Tours show public how museum operates

The following appeared in the July 31, 2008 edition of the Augusta Chronicle:

"Tours show public how museum operates"
Written by Chamain Z. Brackett
July 31, 2008

They would have been wonderful pieces in the Augusta Museum of History's collection, but the World War II Navy uniforms had been stored in an Augusta attic since the early 1950s, where humidity and moths had taken their toll.

Sean Todd, the registrar at the Augusta Museum of History, discusses an apple peeler at a behind-the-scenes museum tour. The program is offered on Saturdays through Sept. 27.
"We had to give them back," Sean Todd, the museum registrar, said during a behind-the-scenes tour of the museum Saturday.

The Augusta Museum of History has a new educational program. Preserving History: Behind the Scenes at the Augusta Museum of History will take visitors on a tour to the museum's processing laboratory, where artifacts are conserved and prepared for exhibits. "They will get to see the action that takes place behind the scenes at the museum every day but is generally closed to the public," said Sean Todd, the museum's registrar. "This is an opportunity for people to see the process." (read more...)

Save your $$$ and enjoy Dollar Dog Days of Summer!

It's hard to believe that summer is starting to come to an end, and before long school will start back up. We've had a very busy summer at the Augusta Museum of History, welcoming hundreds of children through summer programs and tours, had many Family Reunions pass through, opened From Ty to Cal with tremendous success, and much more!

But possibly one of the most exciting things to happen at the Museum this summer begins this Friday, August 1st. We are pleased to announce Dollar Dog Days of Summer! During the entire month of August, Museum admission is only $1 per person!

Director Nancy Glaser had the following to say about Dollar Dog Days: “We are thrilled to be able to offer the families and residents of the CSRA special reduced admission rates during the entire month of August. Discounted admission will ensure everyone in the community has the opportunity to visit their History Museum. We are grateful to be able to provide these rates during these economically challenging times.”

“By presenting Dollar Dog Days of Summer, the Augusta Museum of History is not only providing access to the Museum for individuals and families, but it also offers opportunities for the public to take advantage of the many programs the Museum has to offer, including specialized tours, children's activities, and other family-oriented programming”, Glaser continued.

What a wonderful opportunity for families to visit the Museum and soak up those last few days of summer together. Exhibitions on display during the month of August include The Godfather of Soul, Mr. James Brown, the first major exhibition celebrating the life and legacy of the renowned artist, and From Ty to Cal: A Century of Baseball in Augusta, tracing the history of professional baseball in Augusta over the past century. And of course admission also includes our award-winning permanent exhibition Augusta's Story; Stories & Legends: Remembering the Augusta National; The Susan Still Children's Discovery Gallery, and much more!

Visitors can also participate in some of our programs offered during August - Hunt for History, a self-guided journey through time for ages 4 – 13 and Preserving History: Behind the Scenes at the Augusta Museum of History, an education program for the general public which offers a guided tour and behind-the-scenes glimpse at the Museum world every Saturday at 1:00 and 2:00 pm. In addition, admission includes the film Movies of Color: Black Cinema in the South which will be playing in the charge. The film gives a portrait of independent African-American film making in the South prior to World War II.

And that's not all! Admission to the 1797 Ezekiel Harris House is also $1 per person and FREE for children under age 5 during the month of August. For more information on Dollar Dog Days or Museum programs, visit http://www.augustamuseum.org/ or call (706) 722-8454.

Deep into the dog days of summer, as the long hot days seem to melt into one, bring the whole family down for a fun, affordable, and enlightening look at Augusta’s rich past!

Museum in Augusta Chronicle today

The following appeared in the July 24, 2008 edition of the Augusta Chronicle:

"Tours show public how museum operates"
Written by Nikasha Dicks
July 24, 2008

The Augusta Museum of History has a new educational program.

Preserving History: Behind the Scenes at the Augusta Museum of History will take visitors on a tour to the museum's processing laboratory, where artifacts are conserved and prepared for exhibits.

"They will get to see the action that takes place behind the scenes at the museum every day but is generally closed to the public," said Sean Todd, the museum's registrar. "This is an opportunity for people to see the process." (read more...)

New Program shares the behind-the-scenes world of Museums with General Public

We are pleased to announce that through a grant received from the Georgia Humanities Council, we are able to unveil what is ‘behind-the-scenes’ in a new education program for the general public – Preserving History: Behind the Scenes at the Augusta Museum of History.

Beginning Saturday, July 12, 2008 and running every Saturday through September, Museum staff escort visitors in the collection preparation area, giving the public the opportunity to see the Museum’s Processing Laboratory where artifact conservation and preparation occurs. The Museum’s Registrar demonstrates how the Museum collects, catalogs, preserves, studies, cares for, and displays artifacts and archival collections.

Just as Registrar Sean Todd said, “Everybody remembers the thrill they had when they explored their grandparents’ attic. This is a once-in-a-lifetime chance to learn about the Museum’s collection, explore the Museum’s processing room, and to experience our collective past.” It certainly is a wonderful opportunity for Museum visitors and members to see a side to Museum life normally not shared with visitors.

The Augusta Museum of History is the steward of a broad and diverse range of artifacts, representing many aspects of the rich history of the CSRA. The goal of this hour-long presentation is to show visitors how historically important objects reach the Museum and how they are evaluated, cleaned, and stored. All of the relevant considerations, such as infestation, temperature and relative humidity levels, light levels, and composition of storage materials will be explained. The visitor will understand how these processes are central to the Museum’s broader mission of the preservation and interpretation of history.

Beginning July 12, 2008, the tours will be held at 1:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. every Saturday through September. Space is limited to fifteen participants per session and participation is on a first come, first serve basis. Groups are encouraged to contact the Museum at (706) 722-8454 regarding availability.

Preserving History is open to the general public and FREE with the cost of regular admission.

Preserving History: Behind the Scenes at the Augusta Museum of History is supported by the Georgia Humanities Council and the National Endowment for the Humanities and through appropriations from the Georgia General Assembly.

Hands-on Children's Program Continues this Summer

Looking for a creative activity for your children this summer? The Museum continues it's exciting new children’s programming series, Hands on History. Hands on History allows participants to take a hands-on approach to history, with each session focusing on a particular historical craft or activity relating to the Museum’s collections and exhibitions. Led by our Education Department staff and volunteers, each session also includes a gallery talk.

The next Hands on History is Wednesday, July 30th, 10:30 am - 12:00 pm and will focus on Pottery. Participants will view the Museum's collection of regional pottery, including face jugs, Edgefield pottery and pieces by Dave the Potter, then can try their hand at creating their own clay masterpiece using the pinch pot or coil technique!

$6 for Children, $4 for Adults. Fees include all supplies. To reserve your space, call (706) 722-8454. Maximum of twenty children per session. Good for ages six and up.

Baseball Exhibit hits a home run

America's favorite pastime was celebrated this Fourth of July as the Museum unveiled its newest exhibit - From Ty to Cal: A Century of Baseball in Augusta.

From Ty to Cal traces the history of professional baseball in Augusta over the past century, during which the city of Augusta has hosted over a dozen baseball teams, many of which have brought championship titles to The Garden City. Visitors may be surprised at the rich and venerable history of baseball in Augusta. From the 1885 Augusta Browns, the first organized team in Augusta, to the present-day GreenJackets, Augusta has had a long-standing tradition of great minor league teams.

We were honored to have Mr. Lou Brissie, former Major League pitcher for Philadelphia Athletics and the Cleveland Indians, attend the exhibition Preview Party on July 3rd (see photo at left). Mr. Brissie was kind enough to share some of his fondest memories of life in the Major Leagues with Museum members attending the preview and the local media. Mr. Brissie began his professional career with the Philadelphia Athletics, but put it on hold after enlisting with the U.S. Army. Tow years after a major injury received in Italy, upon which he was cited the Purple Heart, Bronze Star, ETO, and American Campaign Medals, Brissie was able to return to the game (23 major operations and one metal plate in his leg later) and continued his pitching career with the As and the Indians.

The exhibition highlights the teams that gave rise to various stars of the major leagues with Augusta connections, and features such prominent personalities as the legendary Ty Cobb, revered as one of the greatest hitters of all time and bearer of the all-time greatest hitting record, to Lou Brissie, Phil Cockrell (a star pitcher in the Negro League), Dooley Womack (former Augusta and New York Yankees pitcher), Moises Alou (former Augusta Pirates outfielder), Billy Johnson (the 1943 Rookie of the Year for the New York Yankees), and most recently, Dustin Pedroia, a former Augusta GreenJackets player, current Second baseman for the Boston Red Sox, and 2007 American League Rookie of the Year and Jonathan Broxton, a star player from Burke County High School and current pitcher for the LA Dodgers.

Through images and artifacts, including baseballs, uniforms, game-used equipment, as well as rare memorabilia, including baseball cards, programs, and promotional items, the exhibit showcases the vivid stories and exciting moments from the last century of baseball in Augusta and illustrates the important role baseball has played in this city’s history.

One exemplary item on display is an authentic 1909-11 T206 Portrait Red Back baseball card of Ty Cobb, a rare piece of baseball memorabilia.

From Ty to Cal: A Century of Baseball in Augusta opened July 4, 2008 to the general public. Museum hours are 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Tuesday – Saturday and 1:00 – 5:00 p.m. on Sunday. Admission is $4 for Adults, $3 for Seniors, $2 for Children, and Free for Children under Age 5 and Museum Members. For more information, please contact the Museum at (706) 722-8454 or visit http://www.augustamuseum.org/.

Baseball's timeless appeal has enraptured its fans for more than 150 years, but there is something particular about baseball that enlivens the senses. Baseball fans are enthralled by the nostalgia, sound of the familiar crack of a bat hitting, true grit of the game, and of course, getting home safely.

A new place for History

Welcome!!

Founded in 1937, The Augusta Museum of History is Augusta’s oldest historical agency devoted to collecting, preserving and interpreting history in relation to the past of Augusta and Central Savannah River region for the education and enrichment of present and future generations.

For over seventy years, the Museum has lived out its dual purpose of preservation and education, serving the children, families, and tourists of the Central Savannah River Area, educating and enriching each of our lives.

Stay up-to-date for information on upcoming exhibitions and events, join us for as we work to expand our exceptional family and public programming, and help share the rich history of the CSRA - as we continue to preserve our past for our future!