A couple of weeks ago, Atlanta celebrated the 146th Anniversary of the Battle of Atlanta, and next year we’ll be commemorating the sesquicentennial of the Civil War. But Civil War buffs and history enthusiasts can get their fill at the Atlanta History Center, where there is a permanent exhibit entitled Turning Point: The American Civil War, and now through October 1, 2011, a new exhibit: War in Our Backyards: Discovering Atlanta, 1861-1865.

Created by the Atlanta History Center, War in Our Backyards “challenges visitors to consider their personal connections to a war that was literally fought in all of our backyards.” The exhibit includes detailed information about how much of the city actually went up in flames will be precisely plotted using dozens of period sources, seven key eyewitness accounts, and the exhibition’s interactive map. Though the use of state-of-the-art technology, you can actually toggle between the Atlanta of today and the Atlanta of 1864 – both before and after Sherman’s visit. It’s truly amazing to compare the landscape of today with that of almost 150 years ago!

The Atlanta History Center is not your run-of-the-mill museum or your average school field trip destination. If you’ve never visited – or if it’s been awhile since you’ve been there – plan your trip today. Heck, get out of the heat and head down there now! The Atlanta History Center is open seven days a week – Monday through Saturday from 10:00 AM until 5:30 PM, and Sunday from noon until 5:30 PM.

Whether you’re an Atlanta native or a newcomer, the Atlanta History Center is a must-visit. With six permanent exhibitions, three current temporary exhibits, a historic home and historic farm on the property, and exciting traveling exhibitions (including one very exciting one coming up soon), there is really something for everyone at one of the South’s largest history museums!

WHERE: War in Our Backyards: Discovering Atlanta, 1861-1865 at the Atlanta History Center – 130 West Paces Ferry, Atlanta, GA
404-814-4000