The latest news for you.

Dear Members,

First of all, let me say “thank you” for your patience and continued support of the Bartow History Museum as we continue to adapt to and live through truly historic times. Throughout the weeks of our closure and since our reopening, we have been pleased and grateful for the ways you, our members, have continued to show support for the museum. Thank you!

As we move ahead we are making some adjustments and changes to help keep you safe and healthy while also welcoming visitors and providing enriching opportunities to learn more about our local history. One of those changes is this new digital newsletter that looks and feels like our traditional newsletter. Going digital now allows us to be able to better respond to changes in safety guidelines and to provide up-to-date information to you on upcoming events. Speaking of events, you will find some information in this newsletter about upcoming opportunities to participate in museum functions as we begin to host programming again.

On July 30 ^th, we will open a new temporary exhibit called Women of Bartow, featuring the stories of over 25 women who have made an impact on Bartow County and beyond dating back to the early 1800s through the present. Through artifacts and images, this exhibit highlights their contributions to a variety of fields including business, education, art, writing, social movements, and more. Make plans to check out this exhibit where you will have a chance to tell us about a woman who you believe has made an impact on our history.

We look forward to seeing you in the museum again soon. Whenever you are comfortable stopping by for a visit or attending a program, we are here eager to welcome you and to share the rich history around us.

Sincerely,

Trey Gaines

The past 3 months have been a whirlwind. Our doors were closed, but much was happening behind the scenes. Our marketing and education departments launched a new digital email campaign packed full of interesting and educational content and activities to keep both our members and general public engaged with the museum. We also continued to post on social media utilizing material from our archives. The education staff was busy updating and developing online programs for future field trips to provide students with relevant material for a positive learning experience. Other staff members took this time to transcribe historic documents so that they could be added to our database and made available to the public. With that said, we are glad to be back in the office.

Member spotlight

Everyone, meet Bert Cowart (the one on the left)! Not only has Bert been a Bartow History Museum member for 11 years, he also has the honor of being our first digital card holder when we launched the new digital membership cards last Spring. Bert tries to bring out-of-towners to the Bartow History, Booth, or Tellus Museums because, “It's fun to introduce others to the special places we have here and the history of our community.” Bert’s favorite part of being a member are the Lunch & Learns, Evening Lectures, and the 2017 downtown ghost tour. Besides visiting the museum, Bert enjoys meeting family and friends at the pool or downtown.

Employee Spotlight

Meet Brenda Harris, Guest Services Assistant at the Bartow History Museum since 2016. She and her husband Randy have been married for 48 years. They have two married daughters and five grandchildren. Both she and Randy's family have long time connections to Bartow County. Brenda knew once she retired she wanted to work for the museum, and she loves it! It has given her an opportunity to see a lot of old friends and meet lots of new ones.

Look for Brenda at the front desk when you visit the museum next.

How comfortable are you with attending a program or event at the museum in person?

Email us here - comfortable or not comfortable

July

7:00 p.m.

Evening Lecture with Lisa Russell

Lisa Russell will discuss her new book Lost Mill Towns of North Georgia which includes a section on Atco, Cartersville’s own mill town. Limited tickets will be available soon. Don't want to come in person? Catch it later on video.

August

7:00 p.m.

Lecture at a Berry Patch

This outdoor lecture about berries will appeal to your taste buds. Bring a blanket or chair and practice your social distancing. We think it can still be "berry" fun!

September

Joint Homeschool Program with the Booth Western Art Museum

This program is themed around our history and natural resources. Includes admission to both museums.

September

7:00 p.m.

An Evening of "Spirits"

Spend time with us for this unique "spirits" themed lecture and tasting event.

$10 Table 20 Gift Card

Due to our very generous friends at Table 20 in historic downtown Cartersville, we have $10 gift cards to give away to the first members who visit the museum, while supplies last. Only one gift card per family.

Fun for the family this 4th

Participate in this history-focused scavenger hunt through Bartow County. Whether you are a history enthusiast, a history novice, or just someone who is looking for a fun family activity, this may be just for you. Challenge yourself or have a virtual competition among friends. We had fun putting it together and hope you will be entertained as you travel throughout Bartow County.

Click here.

Looking for a road trip this summer?

Why not take a short drive to Huntsville, Alabama, and visit Burritt on the Mountain? Simply show them your Bartow History Museum membership card for free general admission because you are also a Southeastern Reciprocal Museum member. The heart of this Historic Park is The McCurdy Barnyard, home to a variety of authentic farm animals. Thank you for being the best part of our museum and enjoy your trip!

Jennifer Billingsley, a senior anthropology student at KSU, visited our archives back in March. In her final semester, she is conducting an archival study of the history of the Young family and the Walnut Grove homestead. According to Jennifer, "My hope is to give a voice to the past, to be able to tell their history as truthfully as possible, (and) to keep the history alive so that it can be passed on." Thanks, Jennifer, for visiting the archives!

Al Munn started his office supply store in 1950 on East Main St. in Cartersville and after gradually expanding his stock, moved to 7 & 13 Public Square in 1951. Downstairs he carried stationery, office and school supplies, while upstairs he provided printing and framing services. His brother Art Munn joined him in 1955. Pictured is the Public Square location and a Munn's receipt.'

Applying dressings to leather objects might be harmful?

Leather dressings, such as Vaseline, Neatsfoot oil, and lanolin are applied to leather objects that need to remain flexible and water resistant. However, for leather collectibles not in current use, these dressings do little more than make the object sticky and attract dust and insects.
Leather objects on display should be protected from dust and dirt in a closed acrylic case.
Stored leather objects should be wrapped and stuffed with acid-free tissue so the object maintains its shape.
Leaving the dirt from “the last great game” on the object will not help its preservation. Clean with a soft dry brush.
And, as with all collectibles and antiques, keep them in a cool and dry location - not the attic!

The familiar quilt pattern known as Sunbonnet Sue is also called Dutch Doll, Bonnie Bonnet, or Sunbonnet Baby?

The Sunbonnet Sue pattern was derived from the illustrations of a 1902 children’s book titled, The Sunbonnet Babies, by Bertha Corbett. The book featured poems and illustrations of two little girls whose faces were concealed behind the brim of their sunbonnets.

This circa 1939 quilt block was pieced by Grace Hatfield when she was only eight years old and donated to the museum in 1989.

This pink Depression Glass was recently donated to the Bartow History Museum by Elaine Popham, whose collection of Depression Glass originally belonged to her mother. The cup and saucer are in the Sharon Cabbage Rose pattern. Depression Glass was very popular in American households during the depression, as the name implies. The inexpensive pieces were made of clear or colored glass and sold individually or in sets or given away as premiums in products like oatmeal and detergent.

Who is that masked lady?

In case you don't recognize her that's Shanna Latimer, Membership Manager at the Bartow History Museum. Although we were closed, membership renewals continued to arrive. Needless to say, she was very excited to open her mail.

Thank you for your support!

What goes into cataloguing an item?

Tina Shadden, Museum Registrar, is shown here cataloguing a new item for the collection. Not only is a description of the item included in the database, but also other information such as color, size, origin, donor, etc. You can see some of the items in database by clicking here.

New Merchandise

The museum gift shop is open for your shopping pleasure. We have a selection of beautiful scarves available in summer colors for just $6. Pick one up for yourself as well as a friend.

Also, while at the gift shop be sure to also check out our new dolls, garden themed trivets, and wood-burned craft pieces.

Take an additional 10% off lamps.

MEMBERS ONLY DISCOUNT

Not redeemable for cash. One coupon per customer.

Expires September 30, 2020.

Trey Gaines, Director

Tina Shadden, Registrar

Sandy Moore, Archives Assistant

Joshua Graham, Manger of Programs

Paige Jennings, Program Support

Sarah Strickland, Program Support

Lisa Romans, Marketing Manager

Pat Taff, Guest Services Manager

Shanna Latimer, Guest and Membership Services

Brenda Harris, Guest Services

Our Mission is to preserve Bartow County History, educate a diverse community of students and visitors about its unique heritage, and to celebrate its sense of place through exhibits, programs, and outreach activities in an engaging and pleasant manner.