Of all the holidays on the Federal calendar, the one officially known as Washington’s Birthday and celebrated every year on the third Monday of February as Presidents Day, in most states, may be second only to Columbus Day for eliciting head-scratching confusion.
Sure, school’s out, some workers get the day off, banks are closed, the mail stops and retailers have sales. But it’s not a day of fireworks or feasting, like Fourth of July or Thanksgiving. Mostly, if you’re lucky, Presidents Day is time to do a little bit of nothing.
If you live in Georgia, though, it might be a good day to explore one of the state’s presidential places. The Jimmy Carter Library and Museum in Atlanta, the Boyhood Home of Woodrow Wilson in Augusta, the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Little White House in Warm Springs, and the Jimmy Carter National Historic Site in Plains are all within an easy drive of the metro area.
Jimmy Carter Library and Museum, Atlanta
Part of the Federal Presidential Library system, the Jimmy Carter Library and Museum underwent a major $10 million overhaul in 2009.
Most impressive among the newer high-tech exhibits, look for an interactive environment with six towering high-resolution video screens that immerse visitors in December 11, 1978 — a busy day in the life of the president that shows Carter dealing with issues that are still in the news, including health insurance, fuel-efficient cars, Iran and China.
There are also a number of exhibits devoted to Carter’s work after the White House. A touch-table display takes visitors along with the president and first lady to visit spots all over the world where the nonprofit Carter Center is “committed to advancing human rights and alleviating human suffering.”
The president and first lady spend 4 or 5 days every month at the Library and Museum, said PR officer Tony Clark, who often conducts tours.
“It’s not unusual to see them going through the museum,” Clark said. “Last month, we had visitors here who were able to watch the president doing an interview with Piers Morgan of CNN. Other times, he’ll walk up and say hello and shake hands or take pictures with visitors. That’s a real treat.”
Museum Admission: adults $8; seniors (60+), military, and students with IDs $6; free for 16 and under. Museum Hours: 9 a.m.-4:45 p.m. Mondays-Saturdays; noon-4:45 p.m. Sundays. 441 Freedom Parkway, Atlanta, 404-865-7100, www.jimmycarterlibrary.gov
Boyhood Home of Woodrow Wilson, Augusta
Open since 2001, the restored Boyhood Home of Woodrow Wilson is a surprise to many visitors who have no idea that the 28th president, born in 1856, spent his formative years, 1860-1870, in Augusta, where his father served as pastor of the First Presbyterian Church.
While living in the church manse, Wilson experienced the Civil War and Reconstruction, began his education, and served as president of the Lightfoot Baseball Club, writing the bylaws and playing second base for the team.
“This is really the only place where you get a sense of Wilson growing up as a Southerner,” said Boyhood Home executive director Erick Montgomery. “He had so many connections to Georgia. He was in Atlanta, briefly, trying to practice law. He was married in Savannah, and two of his children were born in Gainesville. Most people don’t know any of that.”
2012 marks the 100th anniversary of Wilson’s election to the presidency. Normally closed on Mondays, the Wilson Boyhood Home will be open February 20 in honor of Presidents Day with tours on the hour 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Special Presidents Day admission is buy one, get one of equal or lesser value free.
Regular admission: $5 adults; $4 seniors; $3 students K-12; free for children under age 5. Regular hours: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesdays-Saturdays. 419 7th Street, Augusta, 706-722-9828, www.wilsonboyhoodhome.org
FDR’s Little White House, Warm Springs
Franklin Delano Roosevelt built the Little White House in 1932, while he was still governor of New York, and just prior to being inaugurated president in 1933. Roosevelt first came to Warm Springs in 1924, hoping to find a cure for the paralytic symptoms of polio he’d suffered since 1921.
Featured in the recent HBO film, “Warm Springs,” the Georgia state historic site is close to the quaint shops and restaurants in Warm Springs village, and includes the Little White House, FDR Memorial Museum, Historic Pools Museum, Memorial Fountain and Walk of Flags and Stones.
Among the exhibits, you’ll find Roosevelt’s hand-controlled Ford, an iron lung, original furnishings and an unfinished portrait of the president, who suffered a stroke while posing for the artist, and died at the Little White House in 1945.
Special Memorial Day and Labor Day events every year allow the public to swim in the warm spring water pools Roosevelt once used for relaxation rehabilitation.
Admission: $6-$10. Hours: 9 a.m.-4:45 p.m. daily, except Thanksgiving, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. 401 Little White House Road, 706-655-5870, www.gastateparks.org/LittleWhiteHouse
The Jimmy Carter National Historic Site, Plains
Operated by the National Parks Service, the Jimmy Carter National Historic Site includes several locations and exhibits around Plains.
The former Plains High School, where Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter attended, houses the Visitor Center and Museum, and features a restored classroom, principal’s office and auditorium. Other rooms feature exhibits that explain the Carter’s lives in Plains.
The Plains Train Depot, which served as Carter’s 1976 presidential campaign headquarters, features a self-guided tour focused on his grassroots primary run and presidential victory.
The Boyhood Farm, where Carter lived from age 4 until he left for college, has been restored to appear as it did before electricity was installed in 1938. The tour includes audio stations where you can stop and listen to the voice of Carter sharing stories from his childhood.
Admission: Free. Visitor Center Hours: 9 a.m.-5:00 p.m. daily, except New Year’s Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. 300 North Bond Street, Plains, 229-824-4104, www.nps.gov/jica/index.htm
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