Thronateeska Heritage Center facts for kids

The main building of Thronateeska Heritage Center.

The Thronateeska Heritage Center is a special place in Albany, Georgia, United States. It's a non-profit group that started in 1974. Their main goal is to save history and teach about science in Southwest Georgia.

You can find Thronateeska at Heritage Plaza. The center has a history museum, a science museum, and cool old train cars. It also has a huge 40-foot planetarium! This planetarium was the first of its kind in the world. The buildings here mix old historic structures with new ones. They all show off the area's railroad past. Thronateeska also has a special department that keeps track of all its collections. People can even visit to do research there.

Discovering Thronateeska's History

The old Union Station Depot, now home to the History Museum.

The name "Thronateeska" comes from the Creek Native American language. Many people in Southwest Georgia believe it means "Flint River." More than 300 years ago, there was a Creek village called Thronateeska. It was located right by the Flint River, close to where Albany is today.

In 1974, some caring people in the community wanted to save the old downtown railroad area. So, two groups decided to join forces. The Southwest Georgia Historical Society, started in 1969, teamed up with the Albany Junior Museum, Inc., which began in 1959. Together, they formed the Thronateeska Heritage Foundation, Inc.

Saving Union Station

Thanks to the efforts of Thronateeska, the old Union Station depot was saved. This building was built in 1913. It's now a famous landmark in Heritage Plaza. In 1975, it was turned into a museum. It was also added to the National Register of Historic Places. This list includes important historic sites across the country.

The Wetherbee Planetarium and Science Museum

The Wetherbee Planetarium first opened in 1980. It was located in the old Railway Express Agency building. Later, in 2008, a brand new Wetherbee Planetarium and Science Museum was built. This new building is between the old Railway Express Agency building and the Fryer-Merritt House. Its design looks like the original 1926 Central Georgia Roundhouse.

Protecting Heritage Plaza's Historic Buildings

In 1982, more historic buildings were added to the National Register. These included the Tift Warehouse, built in 1857. It was the first passenger and freight depot. The old Railway Express Agency building was also added. Even Albany's last brick street was included! All these places, along with Union Station, became known as Albany's Railroad Depot Historic District.

What Thronateeska Heritage Center Does

The Thronateeska Heritage Center has many important goals. They want to teach people about the past and present. Here are some of the things they aim to do:

• Help people learn about the culture, traditions, and ways of life. They focus on people from today and long ago, especially in South Georgia.
• Keep historical items safe. They share facts and information about history, arts, and customs.
• Protect old buildings and things that show how people used to live.
• Help people learn about natural science and the environment. This also focuses on South Georgia.
• Run a museum and science center for everyone, especially those in South Georgia.
• Work with schools, colleges, and libraries. They help spread knowledge and interest in South Georgia's history and nature.
• Host exhibits, talks, educational films, and field trips. These events help teach people new things.
• Collect and take care of historical or cultural items and places.
• Encourage research and new discoveries about the topics they promote.