The Marietta Gone with the Wind Museum has been a mainstay in downtown Marietta since April 2003 when it opened in the historic Old Thomas Warehouse Building. In 2018, the iconic collection moved to its current home at Brumby Hall and Gardens on Powder Springs Street, just a quarter mile off the Square. Brumby Hall has a rich history — one that is equal to the “Gone with the Wind” story. The house was built in a Greek Revival style in 1851 for the first superintendent of the Georgia Military Institute (GMI), Colonel Arnoldus Brumby, adjacent to the GMI where the Hilton Marietta Conference Center stands now. During the Civil War, it was repurposed as a makeshift hospital when General William T. Sherman’s troops occupied Marietta in 1864. Remarkably, it survived Sherman’s infamous “March to the Sea,” possibly spared out of respect for Colonel Brumby, who had attended West Point alongside Sherman.
The Howell Trezevant family purchased the home in 1925 and had it restored as nearly as possible to its original condition. The house remained a private residence until 1995 and is now on the National Register of Historic Places.
The Museum’s Treasured Collection
When the Museum needed a new home, Brumby Hall seemed to be the perfect solution. Brumby Hall is the perfect “Tara- like” backdrop for the Gone with the Wind Museum with the six, large columns and expansive front porch. The current collection is owned by Vicky Rogers who also owns the Gone with the Wind Remembered Museum in Cleburne, Texas. Jessica Giancola was recently appointed Executive Director of the Museum and Gardens in November 2024. The Museum is home to hundreds of artifacts related to both the novel and cinema versions of “Gone with the Wind,” including letters written by the book’s author, Margaret Mitchell; an original script from the movie; and the actual Bengaline honeymoon dress that actress Vivian Leigh wore in the film.
It features several original pieces as well as items that are extremely rare, such as the actual mourning bonnet worn by Scarlett in the film and the original Dan Sayre Groesbeck painting which hung in the Loews Grand lobby during the premier on Dec. 15, 1939. The Museum also is home to six original Walter Plunkett costume sketches, including the iconic green BBQ dress. Visitors embark on an immersive journey, beginning in a room dedicated to Margaret Mitchell before exploring exhibits on the film’s premiere, its elaborate costumes, and its celebrated cast. “’Gone with the Wind’ is still the highest grossing film of all time when adjusted for inflation,” Giancola said. “People resonate with the film and come from all over to view the collection.” The “Gone with the Wind” novel was translated into 43 languages in 53 countries and is popular worldwide.
Beyond the Museum: The Historic Gardens and Carriage House
The museum’s grounds extend beyond Brumby Hall itself. The Carriage House features an exhibit showcasing pieces of the actual Tara façade used in the movie’s production in Culver City, California. Beyond the Carriage House, visitors will find the meticulously maintained Historic Gardens of Brumby Hall. While the Gardens were an integral part of the estate since 1851, the current layout was designed in the early 1930’s by Hubert Owens, the founder of the School of Landscape Architecture at the University of Georgia in Athens. His design included a parterre garden, rose garden, and perennial garden. Today, the perennial garden is a picturesque spot for brides and grooms to exchange vows, then the party can celebrate the union in any of the other impressive gardens. Brumby Gardens has been home to many celebrations, including showers, parties, bar mitzvahs, and corporate events. The Gardens are a versatile space that can be tented year-round and even heated, if needed. Plus, if your guests are coming from out of town, the Hilton Marietta Hotel and Conference Center (and golf course) share the same parking lot. “It’s the perfect location really,” Giancola said. “We have ample parking onsite and even include a one-night stay at the Hilton for the bride and groom in the wedding package.”
Community Engagement and “A Southern Experience” Series
Under the direction of Giancola, the museum has started offering monthly events to increase community engagement and partnership with other local resources. This monthly event series, “A Southern Experience,” is held on the last Saturday of each month, and offers unique cultural events, collaborations, and educational programs.
JANUARY: A partnership with the Atlanta Typewriter Club showcasing 14 restored typewriters, including a Remington model like the one used by Margaret Mitchell.
FEBRUARY: “Children’s Day at the Museum,” featuring a book signing by children’s author Emily Matheis and a hands-on exploration of Depression-era arts and crafts.
MARCH 29: “Butterflies and Blooms: A Garden Experience,” including guided tours of the Historic Gardens led by Rich Deckman, Deputy Director of Parks, Recreation & Facilities for Marietta. The Marietta Daisies Garden Club and Master Gardeners Volunteers will also be on hand to discuss gardening and its impact on the community. Seeds will be donated by Busy B’s Plants.
APRIL 26: A celebration honoring Vivien Leigh’s legacy, hosted in conjunction with the arrival of the Vivien Leigh Circle.
JUNE 27-28: The inaugural Gone with the Wind Museum Trunk Sale, where visitors can shop for Gone with the Wind-themed memorabilia and estate sale treasures.
Additional plans for the year include a collaboration with the Strand Theater on the Marietta Square to screen “Gone with the Wind” and showcase some of the remarkable reproduction dresses that are occasionally on display in the Museum’s solarium.
A Cultural Landmark in Marietta
Brumby Hall and the Gone with the Wind Museum continue to be a cherished part of the Marietta community. With its rich historical significance, world-class collection, and commitment to engaging programming, the museum remains a destination for history enthusiasts, film buffs, and literary fans alike.
Whether you’re a lifelong fan of “Gone with the Wind” or simply looking to experience a piece of Southern history, the museum offers an unforgettable journey through time. From historical exhibits to vibrant community events, Brumby Hall and Gardens truly stand as a testament to the enduring legacy of Margaret Mitchell’s masterpiece.
The mission of the Gone with the Wind Museum is to preserve, celebrate, and share the cultural and historical significance of Margaret Mitchell’s iconic novel and its lasting impact on literature, film, and American history. The Museum and Gardens are open Tuesdays through Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. More information regarding admission, event rentals etc., can be found at gwtwmarietta.com.
