MidTown Bike Around October 17

 Editor's Note: The Georgia Front Page Day Tripper Pick for this weekend is the Columbus MidTown Bike Around.  After all, Columbus is such a beautiful spot in our great state.

Join MidTown, Inc., the River Valley Regional Commission, and Historic Columbus Foundation for the MidTown Bike Around, Sunday, October 17, 2010. Meet in the parking lot of Dinglewood Park (across from Locos Grill and Pub, 1358 13th Street). Enjoy a fall afternoon of laid-back cycling while you take in the sites of MidTown's historic districts.

Learn about Columbus' 19th- and early 20th-century history while biking past antebellum estates and along tree-lined streets through neighborhoods of 1920s bungalows. The 9.3-mile ride will begin and end at Dinglewood Park with a stop at an energizing station at the MidTown, Inc. headquarters on Wildwood Avenue. The ride will end at Locos Grill and Pub for a reception with complimentary appetizers.

There will be two rides: the first will depart at 1:00 p.m. and will include brief stops at historic houses along the way; the second ride will depart at 2:30 p.m. to ride through the route, stopping only at the MidTown energizing station.

Registration is $10 and the deadline is October 13, 2010. Register early; space is limited. For more information or registration, e-mail leslieanne@midtowncolumbusga.org; please include your t-shirt size, whether you will be renting a bicycle, and if you are registering for the 1:00 historic tour or the 2:30 ride. Both tours will meet at about the same time at the Locos Grill and Pub reception.

Bicycle rental will be available for an additional $10 courtesy of Ride on Bikes and there will be giveaways for all participants courtesy of MidTown, Inc. and the RVRC.

The MidTown Bike Around is designed for cyclists of all levels and will be escorted by the Columbus Police Department Bicycle Unit. Helmets are required for all participants; children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by a parent.

-----
Community News You Can Use
Click to read MORE news:
www.GeorgiaFrontPage.com
Twitter: @gafrontpage & @TheGATable @HookedonHistory
www.ArtsAcrossGeorgia.com
Twitter: @artsacrossga, @softnblue, @RimbomboAAG
www.FayetteFrontPage.com
Twitter: @FayetteFP

Celebrate National Grandparent's Day Like Never Before at the Atlanta History Center

What better way to celebrate National Grandparent’s Day than by sharing a day of fun activities and free giveaways designed especially for GrandParents and GrandChildren to enjoy together?

GrandCamp Adventures is hosting a day of special activities from noon to 5:00 pm at the Atlanta History Center to make this year’s Grandparent’s Day, Sunday, September 12th, something to remember. The History Center, featuring With Malice Toward None: The Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Exhibition, is offering one free youth ticket for every paid adult so everyone can come and participate in this wonderful event.

GrandCamp Adventures is hosting fun activities especially created for Grandparents and Grandkids:

- Family Treasure Hunt — Discover hidden clues and treasures throughout the Atlanta History Center’s 33 acres featuring interactive exhibitions, a discovery trail,, historic houses and gardens.

- “Here We Go!” Storytelling — Atlanta’s renowned actor and storyteller, Rob Cleveland introduces GrandCamp Adventures’ storybook Here We Go! Help Grammie, Papa and the grandkids use a quirky magic compass to find their lost family treasures.

- Live Concert and Sing-along — featuring silly and heartfelt songs from the new GrandCamp Adventures’ CD. Atlanta’s newest up and coming artists will come together in song to celebrate the special bond between grandparents and grandkids.

- Pictures — Become a meerkat in pictures from the GrandCamp Adventures storybook.

- Laugh-along Program – Loosen up and laugh with Atlanta’s own Laughter Yoga leaderd, Celeste Greene and Jean Woodall.

- Free Giveaways and Prizes – Win T-shirts, hats, buttons, CDs and GrandCamp Adventures first storybook, “Here We Go!”, and more.

GrandCamp Adventures, launching this Fall, is a company for a new generation of grandparents and grandkids who want to connect deeper, have more fun together and generate memories that will last a lifetime.

“Indoors, outdoors and online, helping grandkids and grandparents grow closer and have more fun is at the heart of everything we do,” adds founders, Patricia Babuka & Scott Schaefer.

“Whether it’s a child and grandparent connecting through stories and backyard adventures, families connecting online, or grandparents connecting through shared values and the desire to help their grandchildren become happy, engaged members of our global community, GrandCamp Adventures’ goal is to make magical moments and relationships flourish.”

Both founders share a deep commitment to family and see building the bonds between generations as a way toward making the world a better place. “We want to share and live out our belief that the most precious gift Grandparents can give their Grandkids isn’t a toy, its their time.”

“We invite you to come out to the Atlanta History Center and experience what GrandCamp Adventures is all about.”

For more information on National Grandparents Day and the GrandCamp Adventures event, visit www.grandcamp.com.

-----
Community News You Can Use
www.fayettefrontpage.com
Fayette Front Page
www.georgiafrontpage.com
Georgia Front Page
Follow us on Twitter:  @GAFrontPage

TripAdvisor Airs Out America's Top 10 Aviation Attractions

/PRNewswire/ -- TripAdvisor®, the world's largest travel site*, today announced its list of the top ten aviation attractions in the U.S., according to traveler ratings and TripAdvisor Flights experts. America has a rich history as the birthplace of aviation, giving air travel lovers and flying fanatics myriad opportunities to learn more about planes, gliders, shuttles, and everything in between.

1. Cruising in the Capitol: National Air and Space Museum, Washington, D.C.

Housing the largest collection of historic air and spacecraft in the world, the Smithsonian Institution's National Air and Space Museum is a must see for any air travel enthusiast. Its location in Washington, D.C. is home to several famous artifacts such as the original Wright 1903 Flyer and the Apollo 11 command module, and its sister site in Fairfax, Virginia houses additional aviation artifacts sure to inspire flyers of all stripes. As one TripAdvisor traveler raves, "this place is truly incredible and not to be missed." Admission: Free.

2. Wings on the Water: Intrepid Sea, Air, &Space Museum, New York, New York

Centered on the aircraft carrier USS Intrepid, the Intrepid Sea, Air, & Space museum is a floating treasure trove of exhibits for aviation enthusiasts. The deck and hangar bay of the ship feature a collection of 30 aircraft, including some that have just recently left active service. Additionally, one of the Concorde supersonic jets on loan from British Airways is on the Intrepid pier and can be explored inside and out by visitors. The museum also houses other interactive exhibits, including an A-6 cockpit simulator and a virtual flight zone. As one TripAdvisor traveler raves, "Intrepid delivers an amazing exploration you won't soon forget." Admission: $22 for adults, $17 for children.

3. Back to the Beginning: Wright Brothers National Memorial, Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina

For enthusiasts looking to go back to the beginning of air travel, there's no better place than the Wright Brothers National Memorial on the site where Wilbur and Orville Wright achieved the first successful plane travel over one hundred years ago. Travelers can re-trace the routes where the Wright Brothers tested out their first aircraft and explore the on-site museum and its collection of models, tools, and machines used by the pioneering, high-flying duo. As one TripAdvisor traveler puts it, "this was the highlight of our trip to the Outer Banks." Admission: $4.00 for adults, free for children.

4. Travelers Take Flight: National Naval Aviation Museum, Pensacola, Florida

Travelers interested in military aviation should look no further than the National Naval Aviation Museum. The museum boasts more than 4,000 aviation artifacts and 150 aircraft from the Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard. Visitors can also get in on the action by taking a ride in the museum's flight simulators or by watching Blue Angels practice on select Tuesdays and Wednesdays. As one TripAdvisor traveler puts it, the museum is "worth spending many hours. The aircraft in the museum are breath-taking." Admission: Free.

5. Piloting the Prez: Museum of Flight, Seattle, Washington

Home to more than 85 aircraft ranging from antiques to the cutting edge of modern aviation, the Museum of Flight in Seattle is sure to tickle air travel lovers of all ages. The museum features a wealth of unique exhibits, including an engaging air traffic control tower at Boeing Field and "Style in the Aisle," which shows off flight attendant uniforms from the 1930's to the 1980's. The museum's aircraft collection is also expansive, and even includes an Air Force One aircraft that carried presidents Eisenhower, Kennedy, Johnson and Nixon. As one TripAdvisor traveler raves, "I LOVE this museum, even as a local!" Admission: $15 for adults, $8 for youths, free for children 4 and under.

6. Planes, Planes, Everywhere: Pima Air & Space Museum, Tucson, Arizona

With more than 300 aircraft and spacecraft in its collection, the Pima Air &Space Museum is one of the largest aviation museums in the world. It features more than 125,000 artifacts of modern aviation, and counts gems like the B-29 Superfortress, SR-71 Blackbird, and World War II German V-1 "buzz bomb" among its exhibits. Visitors can also take in the sights of the museum's outdoor displays, which show off extraordinary aircraft and their ground support vehicles, as well as an airplane "boneyard." As one TripAdvisor traveler raves, "the selection of planes seems endless and any military aircraft fan will be in heaven." Admission: $13.75 for adults, $8 for youths, free for children 6 and under.

7. If You Build It, They Will Come: Boeing Aircraft Factory Tour, Everett, Washington

The Boeing Aircraft Factory is the perfect place to visit for travelers interested in the nuts and bolts of aviation. Visitors can take a tour of the production facility, which is the world's largest building by volume, to get a bird's eye view of how aircraft are made. The tour covers the production of several Boeing models, including the eagerly anticipated 787 Dreamliner. The facility also features an aviation museum, which includes aircraft engines and conceptual aircraft designs. As one TripAdvisor traveler notes, "when the lift doors open for the first time and you can see a production line of 747's being built below you it is truly something else!" Admission: $15 for adults, $8 for children.

8. Historic Hangars: Pacific Aviation Museum Pearl Harbor, Honolulu, Hawaii

Built in the historic hangars that survived the attack on Pearl Harbor, the Pacific Aviation Museum offers tens of thousands of square feet of aviation exhibits, including a collection of military aircraft from the World War II era. Visitors can also hop into the pilot's seat at the museum's flight simulator, where they can take off and land on an aircraft carrier, and take part in a high stakes battle in the sky. As one TripAdvisor traveler notes, "if you are an aviation buff, this is a can't miss if you are visiting the USS Arizona Memorial." Admission: $15 for adults, $8 for children.

9. Just Look Up: Gravelly Point Park, Arlington, Virginia

Located just north of Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport and across the Potomac River from Washington, D.C., Gravelly Point Park is a fantastic place for watching planes take off and land as they pass right overhead. In addition to the great views of the airport, the park is a nice spot to play catch or have a picnic on a warm summer day. As one TripAdvisor traveler states, "how crazy to be standing 500 feet from the touchdown of planes landing at Reagan National Airport." Admission: Free.

10. Wooden Wonder: Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum, McMinnville, Oregon

Home to a wide range of aircraft, from cargo planes to commercial jets, bombers to spacecraft, the Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum is a great place for aviation enthusiasts to get their fill and also for casual fans to brush up on a little air travel history. In addition to exhibits and archives detailing the milestones of modern aviation, the museum houses Howard Hughes's famous wooden "Spruce Goose," which was the largest plane of its time when it was completed in 1947. As one TripAdvisor traveler puts it, "the museum/hangar itself is a work of art. A great way to spend a day." Admission: $20 for adults, $18 for youths, free for children 4 and under.

"Whether you're an aviation buff or someone who just likes being up in the air, there's a wealth of fascinating attractions across the U.S. that explore the history of air travel," said Bryan Saltzburg, general manager of new initiatives at TripAdvisor. "They're sure to give you a deeper appreciation of the aircraft you're on the next time you find yourself cruising along at 30,000 feet."

-----
Community News You Can Use
www.fayettefrontpage.com
Fayette Front Page
www.georgiafrontpage.com
Georgia Front Page
Follow us on Twitter:  @GAFrontPage

Ken Burns's 'The National Parks: America's Best Idea' to Drive National Conversation on Diversity and America's Parks

/PRNewswire / -- At a one-day conference called "Parks for All" in San Francisco today, filmmaker Ken Burns said that he hopes his most recent film, THE NATIONAL PARKS: AMERICA'S BEST IDEA, will help attract new communities into the country's parks.

Burns and co-producer Dayton Duncan outlined an extensive outreach campaign that will accompany the broadcast of THE NATIONAL PARKS this September on PBS, including visits to 45 markets where the filmmakers will show clips and lead discussions about the national parks. The documentary tells the history of the national park idea, chronicling its birth in the mid-1800s and tracing its evolution for nearly 150 years.

The Untold Stories Project, conceived in 2004, will supplement the already ambitious educational and community outreach plans normally associated with a Burns film. "We hope it will prompt more people to experience their parks -- and become stewards of their future," he said.

Among the elements of the NATIONAL PARKS outreach campaign are:

-- Special research about the people and stories often overlooked in
histories of the national parks. Many of the stories were incorporated
into the larger series and into the companion book. The entire
research document has been organized into a book that will be donated
to the National Park Service for its use.
-- A special 45-minute film, The National Parks: This Is America, which
tells the story of the national park idea through the lens of a
diverse cast of historical characters and brings the story closer to
the present than does the larger documentary. This, too, will be given
to the National Park Service.
-- Five mini-documentaries of about 10 minutes each, profiling people
from diverse backgrounds involved in contemporary parks issues. The
topics include "City Kids in National Parks," "Manzanar - 'Never
Again,'" "Mount Rushmore - Telling America's Stories," "San Antonio
Missions - Keeping History Alive" and "Yosemite's Buffalo Soldiers."

-- Translation of the 12-hour series into Spanish for broadcast on PBS
stations that choose to do so and translation of the shorter films
into Spanish, Japanese and Lakota.

-----
www.fayettefrontpage.com
Fayette Front Page
www.georgiafrontpage.com
Georgia Front Page

Riding The Rails Into American History

(NAPSI)-Railroads have long held a special place in the history of our country. In 1841, in a tribute to our nation's beginnings in Philadelphia, William Henry Harrison took the train from the "City of Brotherly Love" to Washington, D.C., to kick off his inauguration. In 2009, President Barack Obama continued the tradition.

Whether it is railroad history, fond memories or fictional characters of our youth, our fascination with railroads touches both children and adults. For example, one special engine, his friends and their adventures have enchanted Americans for years.

Thomas the Tank Engine, a blue steam engine created by a father for his son nearly 65 years ago, is fostering a love of train history in a new generation of kids and parents. Thomas is teaming up with historic railroads across the country for the Day Out With Thomas 2009: The Hero of the Rails tour, a program that encourages families to embrace the past and preserve their local history.

Tapping into the passion that children and their parents have for railroads, Day Out With Thomas events keep this spirit alive at more than 40 regional railroads across the country. Each railroad station stop has its own distinctive history for participants to explore; many stations have welcomed presidents, dignitaries and celebrities, and led passengers to great destinations.

Presented by HIT Entertainment and sponsored by The LEGO Group, the Day Out With Thomas 2009: The Hero of the Rails events run through December 2009. Rolling out of the station for its 14th consecutive year, the tour is expected to welcome more than 1 million passengers at approximately 300 event days. Each event offers fans the opportunity to take a ride on a 15-ton replica of Thomas the Tank Engine and features a variety of Thomas & Friends-themed entertainment.

This No. 1 blue engine, based on the real trains that traveled the English countryside in the 1940s, is a lens through which children experience and explore the magic of the railroad today.

The Hero of the Rails tour--named for the DVD special starring Thomas and his engine friends in a heroic adventure that tests their bravery, friendship and courage--will also honor local hometown heroes. At every stop, firemen and policemen will be invited as the guest celebrity story readers.

For tickets, please visit www.thomasandfriends.com/dowt. For general Thomas fun, log on to www.thomasandfriends.com.

-----
www.fayettefrontpage.com
Fayette Front Page
www.georgiafrontpage.com
Georgia Front Page

Johnny Mercer and Valentine’s Gala to Highlight 2009 Georgia Days Events

The Georgia Historical Society (GHS) has announced the schedule of events for Georgia Days 2009, to be held February 3-14 in commemoration of the 276th anniversary of the founding of the Georgia colony. Thousands of parents, students, educators, and governmental officials participate in the Society’s annual statewide event. Each year during the Georgia Days series of events, GHS honors individuals who have significantly influenced Georgia and American history.

Taking a page from modern history and popular culture, the Society has named Savannah native and American music legend Johnny Mercer as Historic Honoree of the 2009 celebration. “Next year is the centennial of Johnny Mercer’s birth,” says GHS President and CEO Dr. Todd Groce, “and we are pleased and proud to join others across the state as we honor this native son whose remarkable 50-year career was deeply grounded in and influenced by his Savannah and Georgia roots.”

In addition to traditional events that include the Colonial Faire and Muster at Wormsloe, Super Museum Sunday, Black History Month Essay and Public Speaking Contest, and school children, costumed characters and dignitaries parading through Savannah’s historic district, the Georgia Days 2009 will feature the second annual Birthday Bash and Annual Award Gala, entitled Magic in the Moonlight.

“Our inaugural gala was a wonderfully well received success,” says Laura García-Culler, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of the Society, “and Magic in the Moonlight will provide our members and friends with a memorable, very romantic night out on February 14, Valentine’s Day.” “In addition to fine dining and dancing, and the music of Johnny Mercer, political commentators James Carville and Mary Matalin – Washington’s most captivating couple – will keynote the event with a talk entitled All’s Fair in Love, War and Politics.

The evening will also include Governor Sonny Perdue inducting the first new Georgia Trustees since 1749, part of an exciting new partnership between the GHS and the State of Georgia that will annually recognize in perpetuity selected Georgians who have made outstanding contributions to our state’s history. Home Depot co-founder Bernie Marcus will be in attendance for his induction as one of the first Georgia Trustees in 260 years.” Born in downtown Savannah in 1909, young Johnny Mercer absorbed the rich musical culture of coastal Georgia.

He spent time in his youth at the Pin Point Oyster Company on the Back River, later renamed Moon River, listening to songs in the Geechee dialect that would later inspire his world-famous lyrics. He wrote his first song at age 15 and, without formal musical training, went on to pen over 1,000 songs; collaborate with such well known musical talents as Hoagy Carmichael, Harold Arlen, Marvin Hamlisch, Bobby Darin, and Andre Previn; and win four Academy Awards®. As a co-founder of Capitol Records, he was instrumental in discovering and launching the careers of Nat “King” Cole, Stan Kenton and Peggy Lee, among others.

Johnny Mercer’s music will be featured throughout the Georgia Days schedule. Less well known are his talents as an illustrator and painter, and the public is invited to view examples of his drawings and paintings, hear his music, and enjoy champagne and sweets at the Georgia Days Kickoff event, Pardon My Southern Accent: The Life and Legacy of Johnny Mercer in Word, Song, and Art, to be held February 3 at Wesley Monumental United Methodist Church on Calhoun Square in downtown Savannah.

Below is a complete list of Georgia Days 2009 events commemorating the founding of the Georgia Colony. Note that some times and locations may change or are yet to be determined. Check www.georgiahistory.com for the latest information.

Georgia Days Kickoff Event Pardon My Southern Accent: The Life and Legacy of Johnny Mercer in Word, Song, and Art Tuesday, February 3, 2009. In this family-friendly event, professional entertainer Jim Wann explores the life and contributions of Savannah’s own Johnny Mercer by providing biographical information interspersed with musical selections from Mercer’s extensive body of work, as well as personal reminiscences of Johnny collected from local Savannahians. A reception that will include a rare viewing of several of Mercer’s original watercolors, as well as a display of Mercer’s childhood art will continue the exploration of this multi-talented artist.

Enjoy a live concert of the music of 2009 Historic Honoree Johnny Mercer. Free and open to the public. Georgia Days Colonial Faire and Muster Saturday (Family Day) and Sunday, February 7-8, 2009 Wormsloe State Historic Site Friends and families of all ages enjoy this popular annual living history program featuring hundreds of costumed interpreters performing colonial-era military drill, dance, and music at the site of one of Georgia’s oldest and most beautiful coastal plantations. Demonstrations of musket and canon firing, crafts, and other aspects of daily life in the eighteenth century are given throughout this weekend-long event. Schedule of events is available upon arrival at this event.

Super Museum Sunday
Sunday, February 8, 2009, 12:00 – 4:00 PM
Multiple Savannah-area sites (visit www.georgiahistory.com after January 1, 2009 for museum list, or contact individual sites of interest) Georgians and visitors alike experience coastal Georgia’s rich history and cultural life as historic sites, house museums, art museums, and other points of interest in Savannah and coastal Georgia open their doors to the public at no charge during this annual GHS’s Georgia Days family event. From Statesboro to Darien, more than 40 sites participate in this event, providing visitors a rare opportunity to experience the history in our own backyard.

Black History Month Essay and Public Speaking Contest
Monday, February 9, 2009, 5:30 PM
Georgia Historical Society, 501 Whitaker Street, Savannah
Open to area middle and high school students, the 2009 contest will focus on Savannah in the Civil Rights Movement. Students and teachers should visit www.georgiahistory.com and follow the Georgia Days link for more information on the contest. Finalists from the essay portion will compete in a public speaking event to be held at the Georgia Historical Society and judged by an independent panel representing the academic and media communities. Prizes to be awarded. Reception to follow.

Georgia Days Dignitaries Coffee
Thursday, February 12, 2009, 9:00 AM
Sponsored by The Savannah Bank
An invitation-only event for dignitaries, sponsors and special guests prior to the Georgia Day Parade start. This year will feature the unveiling of new plaques honoring the creators of named endowment funds at the Georgia Historical Society.

Georgia Day Parade
February 12, 2009, 10:30 AM
Bull Street from Forsyth Park to City Hall
Thousands of costumed local elementary school children march behind student-made banners in commemoration of Georgia’s founding in 1733. This colorful parade of students, local dignitaries, costumed characters, musicians, and a military color guard begins at Forsyth Park and ends with a program in front of City Hall, where the mayor and other officials bring greetings and awards are presented for the annual Banner Competition.

Georgia Days Birthday Bash and Annual Awards Gala
Saturday, February 14, 2009, 7:00 PM
Hyatt Regency – Savannah
Sponsored by Southern LNG an El Paso Company
Tickets $250 each
Magic in the Moonlight, a romantic, entertaining, black-tie Valentine’s celebration to benefit GHS educational programs and activities.

Order tickets early. To purchase tickets visit our website at www.georgiahistory.com or call 912.651.2125 Ext. 20.

GEORGIA DAYS 2009 CORPORATE SPONSORS
Signature Sponsor
Platinum Sponsors
In-Kind Media Sponsors
Connect Savannah WTOC
Gold Sponsors: AT&T, First National Bank, Georgia Power, Savannah Distributing Co.,
Queensborough National Bank & Trust
Silver Sponsors: Boaen Mechanical, Crescent Towing of Savannah, Hunter, Maclean, Exley & Dunn,
P.C., Hussey, Gay, Bell & DeYoung, Kole Management Company, Lummus Corporation, Prince-Bush-
Smith Hotels, Shell, TIC- The Industrial Company, Treadwell and Associates

Additional educational events (visit www.georgiahistory.com) supported in part by:
The Georgia Historical Society, headquartered in Savannah, is a preeminent educational and research institution and the first and only statewide historical society in Georgia. It is the oldest cultural organization in the state and one of the oldest historical societies in the nation. For nearly 175 years, GHS has collected, preserved, and shared Georgia and American history through a variety of educational outreach programs, publications, and research services. For more information visit: ww.georgiahistory.com.

-----
www.fayettefrontpage.com
Fayette Front Page
www.georgiafrontpage.com
Georgia Front Page

'Tutankhamun: The Golden King and the Great Pharaohs' Makes U.S. Debut November 15 for Seven-Month Run at the Atlanta Civic Center

T2F Note: No doubt about it. This exhibit is worthy of the coveted Fayette Front Page Day Tripper Award.

PRNewswire/ -- "Tutankhamun: The Golden King and the Great Pharaohs," a new National Geographic exhibition featuring more than 130 ancient Egyptian treasures, premieres tomorrow at the Atlanta Civic Center, where it will be on view through May 25, 2009. The exhibition, which will open with more than 100,000 tickets sold, features artifacts from the tomb of the celebrated pharaoh King Tutankhamun and other ancient sites representing 2,000 years of ancient Egyptian history. The exhibition in Atlanta is developed in partnership with the Michael C. Carlos Museum of Emory University.

"Tutankhamun's magic still captures the hearts of people all over the world, even though more than 85 years have passed since the discovery of his amazing tomb," said Zahi Hawass, secretary general of Egypt's Supreme Council of Antiquities. "America has welcomed the golden king, and now he returns, bringing with him all the great pharaohs of Egypt. This exhibition will raise much-needed funds for the preservation of Egypt's monuments and the construction and renovation of museums throughout the country. I always say that Egyptian antiquities are the heritage of the world and that we are only their guardians."

The touring exhibition is organized by National Geographic, Arts and Exhibitions International and AEG Exhibitions, with cooperation from Egypt's Supreme Council of Antiquities. Northern Trust is the presenting sponsor of the tour, and American Airlines is the official airline.

The exhibition features an audio tour and National Geographic video documentary, both narrated by award-winning actor, Harrison Ford.

Proceeds from the tour will go toward antiquities preservation and conservation efforts in Egypt, including the construction of a new grand museum in Cairo.

"Egypt's ancient treasures are among the world's greatest cultural legacies," said Terry Garcia, executive vice president, National Geographic Society. "Even with the great wealth of research that already exists, new technologies continue to open up the past in ways never imagined. Visitors to this exhibition will not only see stunning artifacts spanning 2,000 years of ancient Egyptian history, but they will also learn more about the life and death of Tutankhamun through recent CT scans conducted on his mummy."

To correspond with the King Tut exhibition at the Atlanta Civic Center, a slate of Egyptian-themed experiences and programming will take place throughout the city, including "Wonderful Things: The Harry Burton Photographs and the Discovery of the Tomb of Tutankhamun" at the Michael C. Carlos Museum. On view November 15, 2008, through May 25, 2009, this photography exhibition features 50 photographs taken by Harry Burton, the photographer who accompanied explorer Howard Carter on the Tutankhamun expedition and documented the moment-by-moment discovery of King Tut's untouched tomb.

"The discovery of Tutankhamun's tomb was an unforgettable moment in recent history. We look forward to highlighting, through educational programs and our special exhibition 'Wonderful Things,' the magic of that discovery and the profound impact it had on our understanding of ancient Egyptian culture and its significance today," said Bonnie Speed, director of the Michael C. Carlos Museum.

Also during the exhibition run, Giant Screen Films will offer "Egypt 3D: Secrets of the Mummies," a 22-minute 3D movie presented by Dolby(R) 3D Digital Cinema that follows researchers and explorers as they piece together the archeological and genetic clues of Egyptian mummies. The movie will show in a custom theater adjacent to the exhibition space every half-hour, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., seven days a week.

Additionally, more than 100 businesses throughout the city are participating in a "Tutlanta" affinity card that comes with King Tut ticket purchases, entitling cardholders to more than $900 worth of Egyptian-themed offerings and discounts at participating locations. A full listing of offers is available at http://www.tutlanta.com/.

"Tutankhamun has been welcomed to Atlanta with open arms, which is evidenced by the outpouring of support from local businesses and community leaders, as well as rapid ticket sales for this new exhibition," said John Norman, president, Arts and Exhibitions International. "There is an enduring interest in Egypt's heritage, and this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for Atlanta residents and visitors to see a collection of world treasures that represent a veritable who's who of ancient Egypt."

The exhibition is made possible in part by support from Northern Trust and American Airlines.

"For nearly 120 years, Northern Trust has strived to increase social interaction and a sense of community, and integrate the arts into education and other outreach activities," said Frederick H. Waddell, president and chief executive officer of Northern Trust Corporation. "We look forward to sharing this extraordinary event with the Atlanta community, as well as visitors from around the world."

Exhibition organizers anticipate the exhibition will attract visitors throughout the region.

"American Airlines is thrilled to have a role in bringing 'Tutankhamun: The Golden King and the Great Pharaohs' to its Atlanta premiere," said Dan Garton, executive vice president of marketing for American Airlines. "As the official airline of the exhibition, we are pleased that American Airlines is helping to make it possible for these extraordinary objects to be seen by thousands of visitors."

"Tutankhamun: The Golden King and the Great Pharaohs" is the second National Geographic touring exhibition dedicated to the remarkable treasures of King Tutankhamun and ancient Egyptian royalty. It will travel next to Indianapolis following the Atlanta run. The first exhibition, "Tutankhamun and the Golden Age of the Pharaohs," drew nearly 5 million visitors and broke records at the five venues it visited from June 2005 through August 2008, and recently began a three-city encore tour in Dallas.

ABOUT THE EXHIBITION

Premiering November 15, 2008, to May 25, 2009, at the Boisfeuillet Jones Atlanta Civic Center, "Tutankhamun: The Golden King and the Great Pharaohs" features striking objects from some of the most important rulers throughout 2,000 years of ancient Egyptian history, from the 4th Dynasty into the Late Period (about 2600 B.C. - 660 B.C.). Derived from a variety of contexts, including temples and royal and private tombs, many of these artifacts have never before visited the United States.

Tutankhamun was one of the last kings of Egypt's 18th Dynasty and ruled during a crucial, turmoil-filled period of Egyptian history. The boy king died under mysterious circumstances around age 18 or 19, in the ninth year of his reign (1323 B.C.).

The exhibition highlights more than 50 treasures from Tutankhamun's tomb and more than 70 artifacts representing other pharaohs and notables, along with the latest scientific research about King Tut. The storyline follows the splendor of the Egyptian pharaohs, their function in the earthly and divine worlds, and what kingship meant to the Egyptian people.

Four galleries devoted to King Tut correspond to the four rooms of his nearly intact tomb, where the treasures were discovered by British explorer Howard Carter in 1922. Legendary artifacts from the antechamber, the annex, the treasury and the burial chamber include Tutankhamun's golden sandals, jewelry, furniture, weaponry and statuary.

The final gallery features CT scans of Tutankhamun that were obtained as part of a landmark, Egyptian research and conservation project, partially funded by National Geographic, that will CT-scan the ancient mummies of Egypt. The Tutankhamun scans were captured through the use of a portable CT scanner, donated by Siemens Medical Solutions, which allowed researchers to compile the first three-dimensional picture of Tutankhamun and discover more about his life and death.

VISITOR AND TICKET INFORMATION

Tickets to the exhibition at the Atlanta Civic Center can be purchased for visits every day of the week, on the half-hour from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. (galleries close at 7 p.m.). Single tickets range from $16.50-$32.50 and are available at the exhibition box office, 1-877-TUT-TKTS (1-877-888-8587) or http://www.ticketmaster.com/. Group tickets for 10 or more are available at 1-866-52GROUP (1-866-524-7687) or http://www.kingtut.org/. Audio tours ($7) and tickets for "Egypt 3D: Secrets of the Mummies" ($5) can be added at the time of purchase or at the exhibition.

The "Cairo Cafe," a walkup location featuring light fare including soup, salads, sandwiches, snacks and beverages, is located in the lobby and is open from 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Hotel packages, including VIP tickets for anytime access that are not available to the general public, are being offered at Atlanta-area Marriott hotels, including Atlanta Marriott Marquis, Atlanta Marriott Suites Midtown, Renaissance Atlanta Hotel Downtown, Courtyard Atlanta Midtown/Georgia Tech, Residence Inn Atlanta Midtown/17th Street, Residence Inn Atlanta Midtown/Historic, Residence Inn Atlanta Downtown, JW Marriott Hotel Buckhead Atlanta, Springhill Suites Atlanta Buckhead, Atlanta Marriott Century Center, Residence Inn Atlanta Buckhead, Residence Inn Atlanta Buckhead/Lenox Park, Atlanta Marriott Perimeter Center, Atlanta Marriott Downtown and Courtyard Atlanta Executive Park/Emory. Packages also are available at The Ritz-Carlton, Atlanta (Downtown) and The Ritz-Carlton, Buckhead. More information is available at http://www.kingtuthotels.com/ or http://www.kingtut.org/.

About the Michael C. Carlos Museum of Emory University

The Michael C. Carlos Museum, founded in 1919, has long been dedicated to collecting, preserving, exhibiting, and interpreting art and artifacts from antiquity to the present. Some 16,000 artifacts from ancient Egypt, the Near East, Greece, Rome, the Americas, Asia, and sub-Saharan Africa, as well as works on paper from the Renaissance to the present day, provide visitors with a glimpse into the art and history of world cultures. The museum aims to provide unique opportunities for education and enrichment in the community, and to promote interdisciplinary teaching and research at Emory University. The Carlos Museum's educational programming -- with an active schedule of lectures, symposia, workshops, performances, and summer camps -- benefits all who interact with the museum community. Annual participation from 100,000 visitors, 30,000 children, and almost 1 million internet users of Odyssey Online, Carlos Museum's interactive Web site accessed by English-speaking classrooms around the world, reveals the Museum's commitment to making art and artifacts relevant and accessible to all. In addition to conducting scientific analysis and treatment of museum collections, the Carlos Conservation Laboratory also offers teaching and training opportunities for students interested in pursuing careers in art, conservation, preservation, and science. Located at the heart of Emory University's Atlanta campus, the Carlos Museum serves as the South's premier museum of ancient art.

-----
www.fayettefrontpage.com
Fayette Front Page
www.georgiafrontpage.com
Georgia Front Page
www.artsacrossgeorgia.com
Arts Across Georgia

Georgia Aquarium Makes U.S. History with Display of Manta Ray

T2F Note: The Georgia Aquarium is among our favorite destinations in the Atlanta area. We have been there several times and still marvel at the beauty of the animals shown.

The manta ray is the largest of all rays, weighing up to 6,000 lbs and measuring up to 26 feet in width. It has a unique body shape, with an extremely broad head and an enormous, wide mouth flanked by two broad, flexible lobes. These fins are kept rolled and pointed forward, except when the manta is feeding. Its tail is whip-like, but short, and does not have a barb or spine. The manta ray is primarily a plankton feeder, but also consumes small and moderate-sized fishes. It is listed as "near threatened" on the IUCN Red List.

PRNewswire/ -- The Georgia Aquarium announced today the addition of a manta ray to the 6.3 million gallon Ocean Voyager gallery, built by The Home Depot. The addition of the female manta ray, Nandi, makes Georgia Aquarium the only aquarium in the United States to ever house a manta ray and one of only four aquariums in the world to display this species. Nandi will join four whale sharks and thousands of other animals in the world's largest aquarium exhibit.

"As the Georgia Aquarium grows as a tourist destination, our opportunity to promote conservation and education grows," said Mike Leven, chief executive officer of the Georgia Aquarium. "The addition of Nandi, who inspired hundreds of thousands of people in South Africa, gives us the opportunity to elevate her as an ambassador for her species. Millions of people who may have never had the chance to see a manta ray will now have that chance at the Georgia Aquarium."

Nandi, who measures more than nine feet across and weighs approximately 456 lbs, flew 9,000 miles on a chartered 747-200 aircraft from Durban, South Africa through Cape Verde, Africa, to Atlanta. The manta ray was under the care and supervision of Georgia Aquarium and uShaka Marine World professional staff and maintained by a highly advanced marine life support system.

"The Georgia Aquarium's success in moving whale sharks across the world gave us confidence that this was the right thing to do," said Dr. Mark Penning, executive director of uShaka Marine World. "We see this as a perfect opportunity to create an international partnership and continue Nandi's incredible story, raising worldwide awareness about manta rays."

Nandi was rescued from shark nets off the coast of Durban, South Africa, in April 2007 and rehabilitated by uShaka Marine World, the largest marine park in Africa. She has lived in uShaka for the past year, educating and inspiring conservation in more than 500,000 people.

Manta rays are the largest rays in the sea, but Nandi was young when she was rescued, measuring just more than eight feet across and weighing around 245 lbs. She had since outgrown her 580,000 gallon exhibit. In order to raise worldwide awareness about manta rays, Georgia Aquarium and uShaka created an international partnership to bring Nandi from South Africa to Georgia Aquarium.

"No one has ever done this before," said Leven. "Flying the world's largest ray, a manta ray, from one side of the world to the other and housing it in a U.S. aquarium for the first time is incredible. Having the opportunity to work with this animal and grow our understanding of this strange yet gentle giant will be an opportunity of a lifetime."

-----
www.fayettefrontpage.com
www.georgiafrontpage.com
www.artsacrossgeorgia.com

Georgia's Own "Little Grand Canyon"

Take a short trip down south of Columbus and see Georgia's own canyon. Fondly known as the "Little Grand Canyon," the Providence Canyon State Park is a beautiful spot to see some of nature's best shows of color. Visitors can stand on the rim and view the canyon or hike down to the canyon floor.

The canyon was formed by poor farming practices in the 1800's. The deepest canyon is around 150 feet.

If you go, be careful what you say. Voices carry from the bottom of the canyon all the way to the top.

Upcoming events include Geology Day and Junior Rangers.

Click here for more information on the Canyon and for camping opportunities.

-----
www.fayettefrontpage.com
Fayette Front Page
Community News You Can Use
Fayetteville, Peachtree City, Tyrone