Atlanta History Center Homeschool Days

Last weekend we spent a marvelous time at the Atlanta History Center. Folks, this place is a gem! We have been on a family trek within an hour’s drive to learn more about our local history. Yes, the school year ended but we are still taking field trips, studying and learning about Georgia history. Specifically American Civil War history. We have extended and camped out in our Tapestry of Grace year 3, unit 3 studies. Because this year – 150 years ago on Georgia soil – the decisive battles of the Civil War took place.

The history here is rich as the Georgia clay is red. And the Atlanta History Center has the most extensive collection of Civil War memorabilia, the most impressive displays – and special homeschool days. So, I highly suggest that you local folks take a look at the schedule and plan to go on a day that matches up with your history studies. Atlanta History Center makes history come alive with re-enactors, actors and experts speaking on the topic of the day.

Heading up the staircase at The Swan House at Atlanta History Center. The Swan House and the beautiful gardens are just a short walk over a bridge from the entrance of the History Center.

Atlanta History Center Homeschool Days

Plus, take note! The first homeschool day (an open house) is FREE! Be sure to mark your calendars. You can view the full listing of Homeschool Days on the Atlanta History Center website.

• Open House – Join us for our annual open house! Homeschooling families are invited to explore the Atlanta History Center’s museum, historic houses, and gardens free of charge – Monday, August 11th from 10:30 to 5:30. Other topics include:
• Georgia Farm Life
• Villains of History
• WWII
• Holidays in History
• Middle Ages

The permanent exhibit Turning Point: The American Civil War. We are going to have to go back – you can spend hours here! Isn’t that timeline amazing? There is also a temporary exhibit through March of 2015, Confederate Odyssey George W. Wray Jr. Civil War Collection.

Centennial Olympic Games Museum – stand on the medial podium, jog the track and take a tour of not only the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games but an overview of Olympic history itself. Fantastic exhibits! (Above, the children loved the medal podium and I am standing beside the torch I got to hold when I drove up to Blairsville with my grandmother bright and early that morning in 1996.)

Period playhouses – my girls loved these! The playhouses are at different points on the stretch of campus. So there is even something for your littlest ones. Also pictured above, the bridge over to the Swan House, studying the rings of a tree stump and the front of the Swan House.

The Swan House – a gorgeous, historic home from the 1920s. We also walked the Swan House gardens and the Swan Woods Trail. When we were there, they were getting ready for a Capitol Swan Tour to show visitors the spots where The Hunger Games was filmed. A new addition is the 1929 Hudson car.

We will go back! We didn’t even get over to the historic Smith House or tour some of the other temporary and permanent collections. There is so much to see! We got to meet up with the family that won the tickets we gave away a few weeks ago. They said they are considering a membership. Smart – because then you can spend as much time, as often as you like.

A few other things that families might like to know:

• A brand new exhibit coming in 2016!
• There is free parking!
• Chick-fil-a restaurant on the grounds
• The famous Swan Coach House is also on the campus (where I have been privileged to attend several bridal luncheons)

We are so grateful for local places to explore and learn! Which part of the Atlanta History Center will you visit first?