1. The Museum itself. Our family really enjoys this museum and we find something that we haven't seen before each time we visit. The '96 Olympic exhibit, with its own track, is always a highlight for the kids. We saw families racing each other and then taking their place for their medals on the Olympic podium. The Civil war exhibit is one of the nation’s largest exhibitions on the Civil War featuring more than 1,500 original artifacts, photographs, dioramas, videos, and interactive components. There is also a Bobby Jones Golf, fashion, Native lands - Georgia and several other exhibits.
The family favorite on this most recent visit was the Atlanta in 50 objects. We really liked the 1960's Delta airlines stewardess dress, Rich's Pink Pig and Martin Luther King writings. On display through December 31, 2016. It's a display of fifty objects that tell Atlanta's story. Items chosen for inclusion were inspired by public suggestions.
2. Smith Family Farm. Experience Civil War on the home front and participate in daily tasks as you meet characters portraying the daily tasks of this Piedmont Georgia farm. We've seen blacksmith demonstrations, cooking demonstrations with cast iron on an open fire, gardening, and goat herding! Yes, goats!
Our girls loved learning about the goats and were very delighted when The Smith Family Farmer let them out of their enclosure!
3. Swan House. This is my reason I've come back over and over! The Swan House is just amazingly beautiful. The history and elegance are phenomenal with equally stunning gardens.
We love wandering through the rooms from the basement to the attic. All are open for viewing. The children's room is appropriately the one room where you are free to feel, touch and play! We've also done the Hunger Games tour with my in-laws. It's an after-hours tour where you get access to closed rooms used for filming. You can even sit at president Snow's desk!
4/5. Wood Family Cabin and Gardens. You can really spend a full day here at the museum just wandering through the different gardens and checking out the Wood Family Cabin. Streams of water flow through the Quarry garden, while rhododendrons and vibrant hydrangeas dot the landscaping.
If you decide to spend a full day here, you'll want to be prepared for lunch, There are several options available. Packed lunches are always welcomed and can be enjoyed dining at the picnic grove, next to McElreath Hall, or on the back museum terrace and amphitheater. Souper Jenny (Accessible from Atlanta History Center's atrium) has a daily changing menu of fresh soups, salads, and sandwiches. Lastly, the Swan Coach House, is now a restaurant, gift shop and gallery. It once served as the garage and servants' quarters for Swan House. To make reservations, call 404.261.0636
You will not regret your day spent at the Atlanta History Museum. It has instantly become one of our favorite places to visit, explore and share with of town guests!
Tip: This weekend, September 3 and 4, is "Museums on Us". Because Atlanta History Center is a participating museum with Bank of America's "Museums on Us" program (Offering cardholders free weekend access to a variety of museums and cultural institutions across the United States.) you can visit for FREE! Check the back of your credit cards. If yours is through Bank of America, each card holder receives free admission. Other local participating museums include: the High Museum of Art, Tellus Science Museum and the Center for Civil and Human Rights.
Visit the website for other "Museums on Us" dates: (http://about.bankofamerica.com/en-us/global-impact/arts-and-culture.html#fbid=9gcqP04dIeD)
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