Jimmy Carter Library and Museum

Recently we were visiting Atlanta, Georgia and saw a sign for the Jimmy Carter Library and Museum. Since we have never visited a presidential library, we decided that it was time to learn more about President Jimmy Carter and tour his museum.

Jimmy Carter Library and Museum Visit

About the Museum

When we pulled into the parking lot, the kids asked me what all I knew about President Carter. I was less than 8 while he was President so my knowledge was limited to one memory. I can remember praying every day in 2nd grade for the 52 hostages in Iran. I remember President Carter’s name associated with that event.

I was ready to learn more about one of our modern, living presidents.
The Museum of the Jimmy Carter Library includes photographs and historical memorabilia from the Carter presidency (1976 – 1981). An exact replica of the Oval Office and gifts received by the Carters are also featured. A permanent exhibit of significant events occurring during Jimmy Carter’s life and political career includes photographs with interpretative text.

The museum was full of interactive exhibits where the kids could get hands-on with modern history. The boys enjoyed checking out the submarine. Did you realize President Carter was a submariner in the Navy?

One of the neat things about the museum was being able to see what the Oval Office looked like during his presidency. This led to the discussion about how each President can decorate the Oval Office to their personal taste.

Presidential Libraries

Presidential Libraries promote understanding of the presidency and the American experience. We preserve and provide access to historical materials, support research, and create interactive programs and exhibits that educate and inspire.

There are 13 Presidential Libraries in the US. This was our first introduction to a Presidential Library but it won’t be our last. It was educational and even interesting to see so many authentic items from President Carter’s Presidency.

Museum Admission

Adults: $8
Seniors (60+), Military, and Students with IDs: $6
16 and under: free
Parking: Free

Museum Hours

M – Sat: 9am – 4:45pm
Sun: noon – 4:45pm

Have you ever visited a Presidential Library? Which would you be most interested in visiting?

• Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum
  210 Parkside Drive, West Branch, IA 52358
• Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum
  4079 Albany Post Road, Hyde Park, NY 12538-1999
• Harry S. Truman Presidential Library and Museum
  500 W. U.S. Hwy 24, Independence, MO 64050-1798
• Dwight D. Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum
  200 SE. Fourth Street, Abilene, KS 67410-2900
• John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum
  Columbia Point, Boston, MA 02125-3398
• Lyndon Baines Johnson Presidential Library and Museum
  2313 Red River Street, Austin, TX 78705-5702
• Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum
  18001 Yorba Linda Boulevard, Yorba Linda, CA 92886-3903
• Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library
  1000 Beal Avenue, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2114
• Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum
  441 Freedom Parkway, Atlanta, GA 30307-1498
• Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum
  40 Presidential Drive, Simi Valley, CA 93065-0699
• George Bush Presidential Library and Museum
  1000 George Bush Drive West, College Station, TX 77845
• William J. Clinton Presidential Library and Museum
  1200 President Clinton Avenue, Little Rock, AR 72201
• George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum
  2943 SMU Blvd., Dallas, TX 75205
• Barack Obama Presidential Library
  2500 W. Golf Road, Hoffman Estates, IL 60169 (NOT OPEN TO PUBLIC)