• Book: Where do steam trains sleep at night? By Brianna Caplan Sayres 

• Exhibit Connection: Learn how lanterns were important for running trains at night   

May 25th – Hooray for Trains! 

• Topic: National Train Day (10th) 

• Book: Trains Run by George Ella Lyon and Benn Lyon    

• Exhibit Connection: Demonstration outreach train layout  

June 29th – Chugga, Chugga, Meow, Meow 

• Topic: Animals and the Railroad 

• Book: Wild Zoo Train by Carmela LaVigna Coyle 

• Exhibit Connection: Owney Case (RR animals) 

July 27th – Steam and Coal Smoke 

• Topic: Steam Locomotives  

• Books: The Little Train, by Lois Lenski  

• Exhibit Connection: Glover 

August 31st – Take Me to the Train Station 

• Topic: Train Stations  

• Book: A Grand Idea: How William J. Wilgus Created Grand Central Terminal 

• Exhibit Connection: Tour of the Kennesaw Depot  

September 28th – Sounds Along the Tracks 

• Topic: Train Sounds  

• Book: I can make a train noise, by Michael Emberley and Marie-Louise Fitzpatrick   

• Exhibit Connection: General  

October 26th – Ding Ding Goes the Trolley 

• Topic: Trolleys and Streetcars  

• Delmar the Dinky by Pat Danna 

• Exhibit Connection: Trolley Scavenger Hunt    

November 30th – No Class 

December 28th – Happy Holidays! 

• Topic: Holiday Trains 

• The Christmas Train by Thomas Monson  

• Exhibit Connection: Holiday Layout