Meet the Past Festival Brings History to Life at the Atlanta History Center

This family program invites guests to experience the best of Atlanta History Center Meet the Past museum theatre offerings through interactions with characters that bring to life the stories of people from Atlanta and the surrounding areas. Throughout the campus first-person interpreters share about prominent figures from Atlanta’s past as well as common individuals through dialogues and interactive experiences – giving a new understanding of history. Explore the galleries of the museum, Smith Family Farm, and Swan House to become personally involved in the region’s past.  

WHAT: Meet the Past Festival, Atlanta History Center Family Program

WHEN: Saturday, August 23, 2014; 11:00 am to 4:00 pm

WHERE: Atlanta History Center; 130 West Paces Ferry Road; Atlanta, GA

INFORMATION: 404.814.4000; AtlantaHistoryCenter.com/Family

ADMISSION: This program is free to members; included in the cost of general admission for nonmembers.

SUPPORT: Funding for this program is provided by the Fulton County Board of Commissioners under the guidance of Fulton County Arts Council.

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS:

Atlanta History Center Museum Activities

Shaping Traditions Exhibition 

“Clay: Palm to Earth”

11:30 am, 1:30 pm, 2:30 pm

 Dave Drake, an enslaved potter, created large clay pots, on which he engraved pieces of short verse. He also signed his name, revealing his literacy at a time in history when it was illegal for a slave to read and write. “Clay: Palm to Earth” explores the notion of literacy as a form of resistance and its impact on the shaping of identity.

Centennial Olympic Games Museum

Freedom Rider Experience

Noon, 2:00 PM

Do you have what it takes to be a Freedom Fighter? This decision gets harder when one is confronted with real-time decisions that require you to show courage, determination, and the discipline to stick together in a non-violent struggle. Participate in a historical simulation that employs museum theatre, as you travel courageously into the Deep South on a Freedom Ride.

Celeste Johnstone

1:00 pm, 3:00 pm

It is 1864 and Celeste Johnstone has found poetry written by one of her enslaved workers. Conflicted as to how she should respond when faced with the decision of exposing the writings, Celeste begins to question her attitude towards the institution of slavery.

Turning Point Exhibition

Soldier Experience

12:15 pm, 2:00 pm

Take on the role of Union or Confederate soldiers fighting in the battles that occurred in and around Atlanta.  Both luck and decision-making affect the health and well-being of your soldier, as you learn about important people, places, and events in the Battle of Atlanta.

Smith Family Farm Activities

Smith Family and Neighbors

Ongoing

Explore the working 1860s Smith Family Farm and meet members of the Smith family, their neighbors, enslaved workers, and friends. Faced with the common challenges of the Civil War home front, these individuals share news about the war as well as how the conflict has affected their daily lives. 

“Crossroads”

11:15 am, 3:15 pm 

In the summer of 1864, thousands of Atlanta residents evacuated the city and surrounding areas in an effort to escape the advancing Union army. Follow the Howard family as they each struggle with their own decision to leave and select an escape route. 

1860s Southern Church Service Experience

12:15 pm 

In the South during the mid-1800s, small rural communities often held church services in the home. See what a typical household multi-denominational church service looked like during the Civil War, including singing, a short sermon, thoughts and prayers for confederate soldiers, and news about the war. 

Undressed: Civil War Clothing

1:00 pm, 2:45 pm

Join Betsy Sprayberry in her boudoir as she prepares to meet her beau and offers a revealing insight on what it takes to be a lady in the Civil War.

Sherman Monologue

1:15 pm, 2:15 pm

Encounter Major General William Tecumseh Sherman as he prepares for the invasion of Atlanta and hear about his strategy for the upcoming battle.

Swan House Activities

Swan House Living Household

Ongoing

As you walk through the 1928 classically-styled mansion, stop and talk with those influential in the creation and up-keep of the Inman family’s home. From the perspective of the home’s supporting staff, learn about how the Inman family furnished and operated their household during the 1930s.

McElreath Hall Activities

Mid-Nineteenth Century Dance Performance

1:00 pm, 3:00 pm

Enjoy demonstrations of the Waltz and learn new dances with lessons for the Grand March and the Sir Roger de Coverly!

Food for Sale

Coca Cola Café

11 am – 2 pm 

Food available for purchase from Coca Cola Café, serving a limited Chick-fil-A menu.

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