Jimmy Carter Museum and Library: A President’s legacy from Camp David to Atlanta

Source: Carter Center by Wally Gobetz under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

Now approaching 100, Jimmy Carter is the longest-living American President to date. He remains involved in human rights and even writes books and engages in charity work.

Just after being appointed President in 1977, Carter expressed a desire to build a Presidential Library “someplace in Georgia”. This historic landmark is therefore a physical embodiment one of the President’s dreams. Work began on the project on October 2, 1984, and its official opening took place on October 1, 1986.

The Jimmy Carter Library and Museum welcomes visitors year-round and you might just spot the former President standing in line for lunch at the museum cafeteria.

The Grounds

Nestled between two small lakes, the museum’s 35-acre grounds include a garden with 40 varieties of roses, as well as sculptures, waterfalls and a stunning view of the Atlanta skyline. Visitors who take a moment to rest on a park bench or stroll through the Japanese garden may also spot blue herons, hawks and snapping turtles on their walk.

The grounds are also a historical site dating back to the American Civil War. As an abandoned cotton plantation at the time, federal forces used it as the headquarters for Union General William T. Sherman during the Battle of Atlanta.

Interactive lessons in History

History buffs should be prepared to set aside several hours for exploring the museum, which includes highlights such as a life-size replica of Carter's Oval Office, his Nobel Peace Prize, and a ‘Day in the Life of the President’ exhibit splashed across six 13-foot screens. This audio-visual exhibit follows showcases Carter’s day throughout December 11, 1978, from the moment he woke to when he went back to sleep.

You can also explore a collection of around 27 million pages of Carter’s White House materials and thousands of photographs.

Visitors start their tour with a 14-minute introductory film narrated by actor Martin Sheen. "We thought it would be really neat to have the actor who played a U.S. president on West Wing narrate a film about the former President as well," says museum spokesperson Tony Clark.

The museum follows Carter's life growing up in Archery, Georgia in the era of segregation, which set the stage for how human rights became a defining issue of importance for him.

A copy of his sixth-grade report card, which shows his A-grade performance in every subject except music, where he earned a C, is especially ironic, says Clark. “Of the three presidents who have Grammy awards, he is the only one who holds two of them. Like Bill Clinton and Barack Obama, his Grammys are in spoken word for audio books – so we don't ask him to sing."

Visitors learn about Carter's naval career, which is when he met and started dating Eleanor Rosalynn Smith, his wife of more than 70 years. 

Source: Shutterstock

Awards and post-presidency achievements

Many of the awards he has earned are on display, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom – the highest civilian award granted in the UN – and the Nobel peace prize, which he was awarded in 2002 for his efforts in advancing democracy, human rights and peaceful solutions to international conflicts. One of his key accomplishments is his role in securing peace in the Middle East through the 1979 Egypt-Israel Peace Treaty.

"Atlanta is one of two places in the world where two Nobel Peace Prizes are located in close proximity to each other – Martin Luther King's historic site where his Nobel Peace Prize is displayed is a mile and a half down from here," says Clark. "The other place is Soweto, South Africa, for Desmond Tutu and Nelson Mandela."

Source: Jimmy Carter Library and Museum by Wally Gobetz under BY-NC-ND 2.0

Gift shop and café 

If you fancy a bite to eat during your visit, the Kitchen at Copenhill is an on-site café which is featured on the grounds. The menu changes daily, but you’re likely to find a varied range of delicious sandwiches, hot entrees, soups, salads and desserts.

Source: Presidential Medals by Wally Gobetz under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

The grounds also feature a Carter-themed gift shop where you can buy a range of different keepsakes to treasure. Options include books written by Carter, a grow-it-yourself peanut bush, China sets and a USS Jimmy Carter hat. You can even pick up a tub of the former president’s favorite butter pecan ice-cream.

Source: Nobel Peace Prize by Wally Gobetz under BY-NC-ND 2.0

Events

The Jimmy Carter Library and Museum conducts an author program all year round, bringing in some of the best writers from all over the world for lectures and book signings. The site also hosts a number of temporary exhibits, with everything from Hollywood blockbuster screenings to appearances from Mr. Carter himself.

Be sure to check out the Jimmy Carter Museum and Library website before your visit to learn about upcoming special events. Looking for more activities to add to your itinerary? Plan your trip with our guide to the top attractions in Atlanta.

Get ready to see the Jimmy Carter Library and Museum in person

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