November 2009

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

The Southern Museum of Civil War & Locomotive History is excited to announce

that its upcoming exhibit, In Focus, a collection of National Geographic’s greatest portraits, will be on display at the Museum beginning December 12 until April 18, 2010. “This collection is truly an amazing experience,” said Mike Bearrow, curator of the Museum. “Visitors will see several famous photographs, including the photo of the green-eyed Afghan girl that is known around the world.” Bearrow also explained that the exhibit features lesser known photographs, particularly

of America throughout the 20th century. The exhibition highlights the work of some of National Geographic’s most celebrated photographers. National Geographic photographers have taken more pictures of people than of any other subject, indicating “a photographer’s desire to connect with people—to capture something consequential about another person,” wrote National Geographic magazine associate editor Chris Johns in his forward. “To capture the spirit

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in Association with the Smithsonian Institution Vol. VII, No. 3

The Telegraph

In Focus Exhibit Shares Inspiring Photographs By Carly Sharec

the southern

museum

From the Executive Director ........... 2

Membership Rewards ...................... 2

Real or Fake? ................................... 3

Children’s Programs ...................... 4

Students Study History .................. 4

Origins of the Memphis & Charleston Railroads .................. 5

Gift Shop News .............................. 6

Great Locomotive Chase 5K .......... 6

Thanks to Our Volunteers ............. 6

Calendar of Events ......................... 7

In ThIS ISSuE

Recently the Southern Museum was awarded $25,000 from Cobb County Community

Block Grant (CDBG) to develop a pilot curriculum with a local school serving low-to-moderate income students. Tapp Middle School’s eighth grade teachers Kathy O’Reilly and Jessica Tibbetts enthusiastically agreed to partner with the Southern Museum and are currently working with Jennifer Legates, director

of curriculum and educational initiatives and Sallie Loy, director of archives to plan and coordinate the program. Approximately 275 students will be involved in the development of curriculum materials working with museum staff and their teachers to select and scan historical documents creating a documentary media presentation that will be made available in the future on the Museum’s Web site. The project

Southern Museum Partners with Tapp Middle School By Jennifer Legates

In FocusDecember 12 – April 18, 2010

From the Executive DirectorJeff Drobney, Ph.D.

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Over the past 26 weeks I have been training for what I consider to be the greatest physical and

mental challenge of my life – the Marine Corps Marathon. For 26 weeks, beginning this past April, I have followed a strict and sometimes grueling running schedule. Starting at three miles, I have built my aerobic capacity and leg muscles to carry me the entire 26.2 miles of the Marine Corps Marathon in Washington D.C. on October 25th. For 26 weeks I have run through the heat and humidity of the Georgia summer and run through the drenching rains of September and October. I ran intervals until I thought my lungs would burst and my legs would collapse and arose at four in the morning to make certain that I could eat and digest a meal of carbohydrates and protein before my long runs on Sunday mornings. And through it all - the heat and humidity, the tired legs and the never-ending push to lower my “splits” – I learned to embrace and actually love the “process.” You see, to finish the Marine Corps Marathon in a respectable time might have been my original goal, but somewhere along the line my original goal became secondary, almost peripheral to the “process.” What I have come to realize is that all great businessmen, athletes, politicians, doctors, lawyers or whatever someone does in life must first fall in love and learn to embrace the “process” – the hard work and practice that it takes to make them successful. If you don’t look forward to the process, if you don’t embrace the miles, the foul shots, running precise routes over and over (or writing the legal brief over and over until it is perfect) - if you aren’t willing to sacrifice for the original goal, then chances are the original goal was nothing more than a dream. Something you hoped would happen did not because in all likelihood you didn’t have a real plan,

strategy or commitment to turn a dream into a reality. What separates those who are successful and those who simply “get by” in life or their profession is a “love of the process.” How does embracing the “process” and my story of training for the Marine Corps Marathon relate to the Kennesaw Museum Foundation and the Southern Museum? Everything. As the staff of the Foundation and Museum continues to work towards our goal of being a premier museum and historical and educational center in Georgia and the southeast we must continue to embrace the “process” and hard work that it will take to turn our goal into a reality. If we ever begin to hate and neglect the process then we will be doomed to failure and I am confident our staff will not allow that to happen. We are committed to do whatever it takes to continue to offer quality programs and exhibits, engaging kids programs and first-rate special events. Yes, budget constraints and reductions in donations have forced us to make some very difficult decisions this past year as it related to operations and staffing, but we have never lost sight of our goal nor have we shied away from the “process” that will ultimately lead us to success. Continue to look for engaging special exhibits and programs, family-friendly special events and expanding exhibits in 2010 and beyond. We have been busy planning a very aggressive exhibit and special events calendar and looking at ways to offer more for less. Has the work been tough? Mentally challenging? Physically draining? Yes – and that is okay because our sacrifices now will lead to success in the months and years to come. Wishing you success in embracing and loving your own “process.”

Membership has Its Rewards

A s a result of the Southern Museum’s affiliation with the Smithsonian

Museum, members receive many exceptional benefits from both institutions. One benefit is our local merchant program. The Museum has teamed up with a number of local merchants to offer members a special discount. Participating merchants:

• ByGoneTreasures& Bit of Glass Inc.

• KennesawTrains,Inc.

• TracksideGrill

• EclecticLiving

• CobblestoneCorner

• WhistlestopCafé

• CarlileFlorist&Gifts

• NeushaBeauty

• DarrahPhoto

• BoxcarCheesecakeCompany

For more information regarding merchant discounts you can go to the Museum’s Web site at www.southernmuseum.com, select the ‘Membership’ link and then ‘Individual/Family.’ You can also call us directly at 770.427.2117, ext 3182 for specific information.

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Acommon desire is to own a piece of history. This desire can be easily fulfilled in today’s modern market

economy, whether that desired antiquity is in the form of a sword or rifle to hang over the mantle as a display piece, or a unique document to be framed and admired. Simple economic theory states that where there is a demand, there will be a supply. In the realm of collecting and selling historical materials the demand is occasionally greater than the supply. This can have two effects. One, the surviving original materials in demand go up in price. Two, some people on the supply side of the equation become inventive and fabricate “less than original” materials to make a profit. Therefore, when looking to purchase a historical piece the buyer should practice caution. Consider the following examples.

The sword in the picture is real and fake. How can this be? A well-meaning donor offered it to the Museum for display. It had been purchased many years before by the donor’s father and had spent most of its life in a closet. Following extensive research and consultation with several experts who know Civil War swords it was revealed to be a “mixed marriage” piece. The blade, grip, hand guard and pommel are all original to the Civil War, but were combined after the war to make a type of sword that never existed. One of the basic rules of collecting antiquities is that a little bit of knowledge can go a long way in avoiding the purchase of something that is

not real. A person would not consider the purchase of a new or used car without prior research into what they want to buy. Another important rule is to bring a heavy dose of skepticism to any potential purchase. In my experience more “less than original” pieces have been offered for sale to the Museum than original. Never buy historical relics on an impulse unless you really know what you are looking at is authentic. The bugle in the picture above is original. The key element which identifies it as real is its condition. The brass throughout the piece is nicely-aged amber brown (not shown well in black and white photograph). In the museum world we call this “patina.” If something is old, it should look old. Never polish any type of metal on an artifact. If you do, you just destroyed an important element of its history and the means to identify it as genuine. The bugle is also very primitively made and well-used. It would require more time and effort than would be profitable to replicate this piece for sale as an original. In the collectors market the most commonly replicated materials are those which will offer the greatest return on investment. In Civil War collecting this has taken the form of Confederate belt plates. Many books and articles have been written on the topic of how to successfully purchase historical materials without disappointment. There are several rules of thumb to follow. Perform some preliminary research before you buy. An informed collector is a smart collector. If you have any doubts about material you are considering for purchase, get a second and third opinion. The greater the price tag the greater the possibility of “less than authentic” material. It is better to buy in person than purchase from the internet.

Real or Fake?By Mike Bearrow

One of the basic rules of collecting

antiquities is that a little bit of

knowledge can go a long way in avoiding

the purchase of something that is

not real.

If something is old, it should

look old.

A Marriage of Form and Function

The Southern Museum houses and displays what is recognized by the Smithsonian Institution

to be the largest and most complete collection of antique wooden casting patterns in the United States. These multi-dimensional, skillfully hand crafted, often aesthetically pleasing to view works of art were the building blocks of the entire Glover manufacturing process. The wooden patterns were pressed into special sand molds to create an impression. The patterns were then removed from the mold which was closed again and molten iron poured into it. The molten iron filled up the impression left by the wooden pattern. When the iron cooled to a solid form, the mold was broken open and an iron part in the same shape and form as the wooden pattern was revealed. The pattern maker was one of the more highly skilled and better-paid workers at the Glover Shops. If a pattern was not right, the iron part would not work. The casting process was time consuming and expensive. There was little room for error for the pattern maker. The pattern maker of the early 20th century was as much an artist as he was a craftsman. Commonly he learned his trade from an early age as an apprentice. While the patterns were often made using blueprints and the end product served an important function, one cannot view them and not appreciate their visual appeal.

Take A hike! By Judy Parker

Autumn is the perfect time to enjoy the outdoors with young

children. Going on an “explore” (as popular children’s book character Winnie the Pooh would say) with your children engages their natural curiosity and is an inexpensive, fun and educational activity. Bring along sealable plastic bags for the treasures they will want to bring home - acorns, leaves, stones, birds’ nests. Discussing these items with your children helps develop strong vocabulary skills, too. You could also talk about how things are changing and compare summer and autumn by weather, temperature and colors.

The Southern Museum hosts great programs for kids of all ages, including the popular Mommy & Me Children’s Program Series for children ages three to five. The Museum has also introduced Make It & Take It Weekend Workshops, hands-on activities for students ages six and up.

For more information on these Museum programs, contact the Museum at 770.427.2117, ext 3173 or children@southernmuseum.org.

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will provide teaching opportunities about the scientific aspects of document preservation, analytical and research skills as well as provide students with exposure to career opportunities they may not have otherwise considered. Museum education and archives staff will work with students in the school and visiting the Southern Museum during the course of the project to receive a behind-the-scenes look at the Museum’s wealth of historical documents.

The Museum received the initial grant towards the acquisition of needed computers, scanners, printers and software to begin the project. Fundraising is currently underway to cover additional expenses that will be incurred as well as sustain the program past the current school year. Anyone wishing to contribute to the project should contact the Kennesaw Museum Foundation at 770.427.2117, ext. 3183, or ledge@kennesaw-ga.gov.

This fall, some talented Cobb County high school students gave up their Saturday mornings

to learn more about history. The newly established Saturday History Academy is sponsored by the Cobb County School District and is affiliated with the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History. Sessions were taught by area museums and historic sites on a variety of topics ranging from the history of flight to an introduction to American art. The Southern Museum’s class Railroads Move a Nation introduced students to the role of railroads in the growth and expansion of the United States. Activities included floor maps illustrating the 1800s railroad explosion as well as a chance for students to decide

the best route for the first transcontinental railroad. The Southern Museum’s archival resources helped illustrate the lessons and students were treated to a behind the scenes glimpse of the research library and archives during their field trip to the museum. The class was taught by Jennifer Legates, director of curriculum and educational initiatives at the Museum, and provided a unique learning experience for Sarah Overholdt, a Kennesaw State University student majoring in history who helped plan and conduct the lessons. The high school students final project was the creation of a mini-exhibit on railroads in the Civil War to be displayed at Sprayberry High School and the Southern Museum.

Extra Opportunity to Study history

Southern Museum Partners with Tapp Middle School

By Jennifer Legates

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Thanks to Our Corporate

MembersAshton Staffing

Bentley, Bentley & BentleyCarl Black Buick/Pontiac/GMC

Carrabba’s Italian GrillChastain & Associates Inc.

CheckPoint Mortgage Cobb EMC

Fontis WaterKennesaw Mountain High School

Pacesetter Steel ServicesVulcan Materials Company

We’ve previously reported that our facility is developing a national reputation as a

wonderful source for historical data on railroads here in the southeastern United States. Through the first nine months of this year we’ve handled 85 research requests. One interesting example of this is a recent request for historical background on the origins of the Memphis & Charleston Railroad, and a further request that we provide a narrator for a video being done on the history of that railroad. The following data was obtained through research into our own archives, and is included in this article as an example of some of the services we are able to provide.

Origin of the Memphis & Charleston Railroad Shoals in the Tennessee River located in the state of Alabama - that’s the point at which a railroad with the unlikely name of the Memphis & Charleston was born. In the earlier years of the 19th century, moving goods and people via navigable waterways was the most efficient mode of travel available. On rivers, shoals creating rapids were serious impediments. In the case of the shoals in the Tennessee River, the solution was the creation of the two-mile-long Tuscumbia Railroad in 1832. Once any sort of railroad was first built in the early 1800s, it wasn’t long before the tremendous potential of rail transportation became understood. In the case of the two-mile-long Tuscumbia Railroad, in the very year it opened its expansion into the 42-mile-long Tuscumbia, the Courtland & Decatur Railroad began. Another early, isolated component of what would become our subject railroad is the LaGrange & Memphis Railroad (also known as the Memphis & LaGrange)

chartered in 1835 to connect a prosperous agricultural area east of Memphis, Tennessee to that river port. Now we move to 1846, and what is occurring in America with the drive to connect isolated areas to navigable water now matures to the thinking that it would be beneficial to connect water ports to one another via railroads. John C. Calhoun of South Carolina initiates a movement in that year to connect the seaport of Charleston, SC with the inland river port of Memphis, TN. 1846 is then the date of charter of the Memphis & Charleston Railroad. That same year, the LaGrange & Memphis is purchased by the M & C with the intention of extending it further eastward to connect with the pre-existing Tuscumbia, Courtland & Decatur Railroad. This connection was completed in 1854 resulting in a 194-mile long railroad between Memphis, TN and Decatur, AL. By 1857 the company extended the line further east through Huntsville, AL and on to Stevenson, AL to a connection with the pre-existing Nashville & Chattanooga Railroad.

This railroad had a junction in Chattanooga, TN with the Western & Atlantic Railroad that extended south to Atlanta, Georgia. Now we have Memphis connected by rail with Atlanta, and because Atlanta was already connected by rail with the seaport at Charleston

it’s time to celebrate the “wedding of the waters.” In 1857 that’s just what they did — transporting Mississippi River water and Atlantic Ocean water back and forth to be deposited in it’s opposite location to the ceremonial booming of cannons. After the American Civil War in 1872, the Memphis & Charleston Railroad was sold and later operated by the East Tennessee, Virginia & Georgia Railroad. In 1898 the ETV & G became part of the Southern Railway.

The Origins of the Memphis & Charleston Railroad By Dick hillman, Senior Archivist

VOLUNTEERS WANTED:

Fall is a great time to get involved with the

volunteer program at the Southern Museum!

With Mommy & Me Programs, Children’s Workshops, archival

projects, and special events, there are more opportunities than ever before to volunteer.

If you are interested in more information about volunteer opportunities at the Museum please contact Cindy Dadyala

at 770.427.2117 Ext 3182. Applications are available

on our Web site at www.southernmuseum.org.

In the earlier years of the 19th century, moving goods and

people via navigable waterways was the

most efficient mode of travel available.

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Great Locomotive Chase 5K

On Saturday, September 12th, the Kennesaw Museum Foundation hosted its very first Great

Locomotive Chase 5K. Beginning with a warm-up by Operation Boot Camp, we had about 275 runners for the 5K and 1K. Thank you to all of our sponsors who helped make this event a success: Cobb Energy, Gas South, Operation Boot Camp, City of Kennesaw, Hester Eye Associates, Max Muscle, Eaton Chiropractic, Dana Dorris Agency, O’Neill Communications, Big Shanty Barber Shop, Ashton Staffing, Kroger, Big Peach Running Co., Cohutta Water, Legacy Promotion, Sweet Tomatoes and Great Harvest Bread Company. Congratulations to our winners: Stephen Bell and Kelley Lowe Colenbaugh! Bell came in with a time of 16 minutes, 37 seconds and Colenbaugh clenched first place with 21 minutes, 27 seconds. Please visit our Web site at www.greatlocomotiverace.com for complete results and photos.

Thanks to Our Volunteers!The staff of the Southern Museum would like to take this opportunity to express our sincere gratitude to a very special group people, our museum volunteers. We are privileged to work along side of you and are grateful for your generous contribution to the success of the Museum. We could not accomplish all that we do without your support and assistance.

Charlie Bell • Johnathan Brown • David Byrne • Jack Camery • Charity Chastain • Gene Douglas • Barbara Flack • Kelsey Fritz • Heather Hale • Debra Kasson-Jones • Christopher Knerr • Steve Martin • Chris Nelson • Bolivar O’Rear • Michael Rebman • David Powell • Harry Sanders • Don Sawyer

Looking to Buy that Special Gift this Year? By henry higgins

Instead of giving that history buff on your holiday list a pair of socks this year, give them something they

would really love! The General Emporium has a great selection of books, history-themed coffee cups, DVDs and shirts for that hard-to-buy-for person on your list. And remember, you get 10 percent off marked prices just for being a member. Enjoy reading Civil War history books? We have a number of new books in stock including Ghosts and Shadows of Andersonville; Joe Brown’s Pets (about the Georgia Militia during the war); and Co. “Aytch” (an old favorite reissued with corrections and comments by the author, Sam Watkins). The best-selling West Point Military History books – The American Civil War and the Atlas of the American Civil War - are also back in stock. And last, but not least, Skeletons of the Civil War – True Ghost Stories of the Army of Tennessee is sure to tingle your spine! Remember to read the story of the local haunting in Cheatham’s Hill Park at

Kennesaw Mountain! We have designed two new coffee cups exclusively for the Southern Museum. One features a full-color side view of the General locomotive in its Civil War colors. The other depicts the Lacy Hotel, the Texas and General, Sgt. John Scott’s Medal of Honor, and the Southern

Museum in raised relief and full color. It’s a really beautiful depiction. Two new ornaments have been added to our Christmas tree collection. Both ornaments feature

the General, one in delicate gold metal, while the other is in color with both the Lacy House and the Southern Museum added. This one is also a magnet so it can be displayed all year. The ornaments simply must be seen to be appreciated! So remember the General Emporium when you are looking for gifts for children and older friends and relatives – or even just for you. You are sure to find something to please everyone.

Not pictured: Barbara Flack, Debra Kasson-Jones, Chris Knerr, Steve Martin, Bolivar O’Rear, Michael Rebman, Don Sawyer

Charlie Bell Johnathan Brown

David Byrne

Jack Camery Charity Chastain

Gene Douglas

Kelsey Fritz Heather Hale Christopher Nelson

David Powell Harry Sanders

The General Emporium has a great selection

of books, history-themed coffee cups, DVDs and

shirts for that hard-to-buy-for person on your list.

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CALEnDARDecember 7 • 10 AM – 2 PMHome School Days: 19th Century Play DayPlay with the popular toys of the 19th century, along with creating your very own toy, at this popular program.

December 26 • December 29• December 302009 Winter & Holiday Interpretive ProgramsThese guided programs are held on a wide range of topics, from weapons firing to Civil War music and photography. Free with Museum admission. Programs are approximately 20 minutes, and begin at 11:30, 2:30 and 3:30.

January 23•Wave the Flag Try It

January 30•Creative Composing Try It

February 13•Art to Wear Badge

February 27•Local Lore Badge

Girl Scout WorkshopsThe Museum is offering a number of Girl Scout Workshops throughout the year for Brownies and Juniors to earn a badge or try it. Register with Debbie Pompie at 404.527.7449 or psnorth@girlscoutsofgreateratlanta.org.

February 8 • 10 AM – 2 PMHome School Days: African Culture & CraftsHome-schooled students can now explore the Museum’s latest Smithsonian exhibition at a special rate! Admission is $5 per person. Reservations are recommended but not required.

For more information on the above programs, contact the Museum

at 770.427.2117, ext 3173, or children@southernmuseum.org.

Mommy & MeThursdays • 10 AM - 11 AM

Nov. 19 • A Thanksgiving Story

Dec. 3 • The Giving Season

Dec. 10 • The Polar Express Story

Dec. 17 • A Creature Was Stirring

Jan. 7 • Gears and Machines

Jan. 14 • This Train

Jan. 21 • Owney, the Mail Train Dog!

Jan. 28 • Wheels, Wheels, Wheels

Feb. 4 • John Henry, Railroad Hero

Feb. 11 • Young Abe Lincoln

Feb. 18 • Sounds and Rhythms

Feb. 25 • Freight Train, Freight Train

Designed for children ages three to five and accompanying adults, Mommy & Me provides a fun and exciting beginning to a lifelong love of learning! With hands-on projects and intriguing stories, Mommy & Me is free with Museum admission.

Make It & Take It Saturdays • 10 AM - NoonNov. 21 • Thanksgiving Time

Dec. 5 • Tiffany Mosaic

Dec. 12 • Old-Fashioned Greeting Cards

Dec. 19 • A Civil War Christmas

Jan. 9 • Weaving

Jan. 16 • Secret Messages

Jan. 23 • Simple Machines

Jan.30 • Printmaking

Feb. 6 • Civil War Signals and Strategies

Feb. 13 • Valentine Art

Feb. 20 • Old-Fashioned Fun and Games

Feb. 27 • Making Do – Natural Dyes

Designed for children ages six and up, Make It & Take It Weekend Workshops provide hands-on fun and learning experiences. Free with Museum admission, and all supplies are provided!

the southern

museum

SPONSORED BY

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

Please visit www.southernmuseum.org for more information on upcoming events.

Kennesaw Museum Foundation

In Focus Exhibit Shares Inspiring Photographs(continued from cover)

NONPROFIT ORGUS POSTAGE

PAID KENNESAW. GA PERMIT NO. 39

and essence of other human beings is a challenge beyond measure, but when it happens and the photograph comes together, the creation brings joy.” Invented in the 1800s, this lengthy photographic process requires that the subject commit time and energy, which makes for a deeper relationship between photographer and subject. In the process, the image becomes a collaboration between the two and has an intense intimacy in which the viewer is drawn. Such remarkable images reveal deep-rooted connections to the environment, to national identities, to gender roles and to cultural preferences. They reveal the historical context of the moment while shedding light on larger world views that have been modeled and re-cast throughout the centuries. An unforgettable portrait does all these things, but, most importantly, it

echoes the spirit of the sitter. Bearrow expects that this exhibit will be one of the more popular ones that the Museum has hosted. “We’ve had great response to the previous exhibits brought in by the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service, including the most

recent Native Words, Native Warriors,” he said. “National Geographic is a very popular and well-read magazine, so the Southern Museum is honored to present these photographs to the community.”One of the world’s largest non-profit

scientific and educational organizations, the National Geographic Society was founded in 1888 “for the increase and diffusion of geographic knowledge.” Fulfilling this mission, the society educates and inspires millions every day through its magazines, books, television programs, videos, maps and atlases, research grants, the National Geographic Bee, teacher workshops and innovative classroom materials. The Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service (SITES) has been sharing the wealth of Smithsonian collections and research programs with millions of people outside Washington, D.C., for more than 50 years. SITES connects Americans to their shared cultural heritage through a wide range of exhibitions about art, science and history, which are shown wherever people live, work and play.

Invented in the 1800s, this lengthy photographic process

requires that the subject commit time and energy, which makes

for a deeper relationship between photographer and subject.