Located in front of the railroad tracks, just one block west of the Marietta Square.  The Marietta History Center is a historic 1845 brick building.
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Marietta History Center

4.7
·158 reviews·Marietta, United States

Discover Cobb County's rich past through captivating exhibits on local life, military history, and iconic events.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday afternoons

Fewer crowds, more personal attention

CrowdLow
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Located in front of the railroad tracks, just one block west of the Marietta Square.  The Marietta History Center is a historic 1845 brick building.

Marietta History Center

Best Time

Weekday afternoons

Fewer crowds, more personal attention

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Discover Cobb County's rich past through captivating exhibits on local life, military history, and iconic events.

4.7
(158 reviews)

"A little gem with impressive and informative exhibits that really bring history to life."

Vertical photo
TIP

Allow ample time

The museum is larger than it appears; plan for at least 2 hours to see everything. :clock1:

Military ID gets free entry

Active military personnel and veterans often receive free admission with ID. :military_medal:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Military History Displays

Military History Displays

Explore impressive collections, including a significant gun display, detailing local military contributions and stories.

The Great Locomotive Chase

The Great Locomotive Chase

Learn about the daring 'Andrews' Raiders' and their pursuit of the stolen locomotive 'The General'.

Vietnam Black Soldiers Portrait Project

Vietnam Black Soldiers Portrait Project

Experience powerful and moving portraits capturing the stories of Black soldiers in the Vietnam War.

Gold Rush History

Gold Rush History

Uncover Marietta's surprising past with exhibits detailing Georgia's gold mining history.

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Planning Your Visit

Plan Your Visit to the Marietta History Center

Discover Cobb County's rich past at the Marietta History Center. Explore exhibits on local life, military history, and significant events like the Great Locomotive Chase. Allow at least 2 hours to fully appreciate the displays. Check their website for special events and temporary exhibits.

Beyond the Exhibits: Marietta Square

The Marietta History Center is conveniently located in historic downtown Marietta Square. After your visit, explore the charming shops, enjoy local eateries, and soak in the atmosphere of this vibrant area. Many visitors recommend grabbing coffee or lunch nearby.

Best Times

When
Weekday afternoons
Why
Fewer crowds, more personal attention
Crowd
Low
When
During special events
Why
Unique exhibits and activities
Crowd
Medium
When
Saturdays
Why
Great way to spend a weekend
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

What do you know about the Divine 9, the Cobb County chapter of the National Pan Hellenic Council? Explore the rich heritage of the Divine 9 in Cobb County at the Marietta History Center. Delve into the local and national impact these iconic sororities and fraternities have made on the community. The exhibit will be open through March 2nd. 📍Marietta History Center 1 Depot Street @mariettamus...
visitmariettageorgia
42 likes • 2.9K views

Allow ample time

The museum is larger than it appears; plan for at least 2 hours to see everything. :clock1:

Military ID gets free entry

Active military personnel and veterans often receive free admission with ID. :military_medal:

We love the Marietta History Center! Thanks for being supportive of Maggie and I as children’s authors…we can’t wait to release “All Aboard, Florida” at the Center on November 16th…Mark your calendars!🚂🚂🚂 Pelican Publishing Arcadia Publishing
bunnrl
13 likes • 298 views
Always a blast playing with these guys! If you’ve never made it out to the annual Marietta History Center Jam you’re missing out. #Livemusic #classicrock #jam
markgrundhoefer
29 likes • 401 views

Ask staff for insights

The staff are knowledgeable and happy to share background info on exhibits. :man_teacher:

Explore Marietta Square

Don't miss the charming shops and eateries just steps away after your visit. :shopping_bags:

Who you’re gonna call...Access Atlanta! 👻🎶 We’re fascinated by paranormal activity here at Access Atlanta. So much so, we decided to step up our game and join other brave souls on the Fright At the Museum ghost tour at Marietta History Center for this spooky season. We learned frightening fun facts about ghostly legends, performed a paranormal investigation and so much more. 💀⚰️ 🔗 Tap the link i...
accessatl
58 likes • 5.5K views

Tips

from all over the internet

Allow ample time

The museum is larger than it appears; plan for at least 2 hours to see everything. :clock1:

Military ID gets free entry

Active military personnel and veterans often receive free admission with ID. :military_medal:

Ask staff for insights

The staff are knowledgeable and happy to share background info on exhibits. :man_teacher:

Explore Marietta Square

Don't miss the charming shops and eateries just steps away after your visit. :shopping_bags:

Ghostly Encounters

Consider a 'Fright At the Museum' ghost tour for a spooky after-hours experience! :ghost:

What Travellers Say

4.7
(158 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise the Marietta History Center for its engaging exhibits, particularly those on military history and the Great Locomotive Chase. The friendly and knowledgeable staff enhance the experience, making it a worthwhile stop for a couple of hours. While the building's age is noticeable, the authentic atmosphere and well-presented displays are highly appreciated.

"Absolutely loved it here! Several displays of local history were fantastic. The military history displays were very interesting. Clean building and bathroom. Friendly and knowledgeable staff. Great way to spend a couple hours on a Saturday."

Beverly L.

"I really enjoyed this little gem! The Vietnam Black Soldiers Portrait Project was... I don't have the words, but the photographer did an amazing job.

I didn't realize that Georgia had so much gold in the past. All of Marietta's history seemed pretty interesting and the displays really helped bring it to life. There is a really huge and impressive gun collection in here. I spent about an hour here and definitely could have stayed a little longer. I like that the displays got to the point pretty quickly, there wasn't a ton of reading to do.

Also free for military with ID! Otherwise, $10 well spent."

Cassie G

"We brought our 2024 Teacher Fellowship cohort here to start our tour following the trail of The Great Locomotive Chase. Amy was awesome helping us plan the trip and making sure they were ready for us when we arrived. Anna and Christa welcomed us and provided great historical interpretation and guidance as we toured the Center learning about the "Andrews' Raiders," the group of Union soldiers and civilians who stole the locomotive "The General" and launched the day-long chase back to Chattanooga that resulted in the awarding of the first Medals of Honor. The exhibits were impressive and informative, and everyone really enjoyed our time there. It was a fantastic way to start our tour. Highly recommend!"

Charles H. Coolidge Medal of Honor Heritage Center

What People Like

Engaging historical exhibits
Knowledgeable staff
Military history displays

What People Dislike

Noticeable building age/smell

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Marietta History Center is located in the heart of historic downtown Marietta Square. It's easily accessible by car, with parking available nearby. Public transportation options may vary, so it's best to check local transit schedules if you're relying on buses or trains. Many visitors find it convenient to park in the square and walk to the center. Reddit

Yes, parking is generally available in and around Marietta Square. Street parking and public lots are common options. Arriving earlier in the day can increase your chances of finding a convenient spot, especially on busy weekends. Reddit

Absolutely! The Marietta History Center is situated within walking distance of many other attractions in the historic downtown area, including shops, restaurants, and other historical sites. It's a great starting point for exploring the square on foot. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Admission is typically $10 for adults, but it's always a good idea to check their official website for the most current pricing and any potential discounts. Military personnel with ID often receive free admission. Reddit

Yes, military personnel with valid ID often get free admission. It's worth inquiring about other potential discounts for seniors, students, or group rates when you plan your visit. Reddit

The center is generally open on weekdays and Saturdays, but hours can vary. It's highly recommended to check the Marietta History Center's official website or call ahead to confirm their current operating hours before your visit, especially around holidays. Reddit

While advance booking might not always be necessary for general admission, it can be beneficial for special events or group tours. Checking their website or contacting them directly is the best way to confirm booking procedures. Reddit

The center strives to be accessible. If you have specific accessibility needs, it's best to contact the Marietta History Center directly in advance to discuss accommodations and ensure a comfortable visit. Reddit

🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience

Most visitors find that 1-2 hours is sufficient to explore the main exhibits. However, if you're particularly interested in military history or want to delve deeper into specific displays, you might want to allocate a bit more time. Reddit

Highlights include the extensive military history displays, the 'Great Locomotive Chase' exhibit, the powerful Vietnam Black Soldiers Portrait Project, and exhibits on Georgia's gold rush history. InstagramReddit

While not always explicitly advertised, the staff are very knowledgeable and often provide informal interpretations and background information on relics. For specific tours like the ghost tour, booking is usually required. InstagramReddit

Generally, photography for personal use is allowed, but it's always best to check for any specific restrictions on certain exhibits or artifacts. Tripods and flash photography might be prohibited. Instagram

This is a special after-hours ghost tour that explores the paranormal history and alleged hauntings within the Marietta History Center. It's a popular event during the spooky season. Instagram+2

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

The Marietta History Center itself does not typically have a cafe or restaurant. However, it is located in Marietta Square, which offers a wide variety of dining options, from casual cafes to sit-down restaurants. Reddit

Visitors often recommend grabbing coffee at Cool Beans, lunch at The Local, or enjoying drinks at an Irish dive bar in Marietta Square. There are many other choices to suit different tastes and budgets. Reddit

It's generally not permitted to consume outside food and beverages inside museums. There are usually designated areas outside or in nearby parks if you wish to picnic. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Personal photography is usually permitted inside the Marietta History Center. However, it's always a good practice to look for signage regarding specific exhibit restrictions or to ask a staff member. Instagram

While general photography is often allowed, flash photography and the use of tripods may be restricted to protect the artifacts. Be mindful of other visitors and avoid obstructing pathways. Instagram

Many visitors enjoy capturing the impressive military artifacts, the detailed exhibits on local history, and the powerful portraits from the Vietnam Black Soldiers Project. The historic building itself also offers photographic opportunities. Reddit

The Marietta History Center is located in the picturesque Marietta Square, which provides numerous opportunities for exterior photos of the historic architecture and the surrounding vibrant downtown area. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Marietta History Center offers engaging exhibits that can captivate younger visitors. The Great Locomotive Chase exhibit is often a hit with children, bringing a historical adventure to life. The displays are generally to the point, minimizing excessive reading, which can be beneficial for shorter attention spans. Reddit

Consider visiting on a weekday afternoon to avoid larger crowds. While there isn't a dedicated children's play area, the interactive nature of some displays and the sheer volume of interesting artifacts, like the impressive gun collection, can keep kids entertained. The proximity to Marietta Square also means you can easily transition to a park or ice cream shop afterward if needed. Reddit

🎖️ Military & History Buffs

For those with a deep interest in military history, the Marietta History Center is a must-visit. The extensive military displays, including a notable gun collection, are frequently praised for their depth and presentation. The center provides a local lens on national conflicts, highlighting the roles and experiences of Cobb County residents. Reddit

Beyond military history, the exhibits on the Great Locomotive Chase and the Vietnam Black Soldiers Portrait Project offer unique historical narratives. The center's commitment to preserving and interpreting these stories makes it an invaluable resource for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of American history. Remember to bring your military ID for potential free admission. Reddit

👻 Paranormal Enthusiasts

If you're intrigued by the supernatural, the Marietta History Center offers a unique 'Fright At the Museum' ghost tour. This after-hours event explores the building's alleged hauntings and paranormal activity, drawing on local legends and documented sightings. It's a chance to experience history with a spooky twist. Instagram+1

Even outside of the ghost tours, the center's historical context can fuel the imagination. The building itself is historic, and the stories shared within its walls, particularly those related to the 'Great Locomotive Chase' or local lore, can lend themselves to ghostly interpretations. Be sure to check their schedule for when these popular tours are offered. Instagram+1

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Exploring Cobb County's Military Heritage

The Marietta History Center boasts a significant collection dedicated to military history, reflecting Cobb County's contributions to various conflicts. Visitors consistently praise the impressive gun collection and the detailed narratives that bring these historical events to life. The exhibits cover a range of periods, offering insights into the experiences of local soldiers and their impact on national events. Reddit

One particularly poignant exhibit is the Vietnam Black Soldiers Portrait Project, which showcases powerful photography and personal stories. This exhibit, along with others detailing local involvement in conflicts like the Civil War and World War II, provides a comprehensive look at the sacrifices and bravery of those who served. The center ensures that these stories are preserved and shared, making it a vital stop for anyone interested in military history. Reddit

The Thrill of the 'Fright At the Museum' Ghost Tour

For those seeking a more spine-chilling experience, the Marietta History Center offers 'Fright At the Museum' ghost tours. These after-hours events delve into the alleged paranormal activity and ghostly legends associated with the historic building and the surrounding area. Participants often report seeing orbs on surveillance video and hearing unsettling tales. Instagram+1

These tours provide a unique perspective on the history of Marietta, blending historical facts with local folklore and paranormal investigations. It's a popular attraction, especially during the Halloween season, and offers a fun, albeit spooky, way to engage with the past. Booking in advance is highly recommended due to the tour's popularity. Instagram+1

The 'Great Locomotive Chase' and Its Significance

A key highlight at the Marietta History Center is the exhibit dedicated to the 'Great Locomotive Chase'. This daring Civil War raid involved a group of Union soldiers and civilians, known as 'Andrews' Raiders,' who stole a Confederate locomotive, 'The General,' in an attempt to disrupt Confederate supply lines. The ensuing pursuit became one of the most famous events of the war. Reddit

The exhibit details the planning, execution, and dramatic aftermath of the chase, including the eventual capture and execution of some of the raiders. It also touches upon the awarding of the first Medals of Honor to some of the participants, underscoring the bravery and significance of this audacious mission. The center's interpretation of this event makes it a compelling learning experience for visitors of all ages. Reddit

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