In late February 2020, more than 200 fifth graders came to the OSHM for their annual History Scavenger Hunt! Fortified with clipboards, work sheets, and pencils, they searched the History Gallery walls for answers to their class assignment. These students take the hunt seriously because they are earning a grade, but they also have fun while at the museum!
On February 2, 2020, renowned historian and author, Dr. Stephen Davis, was the speaker for the Sunday At The Museum lecture series. His topic, “George N. Barnard: Photographer of Civil War Atlanta,” attracted history and photography buffs from the surrounding area and as far as Atlanta. Davis’ program was based on his recently published book, 100 Significant Civil War Photos: Atlanta Campaign.
Davis began his talk by explaining that Barnard was working with famous photographer Mathew Brady in the early years of the war. However, Union General W. T. Sherman’s chief engineer, Captain Orlando Poe, later hired Barnard away from Brady. Poe directed Barnard to take photos of the cities along Sherman’s route. Within days after Sherman took Atlanta in 1864, Poe ordered Barnard to come to Georgia and start taking pictures of Atlanta. Davis concluded his talk by saying, “Had it not been for the work of George N. Barnard, today we would not know what Atlanta looked like before and during the Civil War.”
Today, the chief depositories of Barnard’s work, according to Davis, are the Library of Congress and the U.S. Military Academy Library at West Point. There are smaller collections throughout the United States, however, and unknown photos continue to surface.
On May 5th, 2019, Richard Garrett presented a Sunday At The Museum lecture on “Georgia’s Musical Heritage-Historic Recordings 1927-1961.” Maude Hicks, Artistic Director of the OSHM, cleverly turned the drugstore marble-topped soda fountain into a piano bar for the reception afterward! (Don’t worry…it was just tape!)
Richard Garrett and son Fin
On August 5th, 2018, a record number (154 people) crowded into the museum’s lecture hall to hear beloved Eatonton native Alex Gregory. Gregory shared highlights of his career from his teenage years in the local cotton mill to his long tenure as CEO of YKK Corporation.
Renowned artist Sterling Everett attended his good friend’s lecture.
Alex Gregory shares philosophy of financial success.
April 3rd, 2017
Local school students visit the OSHM annually and enjoy “playing school” in the Historic Classroom! Each year 5th graders have their special History Scavenger Hunts, and 4th graders look forward to a history story/stage production with kazanetti4kids providing the music!
Students ask, “What is “cursive” handwriting?”
Kazanetti and the OSHM Players use the Time Machine to take 4th graders back into history!
On May 1st, 2013, the OSHM held a dedication ceremony for the Academy Bell, which was donated to the museum by the Swymer family in honor of their parents, Archie & Virginia. Visitors can now visit the historic bell on the lawn of The Plaza Arts Center.
Swymer Family
Bell Ceremony guests
