James March-April 2025 web - Flipbook - Page 55
TH E S WA N H O U S E
We’re trying to make this a
museum that attracts as broad
an audience as possible.
— S H EF F IEL D H AL E —
special exhibition, “Atlanta in 100 Objects,” an expansion of its previous “Atlanta in 50 Objects” exhibit
devoted to telling the city’s history through items
ranging from an Aaron bat to the Varsity restaurant.
“We’re working on multiple levels to see that
happen,” he said. “June 30, 2026 is our 100th anniversary. Right after that is the 250th anniversary of
the United States. … To me it’s exciting we’re updating it so everything is in as good a shape as our
archives and to have them online.”
Hale said the decisions he has made as the
center’s leader that he’s most proud of include his
involvement in two capital campaigns and a third
special one for the Cyclorama.
“The Cyclorama was a great game-changing
event from a visibility perspective,” he said. “The
way we approached history has stood the test of
time. We have guiding principles on how we talk to
people and we don’t use charged language. … We’re
continuing to do that.
“We’re trying to make this a museum that attracts
as broad an audience as possible. We think that’s our
responsibility. … It’s about changing your perspective.
I’m really proud we’ve been able to do that and keep
the course as steady as you can. It’s really countercultural to approach history in that manner. We just
want to keep doing it. We’re the Energizer Bunny and
want to just keep going ahead.”
As the center plans its anniversary events, its
goal of increasing memberships is in the forefront.
“This children’s experience is a part of that and
we’re seeing a great response to that with new
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