Plenty of fun, free history lessons for all ages
The Columbus area has a rich tradition of art and history as well as historic preservation.
What: Includes black history in the area as well as Civil War and Native American History Trails
Where: 315 Eighth St., Columbus
When: Noon-6 p.m. Wednesday-Sunday
Admission: $10, $5 for ages 6-17, $3 for seniors, free for childen 5 and younger
Information: 706-507-3466 or 706-575-3646
What: Features traveling exhibits and art from the permanent collection
Where: 1251 Wynnton Road, Columbus
When: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday-Wednesday and Friday-Saturday; 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Thursday; 1-5 p.m. Sunday, closed on legal holidays
Admission: Free
Information: 706-748-2562, www.columbusmuseum.com
What: Features traveling exhibits; exhibits by artists in residence, faculty and student art
Where: CSU’s RiverPark Campus, corner of Dillingham Street and Front Avenue, Columbus
When: Noon-4 p.m. Tuesday-Friday; 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday; call before visiting, since the gallery is open only during art exhibitions
Admission: Free
Information: 706-507-8300, http://art.colstate.edu
What: Heritage Corners Tours of five house museums
When: 2 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday, closed major holidays
Where: Begins at 708 Broadway
Admission: $5, $1 for students, two-person minimum
Information: 706-322-0756; www.historiccolumbus.com
What: The cemetery where early Columbus dignitaries are buried, along with Civil War soldiers
Where: 721 Linwood Blvd., Columbus
When: Open sunrise to sunset daily. Office open 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday-Friday.
Admission: Free
Information: 706-321-8285 or cemetery sexton Deborah Abraham, 706-653-4579, www.linwoodcemetery.org
What: The house that Gertrude “Ma” Rainey, also known as the “Mother of the Blues,” bought when she retired from performing. Includes some of her furniture, piano and interactive games
When: 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday
Where: 805 Fifth Ave., Columbus
Admission: Free
Information: 706-653-4960, www.maraineyblues.org
What: Featuring the remains of the 225-foot-long Confederate ironclad ship CSS Jackson, plus the nation’s only ironclad simulator. Artifacts include flags, uniforms and weapons used by both navies during the Civil War.
When: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily; closed Christmas Day
Where: 1002 Victory Drive, Columbus
Admission: $6.50; $5.50 for military and seniors; $5 students; free for ages 6 and younger
Information: 706-327-9798, www.portcolumbus.org
What: Traces the history of the U.S. foot soldier from the colonial period to the war on terrorism. Includes the Fife and Drum Restaurant, Soldier Store and an IMAX Theater
When: Gallery is open 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Saturday and 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday; Fife and Drum Restaurant is open Sunday-Tuesday 11 a.m.-4 p.m. and Wednesday-Saturday 11 a.m.-9 p.m. and opens at 10:30 a.m. on graduation days
Where: 1775 Legacy Way, Patriot Park on Fort Benning Boulevard, south of Victory Drive, before the Fort Benning check-point; can also be accessed via South Lumpkin Road
Admission: Free; IMAX Theatre tickets range from $5-$10
Information: 706-685-5800, www.nationalinfantrymuseum.com
What: Exhibit of works by top national, regional and local artists for the company’s 100th anniversary in 1985
Where: 1017 Front Ave., Columbus
When: 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday; and tours by appointment
Admission: Free
Information: 706-571-3415, http://www.wcbradley.com/history.aspx
What: About 1,000 photos on display from a collection of over 10,000; display is rotated periodically. Photos date between 1865-1964.
Where: CVS Pharmacy, 5405 Summerville Road, Phenix City.
When: 8 a.m.-10 p.m. Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday
Admission: Free
Information: 334-214-4508
What: Features a film presentation on the history of old Fort Mitchell and the “Walk Through History.”
When: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Saturday and 1-5 p.m. Sunday
Where: Fort Mitchell Landmark Site, Ala. 165, next to the Fort Mitchell National Cemetery
Admission: $6; $5 for seniors, military; $4 for students; free for ages 5 and younger
Information: 334-855-1406, http://www.fortmitchell.org/
What: Traveling exhibits; exhibits of permanent collection
When: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. EDT Monday-Friday or by appointment
Where: Biggin Hall, Auburn University (corner of South College and West Magnolia)
Admission: Free
Information: 334-844-3483; wheelchair accessible; http://media.cla.auburn.edu/art/index.cfm
What: Traveling exhibits; exhibits of permanent collection
When: 9:30 a.m.-5:45 p.m. EDT Monday-Friday and 11 a.m.-5:45 p.m. EDT Saturday (closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day). The cafe is open noon-3 p.m. EDT Tuesday-Friday.
Where: 901 S. College St.
Admission: Free
Information: 334-844-1484, www.jcsm.auburn.edu
What: A coop of studio artists that exhibits their work
When: Hours vary; call before going
Where: 300 S. Greenwood St., LaGrange
Admission: Free
Information: 706-885-9900, http://www.galleryair.com/
What: Traveling exhibits; exhibits of permanent collection
When: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday-Friday; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday
Where: 112 Lafayette Parkway, LaGrange
Admission: Free; donations welcome
Information: 706-882-3267, http://www.lagrangeartmuseum.org/
What: Traveling exhibits; exhibits of permanent collection
When: 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Friday
Where: LaGrange College, 302 Forrest Ave.
Admission: Free
Information: 706-880-8211, http://www.lagrange.edu/academics/art/lamar-dodd.htm
What: Photography exhibits from time to time
When: Noon-6:30 p.m. EDT Monday-Friday; call before going
Where: 116 S. Eighth St., Opelika
Admission: Free
Information: 334-737-1474, www.flipflopfoto.com
What: Exhibits work by local artists
Where: The Depot, 1032 S. Railroad Ave., Opelika
When: 11 a.m.-1 p.m. and 2-4 p.m. EDT Monday-Friday
Admission: Free
Information: 334-649-8105, http://www.eastalabamaarts.org/At_the_Depot.html
This story was originally published May 23, 2010 at 12:00 AM with the headline "Plenty of fun, free history lessons for all ages."