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What do saber toothed tigers, an earthquake simulator, obsidian rock, and a Bell helicopter have in common?  Well, if you answered, “A stroll through the Smithsonian Museum in Washington,” you would not be completely wrong.  The TELLUS Northwest Georgia Museum is a Smithsonian affiliate, and along with its sister affiliate, the Booth Western Art Museum, in Cartersville, Georgia, TELLUS can certainly tout bragging rights. 

Upon my arrival to this beautifully appointed museum -- located conveniently right off of I-75 just north of Cartersville -- I was welcomed by Joe Schulman, the museum’s marketing director and my guide for the day.  Schulman was a walking database of information and during our stroll explained, “TELLUS and its supporters really took pride in having a premiere museum, not just for children, not just for adults, but for the entire family.  While researching and visiting many museums across the country, the inspiration for TELLUS came from what other museums were not.” 

The love for the previous Weinman Mineral Museum -- now serving as administrative offices for TELLUS – transformed into a thirst for a unique and multi-faceted destination museum.  And multi-faceted it is.  TELLUS promises to remain a ‘Touch Us’ museum, with PLEASE TOUCH signs posted all throughout the facility.  What a treat for children of all ages.

Some of the highlights of TELLUS:

• The Mineral Gallery sparkles with gems and minerals from all over the world.
• A Tyrannosaurus Rex is one of more than 40 pre-historic animals in The Fossil Gallery.
• A steam-powered locomotive, a helicopter and a jet cockpit showcase the evolution of motorized transportation in the Science in Motion gallery.
• Kids can become mad scientists and learn about the world around them in The Collins Family My Big Backyard. 
• Guests can travel the galaxy with a show in the planetarium.
• Visitors can see the stars in a new light with special stargazing events at the observatory.
• TELLUS hosts a variety of special events throughout the year, including the annual Supernova Gala, Rockfest and Member Appreciation Day.
• The TELLUS Lecture Series features special guests every month with topics ranging from the construction of the museum's dinosaurs to history of space travel.
• National Astronomy Day is held every year right around the first quarter Moon. TELLUS celebrates National Astronomy Day with children's activities, solar and night viewings and special giveaways.

Schulman noted that the museum’s visitor goal for the inaugural year was 150,000, and the facility has already exceeded that goal by 10,000.  “We might try to raise that goal to 200,000 which would far exceed our previous expectations,” commented Schulman.  Also noteworthy is that  TELLUS has accomplished everything with only private and public support; no grants or government funding were utilized to build and maintain this beautiful museum. 

I was truly amazed at the collection of fossils, gems and stones, not to mention the interactive children’s galleries and gem panning exhibits.  Along with a theater and planetarium and full service café, my tour was complete, leaving me hungry for more.  I am surely destined for future visits and at a very affordable ticket price.

For more information, visit www.tellusmuseum.org.

Site Classifieds: family entertainment, history, kids activities