Imagine stepping back in time, where each photograph tells a story of bravery, despair, and the complexities of the human spirit during the American Civil War. On March 16, the William Root House in Marietta, Georgia, opens its doors for a unique event that promises to do just that. Hosted by historian Chad Carlson, this lecture is not just an exhibition but a journey into the past, exploring the depths of Civil War soldier photography. As an expert in historic preservation and a passionate collector, Carlson brings the era to life, offering insights that transcend the boundaries of time.

A Glimpse into the Past Through the Lens

The heart of this lecture lies in its ability to connect us with the individuals who lived through one of America’s most tumultuous periods. Carlson, leveraging his expertise and personal collection, will guide attendees through the evolution of photographic techniques of the time. This exploration is more than technical; it’s a window into the daily lives, the unspoken emotions, and the untold stories of those who fought. The visual legacy of the Civil War, with its raw, unfiltered portrayal of soldier life, offers a poignant reminder of the war’s reality, far removed from the grandeur often depicted in history books.

The Venue: A Portal to the 1860s

Hosting this event, the William Root House stands as a beacon of historical preservation. Its significance extends beyond architecture, embodying the essence of mid-19th century Georgian life. This venue, chosen for its historical fidelity and innovative presentation methods, including self-guided touchscreen tours, sets the perfect backdrop for Carlson’s lecture. It’s a place where the past and present converge, offering a comprehensive understanding of both the average household and the broader societal structures of the time, including the narratives of the Root family and their enslaved house servants. The commitment of the Cobb Landmarks & Historical Society to this preservation underscores the importance of community engagement in the ongoing dialogue about history and progress.

Securing a Seat in History

Given the limited seating and the anticipated high demand for a lecture of this caliber, interested attendees are encouraged to secure their spots in advance. This event is not only an opportunity to learn about a pivotal era in American history but also to engage with it in a manner that is both educational and deeply moving. The City of Marietta, by highlighting this lecture, emphasizes the role of public events in fostering a deeper appreciation for our collective past. As we look forward to March 16, the anticipation builds for an evening that promises to be as enlightening as it is memorable.

As we delve into the stories and images that Chad Carlson has meticulously collected and preserved, we are reminded of the power of photography to capture moments of historical significance. This lecture at the William Root House is more than an educational opportunity; it is an invitation to connect with the past in a way that is both intimate and profound. Through the lens of Civil War soldier photography, we are offered a glimpse into the human experiences that shaped our nation, ensuring that these stories continue to resonate with generations to come.

Award-winning National Geographic photographer Joel Sartore is coming to the Tennessee Aquarium for his National Geographic Photo Ark exhibition.

Through this 17-year (and counting) effort, Sartore has archived unique portraits of more than 15,000 species across more than 50,000 images. He estimates completing the archive could take another seven to eight years. 

“The Photo Ark is really my last-ditch, desperate effort to get people to care about nature,” Sartore says.

Beginning March 1 and continuing through the end of the year, the Aquarium will exhibit two dozen images from the Photo Ark throughout its campus. Sartore will also be there on February 29 previewing this special exhibition. 

To attend the event, visit the Tennessee Aquarium’s website.

History buffs and photography enthusiasts will have the opportunity to delve into the visual legacy of the Civil War at a special lecture presented by historian Chad Carlson. The event, which focuses on Civil War soldier photography, is scheduled for March 16 at the William Root House in Marietta, Georgia. Carlson, a Georgia State University alum and expert in historic preservation, will share insights from his personal collection of Civil War imagery, which promises to offer attendees a unique glimpse into the past.

The lecture will commence at 6pm, allowing attendees enough time to engage with Carlson’s extensive knowledge of the era’s photographic techniques and the personal stories captured in his collection, he serves as a historian at the Georgia Department of Transportation and leverages his expertise to benefit the preservation of Georgia’s historical narrative. Those interested in attending should note that seating is limited, and securing a ticket in advance through the William Root House website is highly recommended.

The City of Marietta’s official announcement provides essential details about the event, including its location at 80 N Marietta Parkway, NW, in the heart of Marietta. The Root House Museum stands as a testament to the daily life of the mid-19th century, contrasting the grandeur of plantation homes with a more truthful representation of average Georgian households during that period.

As the first house museum in the nation to implement a fully self-guided touchscreen tour, the William Root House offers an interactive experience that brings historical education into the modern age, while its grounds and home have been restored to their 1860 appearance, the museum integrates technology to tell the stories of both the Root family and their enslaved house servants. Cobb Landmarks & Historical Society, the steward organization, has been dedicated to preserving such significant sites since 1974, fostering community knowledge of our collective history as a foundation for progress.

Gear and bag company Wandrd is well known by photographers and travel enthusiasts. The company has released four new products in a new Transit Travel line to expand its offerings.

First up in the new release is the Wandrd Transit Travel Backpack. This camera backpack offers loads of pockets for organizing gear. The customizable interior is ideal for carrying photography equipment along with personal belongings, making it a versatile option.

As with Wandrd’s other offerings, the Transit Travel Backpack is very travel-focused. The pack features a hidden passport and travel wallet pocket and a hidden AirTag pocket to keep essentials safe. A luggage pass-through makes it more comfortable to cruise through airports with a roller bag. And it offers a weather-resistant build with reinforced zippers as well, so it should hold up over time. It’s available in 35 or 45L sizes and in either black or Wasatch Green colorways.

The Wandrd Transit Carry-On Roller is a new option for those who prefer rolling through airports. It is a carry-on-sized roller bag and plays well with the above bag’s luggage pass-through. Like the Transit Travel Backpack, it offers a hidden AirTag pocket and plenty of other organization pockets. It includes an oversized laptop compartment to make going through security easier. Crush-proof wheels, weather-resistant materials, and a two-stage retractable handle should make it easy to transport and plenty durable.

The Wandrd Tote Backpack offers a solution for shorter outings or as a second bag on longer trips. As the name suggests, this bag serves as both a classic tote bag and backpack for greater versatility. It’s made of durable materials to hold up to travel and daily outings. The expandable roll-top makes it easier to adjust the size of the bag, and the self-standing design means it won’t fall over when set down. There are dual water bottle pockets, a key hook, and a luggage pass-through. It’s compatible with Wandrd’s Essential Camera Cube, making it a multi-purpose bag.

Finally, the Wandrd Travel Wallet promises a “perfect blend of style and function,” according to the Wandrd website. It features hidden cash and AirTag pockets and magnetic closure. It also offers RFID protection for extra security while traveling.

All four new products are available for purchase now on Wandrd’s website. The Transit Travel Backpack is priced at $299 for the 35L and $329 for the 45L. The Transit Carry-On Roller is $379, while the Tote BackPack is $129, and the Travel Wallet is $74.