The Bartow History Center
13 North Wall Street
Cartersville, GA 30120
History buffs and casual visitors to Cartersville alike will enjoy the Bartow History Center, which documents the history of northwest Georgia's Bartow County, spanning more than 200 years since the Cherokee were the area's primary residents.
The Center uses artifacts, photographs, documents, and interactive permanent exhibits to tell the story of settlement, Cherokee removal, Civil War strife, and lifestyles of the area. Regional experiences and events are explored and re-discovered. Even a national or global event, such as the Second World War, had an impact in Bartow County, and the Center’s exhibits bring that to light.
Special temporary exhibits offered throughout the year highlight various aspects of Bartow County, State of Georgia, and Southeastern history.
For example, the exhibit "Bartow's Greatest Generation" opened in September 2008. Telling the story of Bartow's connections to and contributions to World War II through oral histories, uniforms, photographs, souvenirs, ration books, newspapers, flags, maps, letters, and much more, the exhibit highlights the activities that took place as Bartow Countians did their part for the war effort. This exhibit is sponsored by the American Legion, Carl Boyd Post #42.
Upcoming events include the Lunch and Learn Series on the third Wednesday of each month from Noon to 1:00 p.m., and Evening Lectures the last Thursday of each month at 7:00 p.m. Children’s camps and activities also are offered throughout the year. Check the web site for Special Events.
The Bartow History Center Museum Store carries a variety of books, pottery, prints, baby items, children's toys and gifts. It also offers items related to the museum's temporary exhibits.
During warm weather, picnic tables are available for groups to bring sack lunches for programs at the Bartow History Center. Several restaurants also are located nearby.
Admission prices run from $3.00 for Adults, to $2.50 for Seniors (over age 60), and $2.00 for Students. Group rates are available. Active Members of the Military are admitted free of charge.
The History Center is open from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Saturday, except for Thursdays, when it is open until 8:00 p.m. It is closed on Sunday.
If you are researching your family history, the Center’s Archives can help. The Archives houses a variety of primary and secondary source material, which can be accessed for research purposes or general interest. In many cases, photographs can be copied. Archives and Research Room are open Tuesday through Friday, 10:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. and Saturday through Monday by appointment.
Bartow History Center is located in downtown Cartersville at 13 North Wall Street, in the historic Sewell Building. To get there from I-75, take Exit 288 (Cartersville/Main Street) and go west. After the fourth traffic light and just before the railroad tracks, turn right on Wall Street/Museum Drive. Go one and one-half blocks and the Bartow History Center is on the right, next to The Grand Theatre.
For more information, visit the web site www.bartowhistorycenter.org or call 770-382-3818.
PHOTO CREDIT:
Photo by Melanie F. Gibbs