Georgia Capitol Building: Under the Gold Dome

Georgia Capitol Building

The unmistakable gold dome of the Georgia Capitol Building shines like a beacon in the Atlanta skyline that marks the center of Georgia state government and the heart of "The New South." The Georgia Capitol's similarity to the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., was intentional. It served as a message that post-Civil War Georgia government was reaffirming its ties and loyalties to the federal government.

The exterior of the dome was, however, not always gold. Sixty-nine years after it opened its doors in 1889, the people of Dahlonega, Georgia, donated 40 ounces of gold to guild the dome—a publicity move advertising that the first gold rush in the United states in fact took place in their community. The dome was immediately gilded, in 1958, and has since been re-gilded twice.

On the particular chilly morning I visited the Capitol, I had the pleasure of an individual guided tour of the Capitol Building.

Georgia Capitol Rotunda

The Rotunda

We started in the Rotunda where the dome's ceiling towered three stories above us; portraits and marble busts of famous Americans (some Georgians) surrounded us; and a Georgia marble and glass floor supported and illuminated us.

Standing in the center of the Rotunda, on the second floor, one can see all four sides of the building. Also on this level, in the east and west wings, are portraits of former Governors, including the only Georgian to ever be elected to the office of President of the United States, Jimmy Carter.

The one exception of the Governor-theme portrait exhibit on the second floor (portraits of other notable statesmen appear on other floors) is that of civil rights activist Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., which was placed by then-Governor, Jimmy Carter, to symbolize the changing landscape of Georgia government.

The Legislative Chambers

The General Assembly chambers are located on the third floor of the Capitol Building. Photographs of the chambers are permitted when the General Assembly is not in session…a rare opportunity, I thought. Photography throughout the remainder of the Capitol Building is, again surprisingly, permitted.

Georgia Capitol House Chamber

The House of Representatives (180 members) chamber is on the west side of the building. Although the House was not in session when I visited, there were meetings taking place when we arrived. My tour guide took me inside the entryway of the chamber and pointed out that one of the two in-process meetings was likely an orientation for recently elected Representatives.

The Georgia State Senate (56 members) chamber is on the east side of the Capitol Building. An upstairs gallery, open to the public when the Senate is in session, was also a stop on my tour.
A school group was visiting the Senate chamber and their tour guide gave them the opportunity to sit in the "big chair" and make photographs—an excellent enticement to encourage youngsters to learn more about State Government, I think.

Georgia Capitol Museum

Georgia Capitol Museum,
Two-headed Cow

Since soon after the Capitol Building opened, the position of State Geologist was created and tasked with obtaining and displaying geological specimens to promote Georgia's natural resources.

The ensuing museum, located on the Capitol's fourth floor, evolved over the years to include taxidermy, which eventually overcrowded the museum space.

Today, the Georgia Capitol Museum showcases the Capitol and Georgia government, but also contains many artifacts from the original collection, including some oddities such as a two-headed cow (popular with visitors) that was born in Georgia.

At the conclusion of the tour, an information-packed 30 minutes, my tour guide released me to explore the Capitol Building to my heart's content.

Capitol Hill

The Georgia Capitol grounds is adorned with statuary monuments, the first placed in 1907. Individuals whose likeness has been immortalized in bronze for visiting Georgians and visitors include John Brown Gordon (the first Georgia Governor to serve in Atlanta), Joseph E. Brown, Richard B. Russell, Eugene Talmadge, Herman Talmadge, Jimmy Carter, and Ellis Amall.

Towering Magnolia trees, the pinnacle botanical expression of the South, surround the Capitol on all sides.

Georgia Capitol

Other Notes

Scandalous at the time, the exterior of the Capitol Building is covered in sandstone from Indiana. Commendable, even today, the construction of the Capitol, featuring Georgia marble and other local materials, came in under budget—a remarkable feat for any government, right?

The Georgia Capitol Building was recently renovated to look as it did when its doors opened in 1889, including the wall colors and the light fixtures, which are exact replicas (other than their being electric instead of gas powered).

The Georgia Capitol Building became a National Historic Landmark in 1977. The National Park Service of the Department of the Interior recognized the Capitol Building as "an outstanding structure, both architecturally and historically."

As a veteran of the U.S. Navy, I think one very cool opportunity is the ability to acquire a commemorative flag, one that has flown over the Georgia Capitol Building, to be presented to members of the armed services or to other citizens in recognition of certain milestones. It's as easy as completing a form and contributing a nominal fee.

Surprisingly, the building is very open, in design and access, so much so that it's garnered the nickname "The People's House."

The building's north and south wings are available, free of charge (the space is free, catering and other services are available for charge) and relatively easy to reserve, for events such as a press conference, meeting, speech or ceremony.

Return or Revoke

Does my impression with the Georgia Capitol Building warrant a return visit? I will be more than happy to play tour guide for visiting friends and family (and may even soon return on my own). The Capitol is easy to get to, easy to tour, and provides an excellent opportunity to learn about Georgia and its government. Personally, I vote for a return visit.

Touring the Georgia Capitol Building

Date toured: Thursday, November 18, 2010
Location: 214 State Capitol (directions and map)
Parking: For a nominal fee - Steve Polk Plaza parking lot (next to the old World of Coca-Cola building) and the public lot at Underground Atlanta, located on Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive.
Cost: Free
Hours:
Self-guided tours Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Guided tours at 11:00 a.m. Monday through Friday
Check the website for blackout dates and times.
Closed weekends and holidays
Website: http://www.sos.ga.gov/archives/state_capitol/

Georgia Capitol

Herndon Home: A Beacon of Possibilities

Herndon Home

Perched atop Diamond Hill near downtown Atlanta is Herndon Home, the 15-room mansion of Alonzo Franklin Herndon, Atlanta's first African-American millionaire and founder of Atlanta Life Insurance Company. Herndon Home today stands as a symbol of struggle and achievement.

Alonzo Herndon was born into slavery in 1858. He lived and labored on a plantation until he was 21 years old. He later founded a barber business that flourished. Soon thereafter, he entered the real estate business, purchasing and reselling homes and property in the Atlanta area.

His fortune of millions came when he founded the Atlanta Life Insurance Company, which today spans states throughout the South and Northeast.

The Home

Herndon Home

The home itself was primarily designed by Herndon's first wife, Adrienne McNeil, who was a theatre performer and an elocution teacher at Atlanta University. The room design and decor varies throughout the house, ranging from renaissance revival to rococo.

Mrs. Herndon's love for the theatre prompted a flat roof on the house, which was where she would put on plays for visiting friends and family. Mrs. Herndon unfortunately passed away only three months after the completion of the home in 1910. Mr. Herndon remarried two years later. Jessie Gillespie was his wife for the remainder of his life.

Tours of Herndon Home are by appointment only, but given the Home's proximity to Georgia Dome and Georgia Aquarium, it's easy to add it to one's list of must-see destinations for a day of touring Atlanta.

The tour begins in the basement, accessible through the back door, which has been converted into exhibit rooms for displaying photographs, awards, books, articles and one of the original barber chairs from the Crystal Palace Barber Shop, founded by Mr. Herndon.

Herndon Home Portico

The main floor tour includes the Receiving Parlor, which is beautifully decorated and features a unique, ornately carved staircase. The Piano Room was designed to honor the life of Herndon’s mother and features rococo styling and furnishing...quite elegant.

The Living Room and Library is eloquently appointed and features an mural original to the house near the ceiling. The mural on one wall tells the story of Herndon's transition from slavery to success. The remainder of the murals feature depictions of what are presumed to be theatrical themes, denoting Adrienne's love of the stage.

The Formal Dining Room was reserved for guests and parties. Meals of a less formal nature were taken in the Breakfast Room, which is flooded with natural light and adjacent to the dining room and back porch.

The Butler's Pantry and Kitchen are also on the main floor and feature mostly original furnishings, including a state-of-the-art 1970s stove (the microwave, however, was added after the family released the home for historic preservation).

The upstairs portion of the tour takes you through the home's four bedrooms…very few for the size of the house, but it was designed for a small family (and grandeur, too).

Adrienne's bedroom, which would become Jessie's, is reminiscent of that belonging to a Hollywood legend, complete with a fireplace, hand-carved furnishings and a posh dressing room.

Mr. Herndon's bedroom is masculine, not nearly as elaborate as his wife's, but sufficiently large enough to denote wealth and comfort, without being pretentious.

Herndon Home Entry

Herndon's son Norris lived in the home until 1977. His room is appointed in the signature postmodernism style of the 1970s and includes the tube television and rotary dial telephone Norris used. In one corner is a rocking horse that belonged to Norris as a child, also seen in a photograph in the hallway.

Today, Herndon Home is managed by The Alonzo F. and Norris B. Herndon Foundation, part of Atlanta Life Insurance Company. Restoration efforts continue so that the Home will remain for many in the future a beacon of possibilities.

When planning your visit to Herndon Home, keep in mind that tours are by appointment only and photographs are not permitted inside the house…wonder and awe during the tour are encouraged.

Will history repeat itself with a return to Herndon Home? I'm keeping an eye out for special events at the Home. I hope the restoration efforts meet with success and if I can help by attending an event in such an elegant, beautiful home, then count me in.

Touring Herndon Home

Date toured: Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Location: 587 University Place, NW (directions)
Parking: Free, street parking:
On University Place - right side of street in designated areas
On Walnut Street - both sides of street in designated areas
Cost: $7 Adults, $5 Students
Tours: By appointment only
Website: http://www.herndonhome.org/

Herndon Home,
National Historic Landmark

Fernbank Observatory: Starstruck

Fernbank Observatory

The Jim Cherry Memorial Observatory, or Fernbank Observatory as called by locals, is home of the largest public telescope in the southeastern United States and one of the only instruments in the country dedicated solely to education. The telescope also is a source of starstruck excitement for all who peer through it.

The Observatory, part of the Fernbank Science Center, is open for public viewing at dark on Thursday and Friday nights when the skies are clear. Tickets are not required, reservations are not required, and the viewing is free.

When I recently went to the Observatory on a Friday evening, I had just finished a program at the Fernbank Planetarium, located in an adjacent building. The same astronomer who led the planetarium program also served as the host at the Observatory.

She had to close the planetarium projection system down before opening the Observatory so we started a few minutes after the scheduled 9:00 p.m. start time.

Most of the attendees of the planetarium program stayed for the Observatory viewing and dozens more came only for the viewing. There were at least 60 people there, including students, parents on a scientific discovery excursion with their kids, couples who were obviously on a date, and of course a few fun-seeking tourists.

As soon as the gate opened we climbed the steps of the base, built of blocks of granite from Stone Mountain, to the level upon which the 30-foot dome sits.

While we were waiting for our turn to see the stars, a tour guide pointed out constellations using the most powerful laser pointer I’ve ever seen. He later told us, at the prompting of an inquiring student visitor, that to carry that laser pointer requires a license. I believe him given its strength—enough to easily point out the stars he was discussing.

By pure chance, when the astronomer was pointing to a constellation directly overhead, those of us who were engaged in the celestial tour saw a meteor—a shooting star. I think my wish was for the line to move a little more quickly…the temperature had dropped.

Once inside the dome, the line went pretty quickly (wish granted). By then it was 9:30 but we had been so entertained by the second astronomer that we didn’t realize how much time actually had passed. I was thankful for having worn long sleeves though.

By time I got to the telescope viewing point, we’d figured out that the telescope was pointing toward Jupiter. The strength of the Cassegrain reflector telescope allowed us to see Jupiter's orange color and the familiar bands created by the planet’s swirling atmosphere. We also could see the largest four of its 60-plus moons: Ganymede, Callisto, Io and Europa…invisible to the naked eye, but all were shining brightly through the telescope.

(Video: courtesy ESA, depicts the orbits of Jupiter and its largest moons)

It was indeed an exciting moment…seeing so clearly our solar system’s largest planet, once a total mystery to mankind, still largely mysterious to most.

Will I return to Fernbank Observatory? I welcome any chance to gaze at the stars, and given that our planet is continually spinning on its axis, changing the night sky, there will always be something new to see.

Visiting Fernbank Observatory

Date toured: Friday, November 12, 2010
Location: 156 Heaton Park Drive (map and directions)
Parking: Free onsite parking
Cost: Free
Hours: 9:00 p.m. (or dark) – 10:30 p.m., weather permitting (hours change with the seasons)
Website: http://www.fernbank.edu/observatory.htm

Fernbank Observatory Dome

Fernbank Science Center: Science and Discovery

Space Capsules

The Fernbank Science Center offers one of the most diverse collections of learning and exploring opportunities—for tourists and locals alike—in one place than I've seen in quite some time. From life on Earth to exploration of the Universe, its offerings include dinosaurs, spacecraft, live animals, a library, a protected forest, a planetarium, and an observatory, just to name a few resources.

As a tourist, one of the best things about the Fernbank Science Center is that the great majority of its resources are free! The only part that necessitates pulling out the billfold is the planetarium, but even that is only a third of the cost of a regular movie ticket.

My recent visit to Fernbank Science Center streamed over two days. The first day I went to the Fernbank Planetarium for a show, "The Many Faces of Hubble," and then to the Fernbank Observatory for a look at the night sky. The second day, I returned to the planetarium for a different show and toured the exhibit hall and Fernbank Forest.

Fernbank Planetarium

The Planetarium

The planetarium offers shows that change with the seasons and a regularly scheduled "In the Sky Tonight" Saturday morning program, which delves into which stars and constellations are visible in the current night sky. The Saturday program is at 11 a.m. with no shows in December.

On my Saturday morning visit, our astronomer took us, virtually, to New Zealand to show us their night sky. It was illuminating that in fact New Zealanders see stars that we never see in Atlanta. And of course there are a few stars that we in Atlanta see that our counterparts on the other side of the planet can only view if they visit us, unless they have an equally generous planetarium host.

The Observatory

The Fernbank Observatory is also free. It's open to the public on clear Thursday and Friday nights at dark. My visit started at approximately 9:00 p.m.

The Cassegrain reflector telescope is so strong that we were able to see Jupiter's multiple bands of orange, beige and white, as well as the largest four of its 60-plus moons: Ganymede, Callisto, Io and Europa. I found myself unable to constrain a verbal, "This is so cool!"

My excitement wasn't at all that of the geek that I know I can sometimes be. It was more a feeling of uniqueness…knowing that at that point in time I became member of a small portion of our planet’s population that has seen a celestial body so clearly and closely. It totally rocked!

I'll share more about the Fernbank Observatory in an upcoming post.

The Exhibits

The greeter at the Fernbank Science Center is the skeletal head of a Tyrannosaurus Rex. While he's not so forthcoming with tour information and show times, he is a prime example of the fine specimens with whom he shares the exhibit hall.

Sea Turtle

Each of the exhibits in the main hall is understated, meaning simply that their modesty allows the Center to pack a lot of information into a single, relatively small museum. While modest in size, the exhibits are rich in information.

Continuing past the T-Rex and his entourage of a few other prehistoric creatures one ventures into a land peppered with animals that we see today—some are taxidermy specimens and some of them are living animals!

The most fascinating, I thought, was the honey bee exhibit. There's a honeycomb, inside a plexiglass display, to showcase the amazing architectural feats of these buzzing creatures. But that's not all.

In the corner of the animal section of the exhibit hall, there's a display with "curtains" covering each side of what looks like a sign undergoing renovation.

When you pull back the curtain, you see hundreds, if not thousands, of bees busily making honey. I've never seen an indoor beehive, so that was a unique experience…and I almost missed it!

While I was there, one of the staff scientists stopped by to perform a routine check. Had I not noticed what he was doing (his protective clothing piqued my interest), I might have missed the opportunity to see what was "behind the curtain."

Other live animals on exhibit include a tarantula, various snakes, and poison dart frogs with bright blue and yellow coloring. There are a few other animals as well and even more in the Fernbank Forest.



Learning at Fernbank

Going well beyond the confines of Earth's gravity, the Center has a number of exhibits relative to space exploration, including an Apollo 6 command capsule. One of the planetary exhibits is a child-size model of Mars. The space collection features quite a few meteoroids and a fairly large meteor, welcoming touching hands.

I was very impressed with the number of parents and grandparents who brought their children to the Fernbank Science Center, not only on a sightseeing adventure, but to teach them about the diverse worlds of science and discovery.

There were some who were serving as a tour host and then there were others who determinedly spent lots of time with their kids at the learning stations soaking in the experience and engaging them in dialogue. And gauging by the kids' attentiveness, and expanding craniums I'm sure, I wouldn't be surprised to one day learn that I was in the presence of a future scientist.

The Fernbank Forest

Fernbank Forest

To get to the Fernbank Forest you exit at the back of the building, near the honey bee exhibit. Immediately outside, you have the opportunity to explore several experiments and horticultural exhibits, including one on composting. The grounds are covered with bird feeders and, while I was there, lots of birds were taking advantage of the offer of food and shelter.

Fernbank Forest is a 65-acre expanse of protected land that is, in accordance with the mission of Fernbank, primarily to educate. The curving paths lead visitors on a botanical adventure.

Around every bend of the Forest pathways are many species of animals. I encountered avian creatures of many colors and sizes, butterflies, and dozens of squirrels. Other noted Forest residents include owls, chipmunks, frogs and snakes (it's recommended that visitors stay on the trail), as well as the occasional opossum, raccoon and mink.

I had not realized how pleasant and remarkably beautiful the Forest would be. I also had thought that I’d missed the colorful evidence trees display when they're preparing for the colder months. The reds, oranges, and yellows, mixed with the greens and browns, made the Forest seem incredibly alive, even as it prepares for its winter nap.

Be sure to keep an eye out for the various species of fern, one of which is the Rattlesnake Fern, the Center's logo.

As relaxing as the Forest was, its 1.5 miles of meandering paths also serve as a pleasant little jaunt of exercise.

About Fernbank Science Center

The Fernbank Science Center is part of the Dekalb County School System. The Center is more than I've described here…a lot more. You can learn about the Center's history and offering on its website or at the Center itself.

So, am I satiated with science? Although it took me two days to tour Fernbank Science Center, there's so much more to explore. And each season will present a new experience walking through the Fernbank Forest, learning through a new exhibit, or watching the night sky. I'll definitely be back.

Visiting Fernbank Science Center

Date toured: Friday and Saturday, November 12 and 13, 2010
Location: 156 Heaton Park Drive (map and directions)
Parking: Free parking
Cost: Science Center, Forest and Observatory: Free
Planetarium: Adults $4, Children $3
Hours: Vary (hours)
Website: http://www.fernbank.edu/

Plasma Disc

Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta: Money, Money, Money

Federal Reserve
Bank of Atlanta

The Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta destroys up to $10 million dollars a day. It also is home to a free Visitors Center & Monetary Museum with dozens of interactive exhibits, including the opportunity to lay eyes, not hands, on millions of dollars.

The "Atlanta Fed" is one of 12 regional Reserve Banks in the United States that, together with the Federal Reserve Board of Governors in Washington, D.C., comprise the Federal Reserve System. Atlanta is one of only a few cities that have touring opportunities of a Federal Reserve Bank.

For those who need a reminder (and to tell the truth, I needed a refresher myself), the function of a Federal Reserve Bank is to serve in creating and sustaining a solid financial system and healthy economy through:

• formulating monetary policy;
• supervising banks; and
• providing financial services to depository institutions.

The seemingly formidable, pristine white marble vault on Peachtree and 10th Streets, the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta building, is the place to learn about these efforts…and visitors get to do it in a fun and entertaining way.

I actually didn't know that there was a museum inside the Atlanta Fed building and never would have dreamed that admission is free. As it turns out, the museum is rather extensive, comprised of five sizable exhibit rooms. And at the end of your tour, you get free souvenirs!

Immediately in front of the building's main entrance is a massive bronze eagle perched, wings spread wide, atop a column that was part of the original Atlanta Fed building that opened in 1918. The eagle sculpture was created in 1964 by Elbert Weinberg.

Inside the front door is an almost majestic lobby, clad with same white marble that graces the exterior of the building. After going through a security check point, metal detector included, I approached a desk manned by a lady officer of the Bank's law enforcement unit. That's where I learned everything I needed to know about touring the museum.

The Exhibits

The Museum Room has nearly a dozen themed exhibits, including the Ring Cases: Money Over Time, that tells the tale of "money as a medium of exchange." Rare, antique and contemporary artifacts show the history of money, but don't get too close to the glass display cases…alarms will go off and this really is not a facility where you want to have security guards surround you.

Federal Reserve
Bank of Atlanta

The other exhibits in the Museum Room (11 in total) are interactive...inviting you to touch, listen and learn. One, Myths and Realities, even has a huge neon display that illuminates the room with every right answer to questions relative to perceptions about the Fed. It does the same for every wrong answer, so be sure to study the preceeding stations.

One of the ultra-cool exhibits, in the Cash Corridor room (five exhibits), is the display of large denomination notes, including $100 bills and the almost-never-seen $100,000 Gold Certificate.

Would you rather have a bill with President William McKinley's depiction or one with the engraved likeness of Salmon Chase, who wasn't even a president? Believe me; you want to go with Chase. You'd have $10,000 in your pocket, although the McKinley $500 note is nothing to scoff at.

Next, it was on to the area where money is destroyed. I have to confess, while in the Cash Processing Viewing Area I recalled the movie "Mad Money," starring Diane Keaton, Queen Latifah and Katie Holmes, and wondered…but only for a millisecond. Alas, there are obvious security measures in place to prevent any "mishandling" of about-to-be-destroyed money (the gist of the movie).

The robotic transports, vehicles capable of moving up to 2.5 million dollars at a time for processing, are basically nondescript, yellow, mechanical cages that you would probably never recognize out of context.

It was also kind of cool to see how "routine" the handlers were performing their jobs, processing millions and millions of dollars. I might be tempted to incessantly daydream being surrounded by that much cash…cash that I couldn't spend.

The Supervision and Regulation and Pocket Theater room continues the educational process of the role of the Federal Reserve Bank in the U.S. economy, which includes two short films.

Beyond the Exhibits

Touring the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta is a great diversion from one's everyday routine and quite an enlightening adventure, one I recommend including on the vacation must-see list. It will not disappoint…if anything, it sets the mind to dreaming all the while providing an inside look at monetary policy and money handling.

Shredded Money Souvenir

The Atlanta Fed unfortunately does not allow cameras in the building, for obvious reasons. Just in case you bring yours with you, they kindly offer lockers, with keys, also free of charge. I do in fact recommend bringing your camera with you. The outside of the building is beautiful and one of only 12 regional Federal Reserve Banks in the world, not including their branches.

One of the few museums I've ever toured that does not have a gift shop, the Atlanta Fed takes a completely different approach to providing souvenirs for visiting locals and tourists. In addition to printed information about the Atlanta Fed, they provide free post cards and little bags of free money! Although the money is basically confetti at that point, I still think it's a cool memento of the tour.

Do I think I will cash in on the opportunity for another free visit to the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta’s Visitors Center & Monetary Museum? It's pretty cool to see millions of dollars—to really see it—so I probably will return. Actually, I want to go back for the guided tour (also free) to learn more about the Atlanta Fed.

Touring the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta

Date toured: Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Location: 1000 Peachtree Street, NE (directions and map)
Parking: Metered street parking and offsite parking garages are nearby.
MARTA: Midtown Station
Cost: Free
Hours: Monday-Friday 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Closed for all legal holidays.
Website: http://www.frbatlanta.org/ 

"Processed" Money

Center for Puppetry Arts: A Hidden Jim

Center for Puppetry Arts

The Center for Puppetry Arts, in Midtown, Atlanta, is the largest non-profit organization dedicated to the art of puppetry in the United States and one of the most surprisingly amazing hidden gems in the city. Rather, I should write hidden "Jim's" in the city…as in Jim Henson, the 20th Century puppetry pioneer and father of the Muppets.

Kermit the Frog and Jim Henson (Kermit's creator) cut the ceremonial ribbon opening the doors of the Center for Puppetry Arts in September 1978. Henson returned 10 years later to perform, with a Muppets ensemble, two shows of "The Muppets Take Atlanta." I so wish I had seen that show!

Only one year before, in 1987, I had driven by the Center for Puppetry Arts for the first time. I'd since wondered "what's inside?" I knew from the obvious size of the buildings that there must be a lot going on inside, but I never heard anything about it.

It wasn't until today, in November 2010 and countless pass-bys since, that I realized that the Center is quite a major production.

Inside, the Center is home to a massive museum featuring thousands of puppetry artifacts, including puppets of all sizes, props, sketches, videos and a lot more, which is a mere percentage of the Center's permanent collection. The Center also has performance spaces, educational facilities and a gift shop.

The Muppets

Growing up with an always-makes-me-smile fondness for the Muppets (The Muppet Show), I want to begin my recanting of this visit—this discovery—with the Jim Henson exhibits. While I indulged in a guided tour, keep in mind that a visitor who is on a self-guided tour may visit the museum's exhibits in any order they like and stay until closing if desired.

The Muppet Show

The first Henson character a visitor sees is Big Bird…a more than eight-foot tall "canary" from the globally popular children's show Sesame Street. Amazingly, Caroll Spinney has played Big Bird since 1969, as well as Oscar the Grouch. It's been said that he's quoted as having had the pleasure of playing the "Yin and the Yang" of Sesame Street.

The next Muppet in sight, arguably the most famous of them all, is Kermit the Frog. Kermit is featured in the "A Man & His Frog" exhibit, located immediately outside the more extensive "Jim Henson: Puppeteer" exhibit.

Puppeteer features Rowlf the Dog, a piano-playing canine and the first internationally recognized Muppet. After a year of starring in Purina Dog Chow commercials, Rowlf became the sidekick, from 1963 to 1969, on The Jimmy Dean Show. Rowlf was performed by Frank Oz who would later serve as the puppeteer behind Jedi Master Yoda in Star Wars, a jewel in the crown that is his career.

The Rowlf Muppet is displayed presenting a rose to Lassie, that he reportedly "had a crush on" throughout The Jimmy Dean Show.

One of my favorite Muppet characters (admittedly, I have several) is the Swedish Chef, the only Muppet to ever feature real human hands. He's on display mixing up a dish that I'm sure would have ended up strewn across half the exhibit floor were it not for the plexiglass.

My tour guide told me that Henson liked the Swedish accent, thus the character's dialect. I'm not sure which is worse, his accent or culinary skill, but both induce a smile, and likely a hearty laugh, quicker than you can pop a kernel of corn.

The Swedish Chef: Popcorn

The Puppeteer exhibit has many other characters, including a hand puppet version of the larger than life La Choy Dragon who was seen only in commercials. I don't remember seeing the La Choy Dragon commercials, but evidently my mother did see them because I do remember La Choy always being in the cupboard.

La Choy Dragon Commercial



Other exhibits, in the Love Family Atrium, include, to name just a few, Fraggle Rock, The Dark Crystal, and Labyrinth, starring David Bowie.

Speaking of celebrities, I had the distinct pleasure of meeting Ben Browder this year at Dragon*Con. Browder was the star of Farscape, a science-fiction television show featuring a significant amount of puppetry.

Creating convincing characters in the form of puppets for a high-action, drama sci-fi series was a challenge—especially for demanding sci-fi enthusiasts, such as myself. That challenge was met with success, especially with Rygell XVI, a vertically challenged alien (puppet) of royal lineage frequntly performing from a floating throne.

The Center for Puppetry Arts is not only for kids. There are grown-up-only exhibits and teen and adult performances, too.

One of the racier puppets on display is the renowned "Madame" who was performed by Wayland Flowers. The word on the street is that Madame has been resurrected and is now performing, via a new puppeteer, in New Jersey.

Puppets: The Power of Wonder

OK, back to the beginning of the guided tour. I had the pleasure of an individual tour given by a delightful and obviously puppetry-savvy young lady who was professional, enthusiastic and in-tune with her tourists. We started in the museum exhibit "Puppets: The Power of Wonder" where she explained what constitutes a puppet, which is a lot more than I knew.

The first puppet on display is a "phoenix" made of found objects. Activated by the push of a button, it's a large automated puppet complete with lights and sound. I made the comment that "the phoenix is appropriate for Atlanta." The Phoenix sometimes symbolizes Atlanta as it too arose from the ashes, paralleling Atlanta's rise from the ashes following the Civil War.

She looked at me quizzically and told me that I was the first to make the connection between the phoenix being at the beginning of the tour and the City of Atlanta. My sense of pride in having made the connection was soon to be dashed as questions to test my true intellect where posed throughout the tour…Let's just say that it was indeed a learning experience.

Although I focus mainly on Jim Henson's Muppets in this post, throughout the museum are puppets from around the world representing a wide array of puppetry techniques, including:

• marionette,
• hand,
• animatronic,
• pole,
• body,
• hybrid,
• shadow, and
• many others.

The mission of the Center for Puppetry Arts is:

"…to entertain and enlighten audiences, nurture the world community of artists, expand the puppetry art form, and explore the past, present, and future of puppetry."

To meet that end, offerings include workshops, tours, field trips, performances, film series, outreach programs, a puppet factory and distance learning…certainly more than I can discuss here. If you have even a mild interest in puppets of any kind, this tour is one you will find intriguing and exciting…it's a door to a whole new world of imagination and artistry.

I've long admired puppets, many of whom were childhood friends from television and theatre. Today, I gained a new appreciation for puppetry—the art form. It has seemingly been a lifetime since I was so impressed, so awakened by any form of art…this is, by far, one of Atlanta's best entertainment and educational destinations.

The Center for Puppetry Arts has an incredibly full calendar of performances—for children, families, adults and holiday specific. The information shared in this post is primarily about the museum. Please refer to the Center's website for information about performances and special events.

At the museum and theatrical performances, photography, videography and even texting is strictly prohibited. Why? I didn't even have to ask…my tour guide clearly and succinctly explained that the puppets and performances are copyrighted. So the rule is not only protection for them, the rule also serves as protection for visitors.

The Center for Puppetry Arts will not have to pull my strings to get me back. I will be returning later this month for a major production of "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer," based on the 1964 television classic performed by dozens of "live" puppets!

Touring the Center for Puppetry Arts

Date toured: Wednesday, November 4, 2010
Location: 1404 Spring Street, NW at 18th Street (directions and map)
Hours: Tuesdays-Friday 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.; Saturday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Sunday 11 a.m. – 5 p.m., Mondays – Closed.
Cost: Free on Thursdays 1-3 p.m.; otherwise, Adults $10, Children $9
Parking: Free onsite parking, behind the Center
MARTA: Arts Center Station
Facebook: Center for Puppetry Arts
Website: http://www.puppet.org/

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer