(Kennesaw, GA) – The Southern Museum of Civil War & Locomotive History invites the entire community to drop by in 2010 for fascinating exhibits straight from the Smithsonian Institution and popular programs for children and adults.

“In Focus is the latest exhibit that opened on December 12,” said Jeff Drobney, executive director of the Southern Museum. “It’s a collection of National Geographic’s most famous and inspiring pho-tographs.” The exhibit, brought to the Museum by the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service, runs until April 18. Free with Museum admission, In Focus will also be open to special pro-grams, primarily for organized school field trips and home-schooled students.

Younger children will be excited with the line-up for 2010. The popular Mommy & Me program for children ages three to five is back, as well as Make It & Take It Weekend Workshops for children ages six and up. “These hands-on programs are the perfect way to really help our younger genera-tions learn about and understand history,” Drobney said. “They’re fun, interactive and educa-tional!” All children’s programs are free with Museum admission.

There are several events coming up in the first two months of 2010 at the Museum. Be sure to mark your calendars!



Mommy & Me Children’s Program Series, sponsored by Gas South

January 7 • Gears and Machines; January 14 • This Train; January 21 • Owney, the Mail Train Dog

January 28 • Wheels, Wheels, Wheels; February 4 • John Henry, Railroad Hero; February 11 • Young Abe Lincoln; February 18 • Rhythm and Sounds; February 25 • Freight Train

Designed for children ages three to five and their caregivers, the Museum’s history, themes and exhibits provide a fun and exciting starting point in the journey of learning! Free with Museum admission, no reservations required. Mommy & Me is held Thursdays from 10 AM to 11 AM. For more information, contact 770.427.2117, ext 3173, or children@southernmuseum.org.



Make It & Take It Weekend Workshops

January 9 • Weaving; January 16 • Secret Messages; January 23 • Simple Machines; January 30 • Printmaking; February 6 • Civil War Signals & Strategies; February 13 • Valentine Art; February 20 • Old-Time Fun & Games; February 27 • Making Do – Natural Dyes

Students age six and up will love these weekend workshops! Offering hands-on projects with en-gaging information, Make It & Take It helps bring history to life. Held Saturdays from 10 AM to noon, this program is free with Museum admission. All materials are provided. For more information, contact 770.427.2117, ext 3173, or children@southernmuseum.org.



Girl Scout Workshops

January 23 • Wave the Flag Try It; January 30 • Creative Composing Try It; February 13 • Art to Wear Badge; February 27 • Local Lore Badge



The Museum offers a number of Girl Scout workshops through the year for Brownies and Juniors to either try an activity or earn a badge. For more information and to register, contact Debbie Pom-pie at 404.527.7449 or psnorth@girlscoutsofgreateratlanta.org.



Home School Days

February 8 • Cultures IN FOCUS Series! African Culture & Crafts

Home-schooled students can now enjoy the Museum’s fascinating exhibits, including In Focus: National Geographic Greatest Portraits. Attendees will participate in discussions, hands-on activities and make-and-take projects based on the different cultural themes each month. Reservations are recommended but not required. Admission is $5 per person. For more information, contact 770.427.2117, ext 3174, or programs@southernmuseum.org.



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.