Scarlett O’Hardy’s Gone With the Wind Museum was established in 1998 in the historic town of Jefferson, Texas. Whether you visit Jefferson for its once famous reputation as the Bed & Breakfast Capital of Texas, or because it’s noted as one of the most haunted cities in the U.S., there’s lots to discover.
Indeed, the museum is a journey into the heart of Southern history combined with Hollywood glamour.
What’s in Scarlett O’Hardy’s Gone With the Wind Museum in Jefferson, Texas?
You’ll find the timeless artifacts packed into this 1,700 square foot private collection intriguing, whether you loved the book or the movie.
This private museum contains one of the largest collections of memorabilia from Gone With the Wind. Bobbie Hardy is the museum owner. Much of her collection was amassed during the 30 years she lived in Houston, Texas, before establishing the museum in Jefferson.
Some of the key parts of the collection include:
- A tribute to Margaret Mitchell, author of the novel, Gone With the Wind.
- Mitchell’s original typewriter.
- History of the era and the antebellum South.
- An authentic reproduction of Scarlett’s green drapery dress, designed by Walter Plunkett, and often noted s the most famous costume in movie history.
- Dozens of items from the movie’s original release such as magazine covers, a matchbook, and original handkerchiefs, scarves, and jewelry.
Linda’s Pick of the Exhibits
My favorite exhibit was the pair of original theater seats from Loew’s Grand Theatre in Atlanta, where the movie premiered in 1939. I loved that I could take a minute to sit on one, and feel myself transported to that night of pomp and grandeur!
Above the seats, you’ll see a large medalion poster featuring Clark Gable and Vivien Leigh in their feature roles as Rhett and Scarlet. The poster has preserved their “flaming embrace” for decades!
How Much Do You Know About Gone With the Wind?
Gone with the Wind, the classic movie about the South, celebrated its 75th anniversary in 2014, after being first shown in Atlanta back on December 19, 1939.
The book, Gone with the Wind, written by Atlanta author, Margaret Mitchell, had already been met with wide acclaim before the film came out. Published in June 1936, it sold a million copies in its first six months–a feat that’s still amazing even in the worldwide access that e-books have today.
If you’re not sure what the story’s all about, there’s a great analysis of the characters and their motivations on the Pop Matters site.
And while there’s a lot of disagreement over whether or not the story of Gone with the Wind is a tragedy or not, none would likely disagree that the author, Mitchell’s, life was filled with tragic events beginning with the mysterious ailment that kept her bedridden from her journalism career long enough to write the 400,000+ page novel.
Then, sadly, Mitchell died just a decade after the film came out in a traffic accident. This article from History Today goes through her own very tragic life story.
Gone With the Wind–Premiere in December 1939
The Internet can take us back in time to the premiere of this amazing story. This video is live footage of the events leading up to the premiere showing in Atlanta on December 19, 1939.
YouTube Video: Gone With the Wind (Premiere Atlanta 1939)
And here’s the original December 25, 1939, Time Magazine review of the movie and event.
Linda’s Road Trip Tips
We visited Jefferson, Texas, on a trip to experience Contraband Days in Lake Charles, Louisiana. Since we ended up with half a day to spare, we’d checked out attractions in Texas when crossing into the state.
Jefferson has lots to see and do for history buffs. There are more than 100 historic houses and buildings spread through the community that’s home to roughly 2000 people.
Fast Fact: There are more registered historic structures designated in Jefferson than anywhere else in Texas.
Sites we particularly enjoyed included the Jefferson Carnegie Library (but then again, I was a librarian for a decade!), Jay Gould’s Railroad car at the Excelsior House Hotel, and Old Mill Antiques. We also spent a lot of time in the Jefferson Historical Museum.
Who Should Visit Scarlett O’Hardy’s Gone With the Wind Museum?
Scarlett O’Hardy’s Gone With the Wind Museum is a perfect stop for literary readers and lovers of old movies. When you visit, you step into Scarlett’s world and learn about the historic south.
Adults will likely find the museum more interesting than children and teens, although there are displays of toys and games relate to the film.
Since the museum is all on one floor, it doesn’t present any challenges to those with mobility issues.
How Do You Visit the Scarlett O’Hardy’s Gone With the Wind Museum?
The museum is located in Jefferson, Texas, at 408 Taylor Street.
Open year-round, typically from Thursday through Saturday, visit the Scarlett O’Hardy website to contact Bobbie Smith Hardy to confirm days and hours.
Check out what’s happening on the Scarlett O’Hardy’s Gone With the Wind Museum Facebook page.
View a virtual tour on YouTube.
Start your visit planning to the Scarlett O’Hardy’s Gone With the Wind Museum on Google.
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Scarlett O’Hardy’s Gone With the Wind Museum appeals to the romance in all of us. Whether you just want to know more about the book and movie or their Hollywood production, the museum takes you back into Southern U.S. history.
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