For decades, Gordon Jones has bridged Civil War scholarship and the public. Emerging Civil War has honored Atlanta History Center curator for his efforts

Gordon Jones has been an historian and storyteller for decades (Picket and AHC photos)

Affable and engaging, Gordon L. Jones, the senior military historian and curator at the Atlanta History Center, has for decades been instrumental in telling the story of the Civil War and its impact on place, people and memory.

Whether it has been through talks or artifacts he has researched and curated, Jones is considered the consummate public historian, according to Emerging Civil War.

He led the relocation and restoration of “The Battle of Atlanta,” the breathtaking cyclorama painting depicting the July 1864 battle, and has overseen “Turning Point: The American Civil War,” the AHC’s permanent Civil War exhibit that soon will be overhauled. Another project was the restoration of the locomotive Texas, famous for its role in the 1862 "Great Locomotive Chase."

Emerging Civil War, a collaboration of about 30 historians, recently bestowed its 2024 Award for Service in Civil War Public History to Jones at its annual meeting in Spotsylvania County, Va., saying he has had a significant impact on the field of public history by helping connect everyday people to America’s defining event.

Focal point of the Atlanta Cyclorama shows a brief Rebel breakthrough (Picket photo)

Those who know Jones say the historian richly deserves the recognition by making the history center one of the best Civil War museums in the country. He’s been on the staff since 1991. 

“Gordon's knowledge of the history, the material culture and both the history of and the practice of interpretation has meant that the museum and its exhibits haven't just been a bunch of ‘old stuff on display’ but a place of history, education, context and provocation -- the muse in museum,” Jim Ogden, historian at Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park, told the Civil War Picket in an email.

“So much of Atlanta's, the Civil War's story wouldn't be accessible today if it weren't for Gordon's hard and thoughtful work,” said Ogden.

Chris Mackowski, editor in chief of Emerging Civil War, said Jones has ensured the AHC tells “a full, balanced, and remarkably rich story.”

Over the years, Jones has ensured people hear different perspectives, including those that may challenge long-held beliefs.

Jackson McQuigg and Jones in North Carolina for a 2017 talk about restored Texas (AHC)

“This means a lot to me because it comes from colleagues who are involved in the same kinds of work,” Jones said of the honor in an email Friday.

“Scholarship is essential, but so is engaging the wider public. We stand on the shoulders of giants – all those collectors, scholars, teachers, reenactors, friends and comrades who came before. I've learned so much from them over the years, and that's the greatest blessing of all,” he wrote.

Jones holds a master of arts in public history from the University of South Carolina and a Ph.D. from the Institute for the Liberal Arts at Emory University.

The curator has been a fixture at Civil War shows, AHC events and the Atlanta Civil War Roundtable, which he joined in 2001 and served as president in 2016-2017. His interest in the conflict grew as he took part in reenactments as a young man.

“At a high level, Gordon’s transformational work at the Atlanta History Center has elevated their Civil War exhibitions to world-class heights, and his leadership here at the Atlanta Civil War Round Table has connected our group to original research and opened doors to other leading authorities in the field,” said Sam Moses, president of the organization, which meets monthly at the AHC.

The dark-lit "Turning Point" exhibit is a longtime Atlanta History Center fixture

“But the thing that makes Gordon a truly one-of-a-kind educator is his unique ability to bring even the most casual observer into direct contact with history,” Moses said. “Gordon leverages artifacts -- often rare (and sometimes seemingly trivial) -- to weave a thread of importance that connects through time to the present day. Without leaning on over-dramatization, his presentation style builds steadily on fundamental themes, using good humor and carefully curated objects to help audiences relate to the people of the past, and even share in their experiences so many years afterward.”

A current priority for Jones is remaking the AHC’s “Turning Point,” its core but somewhat dated Civil War exhibit. Space for exhibits will jump from 9,200 square feet to 15,400 feet.

“Among (others) things, that allows us to exhibit collections acquired since ‘Turning Point opened in 1996, including the George Wray Collection and the rest of our U.S. Colored Troops artifacts," said Jones. "All this is due for opening in 2026. Yes, much still to do.”

Flag of the 127th USCT is in the AHC collection (Photo: Morphy Auctions)

The AHC’s collection of USCT items includes a regimental flag, knapsack, swords, soldier badges and a soldier manual. The Wray collection provides a fascinating look at Confederate weapons, some well-made, and some not so much.

Jackson McQuigg, vice president of properties for the AHC, has worked with Jones for three decades, notably on the Cyclorama and Texas projects.

“One thing I've noticed is that Gordon's deep knowledge of Civil War and military history is always accompanied by a desire to learn more. Not one to rest on his existing knowledge base, Gordon remains genuinely interested in historical research, especially if it will make him a better storyteller.”

“Further, Gordon is accessible -- always. His outgoing, friendly demeanor is genuine, real and available to all. He's never met a stranger. These are qualities which make him a joy to work with and a worthy recipient of this honor.”

The Picket, which has spoken with Jones about numerous topics over 15 years, reached out to other historians and Civil War experts for their reaction to the honor:

Jones in 2021 with a rare Whitworth sniper rifle used by the South (Picket photo)

Charlie Crawford, president emeritus of the Georgia Battlefields Association

“Gordon deserves every public history award there is.”

Michael Shaffer, author of “Day by Day Through the Civil War in Georgia

“Very well-deserved. Gordon is always eager to share his wealth of knowledge with others, and remains a trusted member of the Civil War community.”

W. Todd Groce, president and CEO of the Georgia Historical Society

“This award is a well-deserved recognition of all that Gordon has accomplished over a long and productive career. He is a skillful public historian who knows how to effectively make scholarly history relevant and accessible to wide audience. I’m proud to be his friend.”

Past recipients of the ECW public history award include Civil War Trails, American Battlefield Trust; historian and author Gary Gallagher; Dave Ruth, former superintendent at Richmond National Battlefield; and the late D. P. Newton, founder of the White Oak Civil War Museum.

Emerging Civil War also honored Patrick Young, author of the Reconstruction Era blog, with the Stevenson Award for outstanding service to the organization.