Southern Museum of Civil War and Locomotive History

This Kennesaw museum called the Southern Museum of Civil War and Locomotive History is generally open between 9:30 and 5pm on Tuesday through Saturday.

The Southern Museum of Civil War and Locomotive History is a museum in Kennesaw, Georgia, that contains a collection of artifacts and relics from the American Civil War, as well as from railroads of the state of Georgia and surrounding regions. The centerpiece is the General, a steam locomotive used in the Great Locomotive Chase in April 1862.

locomotive

The museum was founded in 1972 as the Big Shanty Museum, and was originally housed in a barn that once housed a cotton gin. The museum’s collection has since grown to include over 10,000 artifacts, including locomotives, uniforms, weapons, and other objects from the Civil War era. The museum also has a number of interactive exhibits, including a Civil War battlefield simulation and a replica of a turn-of-the-century locomotive factory.

The Southern Museum of Civil War and Locomotive History is a Smithsonian Institution affiliate, and is a popular tourist destination in the Atlanta area. The museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from 9:30am to 5pm, and is closed on Sundays, Mondays, and major holidays.

Facts

  • The museum is located at 2829 Cherokee Street NW, Kennesaw, GA 30144.
  • The museum’s phone number is 770-427-2117.
  • The museum’s website is https://southernmuseum.org/.
  • The museum’s admission prices are:
    • Adults: $10
    • Seniors (65+): $8
    • Active-duty Military/Student (w/ ID): $5
    • Children 3-17: $5
    • Children 2 & Under: FREE
  • The museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from 9:30am to 5pm.
  • The museum is closed on Sundays, Mondays, and major holidays.

The Southern Museum of Civil War and Locomotive History is housed in a 50,000 square foot building. The building is two stories tall and has a large exhibit hall, a theater, a library, and a research center. The building also has a number of outdoor exhibits, including a Civil War battlefield simulation and a replica of a turn-of-the-century locomotive factory.

Events

Southern Museum of Civil War and Locomotive History does host weddings and events. The museum has a variety of rental spaces available, including a large banquet hall, a theater, a children’s classroom, and a stand-alone depot. Prices range from $75 to $300 per hour with a two-hour minimum. Tables and chairs are included. Free parking for event guests. Outside catering and alcohol are allowed.

  • Large banquet hall
  • Intimate theater
  • Children’s classroom
  • Stand-alone depot

If you are interested in renting the Southern Museum of Civil War and Locomotive History for your wedding or event, please contact the museum at 770-427-2117 or visit their website at https://southernmuseum.org/event-rental/.

Here are some additional details about the museum’s wedding and event rental policies:

  • The museum is available for weddings and events on Saturdays and Sundays only.
  • The museum has a two-hour minimum rental time.
  • Tables and chairs are included in the rental price.
  • Outside catering and alcohol are allowed.
  • The museum has a capacity of 175 guests.
  • The museum is located in a historic district, so there are some restrictions on noise levels and outdoor activities.

I hope this information is helpful. Please let me know if you have any other questions.

Yes, the Southern Museum of Civil War and Locomotive History does host weddings and events. The museum has a variety of rental spaces available, including a large banquet hall, a theater, a children’s classroom, and a stand-alone depot. Prices range from $75 to $300 per hour with a two-hour minimum. Tables and chairs are included. Free parking for event guests. Outside catering and alcohol are allowed.

The museum is located in historic downtown Kennesaw, conveniently close to I-75 and Cobb Parkway. The Museum includes several rental spaces:

  • Large banquet hall
  • Intimate theater
  • Children’s classroom
  • Stand-alone depot

If you are interested in renting the Southern Museum of Civil War and Locomotive History for your wedding or event, please contact the museum at 770-427-2117 or visit their website at https://southernmuseum.org/event-rental/.

Here are some additional details about the museum’s wedding and event rental policies:

  • The museum is available for weddings and events on Saturdays and Sundays only.
  • The museum has a two-hour minimum rental time.
  • Tables and chairs are included in the rental price.
  • Outside catering and alcohol are allowed.
  • The museum has a capacity of 175 guests.
  • The museum is located in a historic district, so there are some restrictions on noise levels and outdoor activities.

Trains

There are no active train rides at the Southern Museum of Civil War and Locomotive History. The museum does have a number of locomotives on display, including the General, which was used in the Great Locomotive Chase during the Civil War. However, the locomotives are not operational and are not used for rides.

The museum does offer a number of educational programs about railroads and the Civil War. These programs include lectures, tours, and hands-on activities. The museum also has a number of interactive exhibits that allow visitors to learn about railroads and the Civil War.

Harry Belafonte introduced the Steel Drum

Harry Belafonte (born Harold George Bellanfanti Jr.; March 1, 1927 – April 25, 2023) was an American singer, activist, and actor. As arguably the most successful Caribbean-American pop star of his time, he popularized Jamaican mento folk songs which was marketed as Trinbagonian Calypso musical style with an international audience in the 1950s. (Wikipedia)

Steel Drum

Harry Belafonte was often accompanied by the steel drum. He was one of the first artists to popularize the steel drum in the United States, and he often used it in his performances and recordings. Some of his most famous songs that feature the steel drum include “Day-O (The Banana Boat Song)”, “Jump in the Line (Shake Señora)”, and “Island in the Sun”.

Belafonte’s use of the steel drum helped to introduce the instrument to a wider audience, and it is now one of the most popular instruments in Caribbean music.

The steel drum, also known as the pan, is a percussion instrument that originated in Trinidad and Tobago in the early 20th century. It is made from steel drums, which are large oil drums that have been hammered into a concave shape. The steel drum is played by striking it with rubber-tipped mallets. The different pitches of the steel drum are created by hammering different areas of the drum. The steel drum is a versatile instrument that can be used to play a variety of music, including calypso, soca, and jazz.

The steel drum has a long and rich history. It is believed to have originated from the African talking drums, which were brought to Trinidad and Tobago by enslaved Africans. In the early 20th century, young people in Trinidad and Tobago began to experiment with playing music on discarded oil drums. They found that by hammering the drums in different ways, they could create different pitches. This led to the development of the steel drum, which quickly became a popular instrument in Trinidad and Tobago.

Steel Drum

In the 1950s, the steel drum began to gain popularity in the United States. Harry Belafonte was one of the first artists to popularize the steel drum in the US. He often used the steel drum in his performances and recordings, and he helped to introduce the instrument to a wider audience.

Today, the steel drum is a popular instrument all over the world. It is used in a variety of musical genres, including calypso, soca, jazz, and reggae. The steel drum is also a popular instrument in schools and community groups. It is a versatile and accessible instrument that can be enjoyed by people of all ages.

Harry Belafonte

Harry Belafonte was born in Harlem, New York City, to Jamaican parents. His mother was the child of a Scottish Jamaican mother and an Afro-Jamaican father, and his father was the child of a Black American mother and a Dutch-Jewish father of Sephardic Jewish descent. Harry, Jr. was raised Catholic. From 1932 to 1940, Belafonte lived with one of his grandmothers in her native country of Jamaica, where he attended Wolmer’s Schools.

Banana Boat

Belafonte is considered one of the most important figures in the folk music scene of the 1950s. He was a key figure in popularizing Caribbean folk songs, such as calypso, with an international audience. He was also a successful actor and activist, and he was involved in various social causes, notably the civil rights movement.

Belafonte died on April 25, 2023, at the age of 96. He was a groundbreaking artist and activist who left a lasting legacy on American culture.

Banana Boat Song

With the refrain,

Day-O, day-ay-ay-o Daylight come and me wan’ go home

(From google Bard)

The Banana Boat Song was used in the movie Beetlejuice as a way to introduce the character of Beetlejuice. The song was played at the beginning of the movie, when Beetlejuice first arrives at the Maitlands’ house. The song helps to set the tone for the movie, which is both funny and spooky. It also helps to introduce Beetlejuice’s character, who is a mischievous and playful ghost.

The song is also used later in the movie, when Beetlejuice is trying to scare the Deetz family. The song is played at a louder volume, and it helps to create a sense of chaos and excitement. The song also helps to show Beetlejuice’s power, as he is able to control the music and the environment around him.

Overall, the Banana Boat Song is used in the movie Beetlejuice in a variety of ways. It is used to introduce the character of Beetlejuice, to set the tone for the movie, and to show Beetlejuice’s power. The song is a classic example of calypso music, and it helps to make the movie Beetlejuice a fun and memorable experience.

Beetlejuice

Beetlejuice is a 1988 American fantasy comedy film directed by Tim Burton, produced by Michael McDowell and Danny Elfman, written by McDowell and Warren Skaaren, and starring Michael Keaton, Alec Baldwin, Geena Davis, Winona Ryder, Catherine O’Hara, Jeffrey Jones, and Martin Short. The film is about a recently deceased couple, Barbara and Adam Maitland, who become ghosts haunting their former home, which is soon bought by the recently arrived Deetz family. The Maitlands call upon Beetlejuice, a bio-exorcist, to scare the Deetz family out of the house, but the plan backfires and Beetlejuice tries to claim the Maitlands’ souls.

Beetlejuice was a critical and commercial success, grossing over $75 million worldwide against a production budget of $25 million. The film was nominated for two Academy Awards, for Best Art Direction and Best Makeup. It has since become a cult classic, and has been praised for its dark humor, visual style, and performances.

Beetlejuice is a unique and memorable film that has stood the test of time. It is a must-see for fans of Tim Burton, fantasy, and comedy.

Harry Belafonte in Tokyo

Harry performed the Banana Boat song to a rapt audience in Tokyo in 1960.

Casas Grandes

The Casas Grandes culture, also known as the Mogollon culture, was a pre-Columbian civilization that flourished in northern Mexico and the southwestern United States from around 1050 to 1450 CE. They lived primarily in the area that is now the Mexican state of Chihuahua and parts of Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas.

The Casas Grandes culture is known for its distinctive architecture, including large multi-story buildings made of adobe, as well as intricate pottery and beautiful jewelry. They were skilled farmers, growing crops such as beans, corn, and squash, and were also skilled in metalworking, weaving, and other crafts.

The Casas Grandes people are believed to have been a complex society with a hierarchical social structure and a sophisticated trading network that stretched across the region. They are thought to have been influenced by other cultures, such as the Ancestral Puebloans and the Hohokam, and their legacy can still be seen in the region today.

Hopi

We think that the Mogollon culture did have contact with the Hopi people, who are also a Native American tribe from the southwestern United States. The Hopi people are known for their rich cultural traditions, including their intricate artwork, music, and dance, as well as their deep spiritual beliefs.

The exact nature of the contact between the Mogollon culture and the Hopi people is not well understood, but it is likely that they interacted through trade and other forms of cultural exchange. Archaeological evidence suggests that the Mogollon culture had a wide-ranging trading network that extended throughout the region, and it is possible that they traded with the Hopi people for goods such as pottery, textiles, and food.

There is also evidence to suggest that the Hopi people may have adopted certain aspects of Mogollon culture, such as their distinctive architectural style and some elements of their religious beliefs. Overall, while the exact nature of the relationship between the Mogollon culture and the Hopi people is still the subject of ongoing research and study, it is clear that they had significant cultural and economic ties over a period of many centuries.

Pueblo

We also believe the Mogollon culture had contact with the Pueblo people, who are a Native American tribe that still lives in the southwestern United States, particularly in Arizona and New Mexico. The Pueblo people are known for their distinctive architecture, which includes multi-story buildings made of adobe, similar to those built by the Mogollon culture.

There is evidence to suggest that the Mogollon culture and the Pueblo people had significant cultural and economic ties over a period of many centuries. For example, archaeologists have found artifacts from the Mogollon culture in Pueblo settlements, and vice versa.

It is also believed that the Mogollon culture may have influenced the development of Pueblo culture in a number of ways, including in the areas of agriculture, ceramics, and architecture. For instance, Pueblo pottery displays certain design elements that are similar to those found in Mogollon pottery, suggesting that the two cultures may have shared artistic techniques and styles.

Overall, while the precise nature of the relationship between the Mogollon culture and the Pueblo people is still the subject of ongoing research and study, it is clear that they had significant cultural and economic interactions, and that the Mogollon culture played an important role in the development of Pueblo culture.

Anasazi and the Pueblo

The Ancestral Puebloans are also known as the Anasazi. The Ancestral Puebloans were a Native American culture that lived in the same region as the Mogollon culture, in what is now the southwestern United States, particularly in present-day Colorado, Utah, Arizona, and New Mexico.

The Ancestral Puebloans are known for their complex and sophisticated architecture, including their cliff dwellings and multi-story buildings made of adobe. There is evidence to suggest that the Mogollon culture may have influenced the development of Ancestral Puebloan architecture, particularly in the use of adobe and other building materials.

In addition to architectural influences, there is also evidence to suggest that the two cultures shared other aspects of their material culture, including pottery styles and agricultural practices. Archaeological evidence also suggests that there was significant trade and cultural exchange between the Mogollon culture and the Ancestral Puebloans, with artifacts from one culture being found in the archaeological sites of the other.

Overall, while the precise nature of the relationship between the Mogollon culture and the Ancestral Puebloans is still the subject of ongoing research and study, it is clear that they had significant cultural and economic interactions, and that the Mogollon culture played an important role in the development of Ancestral Puebloan culture.

Anasazi vs. Pueblo vs. Hopi

Presidents Day

There are typically parades held on Presidents Day in various cities and towns across the United States. These parades often feature marching bands, floats, and other displays that celebrate the accomplishments and contributions of U.S. presidents throughout history. Some cities that hold Presidents Day parades include Alexandria, Virginia; Sarasota, Florida; and San Francisco, California. Additionally, some cities and towns hold events and activities, such as historical reenactments or museum exhibits, that commemorate the lives and legacies of past presidents on this holiday. However, it is worth noting that the specific events and activities held on Presidents Day can vary depending on the location and the local traditions and customs.

Presidents Day is a federal holiday in the United States, and as such, many businesses and government offices, including those in Alexandria, Virginia, are typically closed on this day. However, there are some events and activities that are planned in Alexandria to commemorate the holiday. Here are a few examples:

  • Alexandria Black History Museum: The Alexandria Black History Museum hosts an annual Presidents Day event that features historical reenactors portraying presidents and first ladies, as well as live music, children’s activities, and food vendors.
  • George Washington’s Mount Vernon: Although it is located just outside of Alexandria in Mount Vernon, Virginia, George Washington’s estate hosts an annual Presidents Day Weekend event that includes special programming, demonstrations, and tours related to the lives of the country’s first president and other historic figures.
  • Alexandria Symphony Orchestra: The Alexandria Symphony Orchestra typically hosts a special concert on Presidents Day weekend that features patriotic music and other selections related to American history.
  • Alexandria Historical Society: The Alexandria Historical Society may host events or tours related to the history of the city

Several U.S. presidents have connections to Alexandria, Virginia, either through their personal lives or through their official duties. Here are a few examples:

  1. George Washington: George Washington is perhaps the most famous figure associated with Alexandria, as his Mount Vernon estate is located just a few miles south of the city. Washington also had close ties to many of Alexandria’s early residents and is said to have visited the city frequently during his lifetime.
  2. John Adams: John Adams, the second president of the United States, lived briefly in Alexandria in 1800 when he was serving as vice president under President Washington.
  3. James K. Polk: James K. Polk, the 11th president of the United States, visited Alexandria in 1847 during the Mexican-American War. He reportedly reviewed troops at the city’s Cameron Mills Arsenal before continuing on to the front lines of the conflict.
  4. Abraham Lincoln: Although he never visited Alexandria himself, President Abraham Lincoln had a significant impact on the city during the Civil War. In 1861, Union forces occupied Alexandria and used it as a key supply and transportation hub for the duration of the conflict.

Alexandria, Virginia is located approximately 7 miles south of Washington, DC. There are several ways to get from Alexandria to DC by bus or train.

  1. Metrorail: The Washington Metro’s Blue and Yellow lines both serve Alexandria, with several stations located throughout the city. From most Metro stations in Alexandria, it is possible to travel directly to downtown DC and other parts of the city using the Metrorail system.
  2. Amtrak: Amtrak’s Northeast Regional and Vermonter train lines both stop in Alexandria, with frequent service to destinations throughout the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions. From the Alexandria Amtrak station, it is possible to connect to other Amtrak trains or to take a short Metro ride to reach DC.
  3. VRE: The Virginia Railway Express is a commuter rail system that operates between northern Virginia and Washington, DC. Several VRE stations are located in Alexandria, with frequent service to downtown DC and other destinations in the region.
  4. Bus: Several bus companies, including Megabus and Greyhound, offer service between Alexandria and Washington, DC. Buses typically depart from the King Street Metro station or other locations in the city and provide direct service to downtown DC and other destinations.

Roots of Mardi Gras

Mardi Gras, also known as “Fat Tuesday,” is a centuries-old celebration with roots in Christian tradition, particularly in the Roman Catholic Church. The holiday is typically celebrated on the day before the Christian season of Lent begins, which is a period of fasting and sacrifice in preparation for Easter.

The origins of Mardi Gras can be traced back to medieval Europe, where a similar holiday was celebrated with feasting and merry-making. When French explorers and settlers came to what is now the United States, they brought the Mardi Gras traditions with them, which took root in the Southern states, particularly in New Orleans.

Today, Mardi Gras is a major cultural event in New Orleans, where elaborate parades and parties are held in the weeks leading up to Fat Tuesday. The celebrations often feature costumes, masks, beads, and other festive decorations, and are a time for people to let loose and have fun before the solemnity of Lent begins.

Carnival in Barcelona

A time of joy, exuberance and joie de vivre, before Ash Wednesday when the 46-day Lent to Easter begins. Carnival, in Catalonia “Carnaval” is celebrated as in Central Europe. Disguises and costumes abound and are enjoined with events and parades, and finally the restaurants and bars are busy.

Beginning with “Dirty Thursday” on February 16th celebrations continue til “Ash Wednesday” on February 22nd. Barcelonans call the 1st day Jueves Ladero – Greasy Thursday, or Dijous Gras in Catalan.

Over the weekend there are more parades like the Gran Rua, which does not exist anymore. This year plan on “La Taronjada” on Sunday in the Ribera/Born district.

As a fitting prelude to lent, the celebrations end on Ash Wednesday with the funeral of the sardine. This is a fitting prelude to Lent because on this day fish is eaten. For Catholics that give up meat for Lent, this may be the beginning of their stint.

France

Fat Tuesday, which is known as “Mardi Gras” in French, is celebrated in Paris as well as in many other regions of France. The French have their own long-standing traditions and customs for Mardi Gras, which typically involve parades, costumes, and feasting.

In Paris, the most famous Mardi Gras celebration is the Carnaval de Paris, which dates back to the 16th century. The Carnaval de Paris features elaborate parades with floats and costumed performers, as well as dancing, music, and other festivities. The celebration culminates on Fat Tuesday with a grand parade through the streets of the city, which draws thousands of spectators.

In addition to the Carnaval de Paris, there are many other Mardi Gras events and celebrations held throughout the city, including parties, masquerade balls, and other festive gatherings. These celebrations are a time for people to come together and enjoy the fun and frivolity of the holiday before the more somber season of Lent begins.

Shrove Tuesday

Shrove Tuesday is the last day of the season of Epiphany, which is a time of reflection and preparation for the Lenten season. On Shrove Tuesday, Christians are encouraged to confess their sins, receive absolution, and prepare for the fasting and repentance of Lent.

Pigs, Still the Same

What are some of the oldest domesticated animals eaten by humans?

Some of the oldest domesticated animals eaten by humans include:

  1. Sheep: Sheep were domesticated around 11,000 years ago in the Middle East and are one of the oldest domesticated animals. They were primarily raised for their wool, milk, and meat.
  2. Goats: Goats were domesticated around 10,000 years ago in the Middle East, and they were primarily raised for their meat, milk, and hides.
  3. Cattle: Cattle were domesticated around 10,500 years ago in the Middle East and were primarily used for their milk, meat, and as draft animals.
  4. Pigs: Pigs were domesticated around 9,000 years ago in the Near East and were primarily raised for their meat.
  5. Chickens: Chickens were domesticated around 8,000 years ago in Southeast Asia and were primarily raised for their eggs and meat.

Other domesticated animals that have been raised for food throughout human history, such as horses, donkeys, camels, dogs, pheasant and water buffalo.

Have pigs evolved since they were domesticated?

Domestic pigs have undergone some changes since their domestication, but their overall anatomy and physiology have remained fairly similar. However, there have been some notable changes in domestic pig breeds over the centuries, which have been driven by selective breeding for specific traits, such as meat quality, growth rate, and disease resistance.

For example, modern commercial pig breeds have been selectively bred to have higher lean meat content and faster growth rates than their wild ancestors. They have also been bred to be more docile and easier to manage, as well as to have a more uniform appearance and size, which is important for efficient meat production.

In contrast, some traditional or heritage pig breeds, which have been selectively bred over centuries for specific cultural and regional purposes, may have distinct morphological and behavioral characteristics compared to their wild ancestors. These breeds often have lower growth rates and higher fat content than commercial pig breeds.

Overall, while domestic pigs have undergone some changes since their domestication, they are still considered the same species as their wild ancestors, the Eurasian wild boar (Sus scrofa).