text: "The 5K started five years ago as a partnership between the Cartersville Downtown Development Authority, Rose Lawn and Bartow History Museum as a way to promote a healthy lifestyle and the history of the area," BHM Director Trey Gaines said. "Following the first year, Rose Lawn and BHM took on the event as a way to bring awareness to our respective museums and to raise money for the public programming and exhibits we offer throughout the year.
  "Thanks to the many participants over the years and to our generous sponsors, the event continues to be a benefit to the museums and to our race participants who see parts of Cartersville's historic districts. The race also coincides with the annual May Market event at Rose Lawn. Participants are invited to enjoy the May Market following the race. Race participants can also visit the Bartow History Museum for free on the day of the race."
  Set for May 5, the 5K run/walk will start and conclude at Rose Lawn Museum, the former residence of the late prominent Methodist evangelist, Samuel Porter Jones.
  "With this being our fifth year, we wanted to get more creative with our branding," Gaines said. "We came up with the catchy name 'History Hustle' as a way to illustrate the fun and uniqueness of the event and race route. Our route takes participants through parts of several of the historic residential districts in Cartersville, where they 'hustle' past some unique architectural house styles, including Victorian, Craftsman, bungalows, ranches and others. In addition to the interesting house styles along the route, runners will also pass the Howell-Quillian Building at the corner of Luckie and Leake Streets. This building originally served as a hospital from the 1940s to the 1960s.
  "We have had very positive responses from past runners who have enjoyed the unique route and have appreciated the opportunity to experience the Rose Lawn event following the race. Participants have expressed their pleasure of walking through neighborhoods and the satisfaction of completing a route that includes challenging hills and interesting views."
  Following registration, which begins at 6:30 a.m., participants will depart from Rose Lawn Museum — 224 W. Cherokee Ave. — at 8 a.m. Entry fees are $25 through May 4, which guarantees a T-shirt, and $30 on race day. Walkers and runners also are encouraged to sign up in advance by clicking on "register here" at http://bartowhistorymuseum.org/event/historic-5k-rose-lawn.
  Proceeds from the 5K will go toward the Cartersville museums' operations and preservation efforts.
  Formed in 1987, BHM's gift shop, multipurpose room, and permanent and temporary exhibits have been housed in the 1869 Courthouse — 4 E. Church St. in Cartersville — since December 2010. Divided into six galleries, the permanent exhibits include "A Sense of Place," "Bartow Beginnings," "Community Champions," "People at Work," "The Coming War" and "Toward New Horizons."
  "At the Bartow History Museum, we develop and offer programs and exhibits throughout the year that highlight important historic events, people and subjects in Bartow's past," Gaines said. "We also welcome thousands of students each year who come to learn more about local and regional history through our curriculum-based educational programs. Funds raised through the 5K help us meet our mission to preserve the history around us and to educate our visitors of all ages every day.
  "We hope participants in the race will enjoy the beauty and historic feel of the race route and see some new parts of the Cartersville landscape. We also want participants to learn more about what both Rose Lawn and Bartow History Museum do to ensure the history around us is preserved for generations to come."
  As Gaines noted, participants will have the opportunity following the 5K to visit both Cartersville venues. Also occurring that day will be the May Market at Rose Lawn from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The arts and crafts festival will continue May 6 from noon to 5 p.m.
  "For several years, the Rose Lawn arts festival committee looked for inventive ways to make May Market outstanding and yet a little different from our well-established fall festival," said Jane Drew, director of Rose Lawn Museum. "We feel that our latest and most successful addition, the Historic Hustle 5K, is the perfect 'kick off' for our spring show, May Market.
  "The 5K morning race brings an early morning crowd of participants, supporters and well-wishers to our grounds. Those that are left here as the race proceeds, appear to enjoy the early morning festival experience as vendors and artists open up their tents and get ready for their busy, and hopefully, prosperous day. Our staff encourages our vendors to be ready to make their product/art available for sale, even before the show is advertised to be open to the public."
  Serving as a house museum, Rose Lawn Museum features the belongings of Jones' family and teacher, Rebecca Felton. While his ministry started small — preaching at various churches and open-air tabernacles surrounding Cartersville — Jones gained notoriety during the late 1800s. He drew thousands to revivals at the Union Gospel Tabernacle, now known as Ryman Auditorium — a venue in Nashville, Tennessee, that was built in his honor.
  "As director, I am always looking for the opportunity to make more money to support Rose Lawn, the former home of renowned evangelist, Samuel Porter Jones," Drew said. "We are owned and operated by Bartow County government. Thankfully, Bartow County employees do an amazing job of maintaining the home and grounds. All festival and race proceeds are used to offset the expenses for the upkeep of this stately house museum and event home.
  "Occupying approximately 4 acres in the heart of Cartersville's historic district, the original [1850s-1860s] dwelling consisted of three rooms made of pine. By 1885, there had been significant additions, creating a lovely cottage. Sam and Laura Jones moved into the cottage around 1885 and [lived] there 10 years. Around 1895, Jones had the top two floors lifted, which created the architectural wonder that stands today. This noted historical landmark [provides] a perfect setting for the runners to gather, check-in and begin their morning run. Our, Rose Lawn's, history is second to none and is the perfect place for our Historic Hustle 5K."
  For more information about the History Hustle 5K, contact Gaines at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 770-382-3818, ext. 6286.
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