South Carolina Museums
South Carolina is home to many museums throughout the state. A few are featured below with a more complete list available at SCIWAY
South Carolina State Museum
The South Carolina State Museum is the state’s largest and most comprehensive museum. It is located along the banks of the Congaree River in downtown Columbia, South Carolina. Founded in 1988, the State Museum is the primary storyteller of the history of South Carolina. Through rich and diverse collections displayed through interactive and engaging exhibitions, the State Museum strives to provide both residents and visitors an in-depth picture of the state’s past, present and future. The Museum has a variety of exhibitions and educational programs both offered at the museum and through distance learning programs, as well as through entertaining community events of all kind.
Charleston Museum
Founded in 1773 and commonly regarded as “America’s First Museum,” The Charleston Museum is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, accredited by the American Alliance of Museums. Their mission is to educate Charleston area residents and visitors about the natural and cultural history of the South Carolina Lowcountry through collections, exhibitions, preservation, programs and research.
Beaufort History Museum
The Beaufort History Museum is located at the historic Arsenal in downtown Beaufort. Its exhibits span 450 years of Beaufort's past and its role in American history.
Upcounty History Museum
Opened in 2007, the Museum structure the museum is located at Heritage Green in downtown Greenville and promotes the history of the Upcountry’s 15 counties. In 2012 Furman University and the Upcountry History Museum entered into a partnership that united the intellectual and cultural resources of both institutions to advance the Museum’s mission of promoting, presenting, and preserving the history of Upcountry South Carolina. Today the Upcountry History Museum – Furman University remains committed to helping people make meaningful and personal connections to history.
South Carolina Maritime Museum
The Carolina Maritime Museum’s mission is to create enjoyable experiences for all ages by featuring photographs, documents, artifacts, and interactive exhibits related to South Carolina’s rich and remarkable maritime history.
Florence County Museum
The Florence County Museum reflects the region’s rich artistic, cultural and historic heritage. Through a dynamic range of exhibitions, studios, lectures and family programming, the FCM provides visitors of all ages an engaging educational experience.