Thronateeska Heritage Center facts for kids
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 protect history and teach people about science in Southwest Georgia. You can find Thronateeska at Heritage Plaza in Albany.
This center has a lot to explore! It includes a history museum, a science museum, and even a display of old rail cars. There's also a cool 40-foot planetarium with a full dome. This planetarium was the first of its kind in the world! The buildings at Thronateeska mix old, historic structures with new ones. They are all designed to show off the area's rich railroad history. Thronateeska also has a special department that keeps and cares for all their collections. People can visit this department to do research.
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Discovering Thronateeska's Past
The name "Thronateeska" comes from the Creek Native American language. Many people in Southwest Georgia believe it means "Flint River." Over 300 years ago, there was a Creek village called Thronateeska. It was located right on the banks of the Flint River, close to where Albany is today.
In 1974, some people in the community wanted to save the old downtown railroad area. So, two groups decided to join forces. The Southwest Georgia Historical Society, which started in 1969, teamed up with the Albany Junior Museum, Inc., founded in 1959. Together, they formed the Thronateeska Heritage Foundation, Inc. This is how the Thronateeska Heritage Center began!
Saving Union Station: A Historic Landmark
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 recognizes important historical sites across the country.
Exploring the Wetherbee Planetarium
The Wetherbee Planetarium first opened its doors 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 Central Georgia Roundhouse from 1926.
Heritage Plaza: A Railroad History Hub
In 1982, more historic buildings were added to the National Register of Historic Places. These included the Tift Warehouse, built in 1857. It was originally a passenger and freight depot. The Railway Express Agency building and Albany's last brick street were also added. All these places, along with the Union Station depot, became known as Albany's Railroad Depot Historic District.
What Thronateeska Heritage Center Does
The Thronateeska Heritage Center has several important goals. They work to:
- Help people learn about different cultures and ways of life. They focus on the history of people in South Georgia.
- Keep historical items and information safe. They share facts about the history, arts, and customs of South Georgia.
- Protect old buildings and things that show how people used to live.
- Teach about natural science and the environment, especially in South Georgia.
- Run a museum and science center for everyone in South Georgia.
- Work with schools, colleges, and libraries to share knowledge about South Georgia.
- Host exhibits, talks, educational films, and field trips. These events help people learn more.
- Collect and care for historical property.
- Encourage research and new discoveries about the topics they promote.
