4.5Fort Sumter National Monument(5.848 reviews) - Interesting and educational throughout Tuesday: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites • Military Bases & Facilities • History Museums
Learn all about this storied spot of the first clash between the Union and Confederate armies in the Civil War, in which the Union forces finally surrendered after a 34-hour bombardment by the Rebels.See more..
5.0Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum(4.611 reviews) - Do The Captain's Tour of The Yorktown For Incredible Views Of The Ship Not Available To General Admission Tuesday: 9:00 AM - 6:30 PM Spent More than 3 hours Military Museums • Speciality Museums • History Museums
The history of Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum began in June 1975 when the legendary aircraft carrier USS Yorktown entered Charleston Harbor. A few months later, the USS Yorktown was dedicated as the first ship of the Naval & Maritime Museum on the 200th birthday of the United States Navy. Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum was officially opened to the public on January 3, 1976. Today the museum consists of the aircraft carrier USS Yorktown (CV-10) with 29 aircraft on display from WWII to the present; the USS Laffey (DD-724), a Sumner-class destroyer; and the USS Clamagore (SS-343), a GUPPY III submarine. The Congressional Medal of Honor Society is headquartered here and their official Medal of Honor Museum is onboard the USS Yorktown. There is also a Cold War Sub Memorial and Vietnam Support Base Camp on the surrounding grounds.See more..
4.5Nathaniel Russell House(2.042 reviews) - A great, inexpensive tour, with or without a guide, benefits the Historical Foundation. Tuesday: 10:00 AM - 4:30 PM Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites • History Museums
A National Historic Landmark, the Nathaniel Russell House Museum was completed in 1808 by merchant Nathaniel Russell. The home’s graceful, free-flying, three-story staircase is an architectural marvel and the elegant interiors with elaborate plasterwork, geometrically shaped rooms, formal gardens and collection of 18th-century decorative and fine art speak to the wealth of Charleston’s elite in the early days of the American Republic. Restored to its original splendor using forensic analysis and cutting-edge conservation technology by our curatorial staff, we ensure the highest standards of old-world expertise to replicate the finishes, fixtures and textiles appropriate for this 200-year old townhouse. The 18 enslaved Africans that lived on and maintained this property are an integral part of its history. Archaeological artifacts, educational panels and ongoing restoration of the enslaved quarters are vital to learning more about the enslaved and telling their important stories.See more..
History comes alive as Colonial dressed guides talk about Pirates, Patriots and Presidents! Explore the location where pirates were once held and view a section of the 1698 fortification that once protected the Walled City. Completed in 1771 as the New Exchange and Customs House, recognized today as South Carolina's most historic building. Where Patriots were imprisoned, the Constitution was ratified and George Washington was entertained.See more..
4.5Upcountry History Museum(205 reviews) - Great place to learn about the upstate Tuesday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM History Museums
While in Greenville, I visited this museum. This is a great place to learn about the South Carolina Upstate region. This museum teaches you in great detail about the history of the South Carolina Upstate. Best of all, it was a great value.See more..
4.5Aiken County Historical Museum(181 reviews) - I was surprised a small, county museum was this good! Tuesday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 AM Spent 2-3 hours Historic Sites • Educational sites • History Museums
I thought I'd run in and out to see the building but I ended up reading a lot of the info about the displays. There was a cute little olde time soda shop and pharmacy display. I liked that it told a local story instead of all the Civil War history I already knew. And it's free. I wanted to go in the gift shop but they weren't wearing masks. The volunteers at the front were.See more..
I spotted this while driving through a side neighborhood. Was at first hestiant given the small size of the building...but was completely, pleasantly surprised with what I found inside. This Civil War period collection is impressive, and the curator/director Mike Couch may be the museum's best treasure. He easily spent 90 minutes with me explaining each display, often sharing facts/stories that added depth, color and meaning to each. While I'm not a Civil War buff, I do enjoy History; I left with a far greater appreciation of that period thanks largely to Mike. Note: some earlier comments have cited concerns that the presentations are one-sided and lack balance. That was not my impression...and Mike did not promote a singular view. Know that this collection focuses with pride on the role and significant contribution of South Carolina during that period. I say "well done"!.See more..
Founded in 1896, the South Carolina Confederate Relic Room and Military Museum is the oldest history museum in the state. The museum focuses on South Carolina’s military history from the Revolutionary War to the present.See more..
4.5Museum of York County(109 reviews) - Interesting tour Tuesday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Speciality Museums • Natural History Museums • Points of Interest & Landmarks
Explore the Carolina Piedmont and its connections to the world at the Museum of York County! Our Naturalist Center is the only Smithsonian-styled education center in South Carolina, with more than 2,000 specimens at your fingertips. Our staff will guide your learning adventures from the Piedmont and across the globe. In the Settlemyre Planetarium, travel the cosmos from the comfort of your seat with state-of-the-art digital projection and new programs. Based on the imaginative artwork of nationally-known illustrator and long-time Rock Hill resident, Vernon Grant, a playful learning space awaits our youngest visitors in Tot Town, while the Gallery features changing exhibitions for the young and young-at-heart. Don’t miss award-winning exhibitions and programs exploring a variety of natural history topics. Our Museum Gift Shop offers items of interest for all ages. A picnic area and Nature Trail offer outdoor experiences.See more..
4.5Anderson County Museum(95 reviews) - Great Museum of Local History Tuesday: 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Military Museums • Speciality Museums • History Museums
Welcome to the Award Winning Anderson County Museum! Our 12,000 square foot gallery offers inspiration and innovation experiences through our collections, exhibits, programs and events. We engage visitors with our artifact-driven approach in galleries that are not static, but offer new and exciting exhibits, events, and programs monthly. For more than 35 years we have told the stories of Anderson County and South Carolina. These stories educate visitors on the local, regional, and national significance our rich history proclaims. As a museum with more than 25,000 artifacts, our permanent exhibits are always changing. New temporary exhibits are presented quarterly as we collect, preserve and interpret objects in the ACM collection.See more..
4.5Florence County Museum(60 reviews) - Tells the story of the Pee Dee marvelously Tuesday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Science Museums • Art Museums • History Museums
The Florence County Museum showcases over 140 works representing 20th-century Southern art, along with works by Florence native, William H. Johnson. Through a range of exhibitions, studios, lectures and family programming, the FCM provides visitors of all ages an educational experience. The Pee Dee History Gallery is home to Native American and Colonial period artifacts as well as Civil War items from the Florence Stockade prison camp and Confederate Naval Yard. Natural sciences exhibits explore regional themes such as the formation of and biodiversity in the Great Pee Dee River. Temporary exhibits also are included.See more..
We stopped at the Railroad Center to check out the train. There is a 10 dollar admission fee that get you a guided tour of the train. This is a very nicely restored collection of rail cars and a locomotive. Our tour guide was very knowledgeable and friendly. the cars are air conditioned and are laid out so you can walk car to car. There are stairs to get to the car level and a lift is available. Parking is easy at the entrance that is in an old bank building, they also have a few train models on display. Check it out.See more..
We have been to many museums in our life time, and rate the Elloree Heritage Museum at the top of our list. Elloree is a very small town and you can tell by the way this place was put together that the people of this area have a lot of pride in their little community. Beautiful exhibits well designed and with a hand control gives you the history behind each of the displays. This is a cotton farming area and much of the museum is a history of that kind of life style. I did not see once piece in this museum that was missing any part and it really give you the detail on how this equipment was made back in those days. Interestingly, the street that the Museum is on, hasn't changed since the early 1900's. This is really a must see. Stop in at the Visitors Center if your heading south as you cross Lake Marion. Drop in at the visitors center and ask for things to see in the small towns surrounding this Lake. Elloree is a short distance. We were treated very nicely at this visitors center.See more..
5.0Morris Center for Lowcountry Heritage(21 reviews) - The Morris Center is wonderful Spent < 1 hour Speciality Museums • Art Museums • History Museums
We are so fortunate to have this museum in Ridgeland. The programs offered are varied so there is something for every age. There are many free exhibits, demonstrations and speeches as well as classes in exercise, art, culinary, crafts, etc. for a very reasonable fee. The last instructional class that I attended, taught me to make beautiful Christmas wreaths from magnolia leaves and bows. It was sponsored by our local Garden Club so we learned from the best!See more..
4.5Sigal Music Museum(18 reviews) - Informative staff! Tuesday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Speciality Museums • History Museums
Museum. Formerly Carolina Music Museum. Now home to one of the largest collections of various musical instruments in the world.See more..
5.0Oconee History Museum(16 reviews) - Fun way to learn Tuesday: 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent < 1 hour History Museums
Oconee History Museum is a non profit organization that actively preserves and promotes the history and cultural heritage of Oconee County, South Carolina, through its museums, programs and historic sites. Visitors explore the history of Native Americans, Immigration, Railroads, New Deal Programs, Textile Mills, Agriculture and much more as it relates to Oconee County. The exhibit hall offers a self-guided tour of Oconee’s history. Popular exhibits include the dugout canoes being preserved within the museum, a walk-in Stump House Tunnel exhibit and a Depression Era Tenant Farmer’s House. The Louise Russell Alexander Children’s Corner is a special part of the museum where children can explore our culture and heritage in a fun environment. Oconee History Museum is a community-supported endeavor, and we invite everyone to join the effort by becoming a member, volunteering and donating artifacts.See more..
4.5Fort Mill History Museum(15 reviews) - it was very informative and exciting Spent 1-2 hours History Museums
the amusement park is across the street for more family fun. Also firework stores and other businesses are close by.See more..
This a great location for a wedding or a special event. There is lots of space and can accommodate large crowds. See more..
5.0Cayce Historical Museum(10 reviews) - Remarkable! Tuesday: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM History Museums
There is quality and quantity here in equal measure...beautiful displays of thousands of points, arrowheads, axes and more from the Clovis period through modern times. Local Revolutionary and Civil war history is brought to life, along with the story of Cayce. Our visit was even more enjoyable, thanks to the knowledgeable and affable director. Even on a rainy winter day, this museum was a bright spot!See more..
4.5Chester County Historical Museum(10 reviews) - Stop in at the Museum Tuesday: 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums • History Museums
My husband and I were staying at a BB in Chester and decided to check out the museums in the little town. I was pleasantly surprised by this museum. It was very small but was jam packed with historical memorabilia. The curator of the museum was wonderful. She knew her subject matter inside and out and was very nice to give us a personal tour of the museum. Very worth the time to go in and see the museum.See more..
4.5Cross Keys Plantation(9 reviews) - Plantation Tour Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums • History Museums
Great visit. There were volunteers in period costume to personally escort you around the property and through the house. As expected, some were not all period specific. Some of the buildings on the property were not originally there but were moved there to represent. An interesting aspect is the reconstruction, the balancing of the protection and keeping it original. It has been closed for the better part of a year, due to covid. But it is back, two times a month, donations accepted.See more..
5.0Savannah River Site Museum(8 reviews) - savannah river site (SRS) and the cold war Spent 2-3 hours History Museums
When the Soviet Union exploded the first nuclear weapon, the SRS went into action creating tritium and plutonium for the hydrogen bomb. We won the cold war and they had an unprecedented safety record. I really had no idea this place existed until we arrived. The lady working inside was so nice and had no problems answering the questions we asked of her. She also really seemed to love her job. She also made herself available for questions but never followed us around allowing us to move at our own speed. I really enjoyed the museum but there was a lot of reading to do. I'm more of a visual exhibit type of person but the information was so interesting I didn't mind all the reading. Highly recommended.See more..
5.0Old Edgefield District Genealogy Society(6 reviews) - Lovely place Spent < 1 hour Speciality Museums • History Museums Wicked nice ladies inside. Place doubles as the visitors center. Check it out, it’s worth a quick visit. See more..
4.5Bertha Lee Strickland Cultural Museum(5 reviews) - Bertha Lee Strickland Cultural Museum in Seneca, SC Tuesday: 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours History Museums
Oconee County's premier cultural exhibit museum focusing on the rich, sometimes turbulent history, culture, and contributions of local African Americans. The exhibits & events blend technology and tradition to create a meaningful and educational experience for all ages. The museum teaches about people of the past and present whose stories will impact generations.See more..
4.5Historic Belton Train Depot(4 reviews) - Interesting artifacts, check out the rotating exhibits Tuesday: Spent 1-2 hours History Museums
The Historic Belton Train Depot houses the Ruth Drake Museum (local history), the SC Tennis Hall of Fame, and the North End Gallery for rotating exhibits of topical and cultural interest. Don't miss the robotic train conductor, the interactive activities in the Ruth Drake Museum, the memorabilia from famous tennis athletes of world-renown, and the fun and entertaining exhibits held quarterly with ancillary activities. Great for home-schooling families!See more..
5.0Greer Heritage Museum(4 reviews) - Don’t miss this history Children's Museums • History Museums
What a great museum! So many displays and items dating wayyyy back. The layout was thoughtful and informative. We had a great time speaking with the museum staff too. Don’t forget to make a donation! See more..
4.5Revolutionary War Visitor Center(3 reviews) - Very nice and informative museum. And it's free! Tuesday: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM History Museums
Exhibit on the Southern Campaign of the Revolutionary War and the official Visitor Center for Camden and Kershaw CountySee more..
This is a small museum that packs alot within it. If you are similar to me and dont know much about the Cherokee in South Carolina, this is a great place to learn. Helpful and attentive staff and plenty of free parking nearby. Also within walking distance are the Military Museum and the Oconee county history museum.See more..
This museum may be modest in size, but it is rich in history and culture! Ms. Pat and Kendra were very knowledgeable and open to sharing with me. Thanks ladies! Hopefully I’ll be able to make it to the Juneteenth celebration next year!See more..
5.0Chesterfield SC Museum(2 reviews) - Lots of Family Genealogy Spent < 1 hour History Museums
Located in the Chesterfield Visitors Center (Old Chesterfield County Courthouse), the museum houses exhibits focusing on Chesterfield's history. There is also a gift shop, a genealogy library, and an art gallery. Operated by volunteers. Open hours may change. Call ahead before traveling great distances to visit.See more..
5.0Blackville Museum(2 reviews) - Great community museum Spent 1-2 hours History Museums
The Blackville Heritage Museum is very interesting with lots of information and period pieces depicting the history of Blackville, South Carolina, a small community located in Barnwell County. The museum is staffed by local volunteers who have done a wonderful job researching area history and locating interesting artifacts.See more..
5.0Lunney Museum(2 reviews) - Lunney Museum in Seneca, SC Tuesday: 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Speciality Museums • History Museums
Through event programming, exhibits and educational tours, the Lunney Museum interprets the story of the Lunney Family and the Lunney House, in the context of the lifestyles of Seneca residents in the early 20th century and their associations with the remainder of small towns in the rural south during that time.See more..
4.0Barnwell County Museum(1 review) - Beautiful Barnwell Spent 1-2 hours History Museums
Exhibits and displays tell the story of Barnwell and its role in the history of South Carolina from the earliest Native American days to the present. Also, features traveling art exhibits, changing exhibits, and works by local artists including Jim Harrison and Jasper Johns.See more..
4.0Union County Museum(1 review) - A Little Gem of a Museum History Museums We only stopped in after touring Rose Hill Plantation to get directions to the Carnegie Library in town and found a lot of interesting stuff to look at. They were quite happy to tell us all kinds of stories about Union and its history. If you are doing historical research on the area, this is the place to go. They have books, documents, and microfilm to aid in your quest. And, oh!, the stuff! Union itself seems to be a very interesting town with many examples of architecture aside from the Carnegie Library (which was the first Carnegie Library in SC).See more..
5.0The Newberry Museum(1 review) - Learn about the City of Newberry, Newberry College, and Newberry County. History Museums
I paid a visit to the Newberry Museum back in the summer. I had expected to spend about 30 minutes there, but it turned into a much longer visit. The exhibits were very informative. Having been born and raised in Newberry, it was interesting to see what was on display. The exhibits don't just show Newberry history, but history of other communities in Newberry County. I highly recommend paying a visit to the museum. Admission is free, but donations are appreciated.See more..
We are a museum that houses history from the life and times of people that worked in the textile mills and lived in what was called the mill village. We have artifacts from the mill, the post office, the company store and artifacts from people that lived and grew up on the mill hill. We also have festival on the first Sat.of October every year.See more..
The Southern African American Heritage Center is dedicated to collecting, documenting and preserving the contributions of African Americans in Chesterfield County, South Carolina. We have a permanent display on Cheraw's most famous native son, John Birks "Dizzy" Gillespie, a pioneer of "Bebop" jazz music. The Heritage Center offers walking tours, step on bus tours and have a gift shop on site.See more..
