SNEAK PREVIEW: South Carolina State Museum prepares new exhibit for 35th anniversary celebration – ABC Columbia

COLUMBIA, SC (WOLO) — Sitting between topiaries made by Bennettsville’s Pearl Fryar, the South Carolina State Museum tells the story of the Palmetto State. 

This weekend, the South Carolina State Museum celebrates its 35th anniversary. Saturday will feature free admission, food and drinks as well as the opening of a new exhibit.

“We have 1 point 1 million objects, artifacts and works of art in the state museum that focus solely on the story of our state,” said Paul Matheny, SCSM director of collections. “This show reflects the diversity of our collection in so many ways.”

The new show features some of the most unique items in the museum such as a suit worn by musician James Brown. 

“Barnwell’s own, the hardest working man in show business. This is one of his jumpsuits. We acquired it shortly after his passing as part of his estate,” said Dr. Ramon Jackson, SCSM curator of African-American history and culture.

The new exhibit also showcases historical artifacts from all across the state. 

“This is the Turpin Bible,” Jackson said. “It’s an 1815 Bible that belonged to a merchant, politician, enslaver turned abolitionist named William Turpin.”

“All of these objects from our past not only highlight the museum’s history but showcase its future and answer many questions people have about the museum,” said David Dickson, SCSM public relations director. “What’s the largest artifact? You’re actually inside it. The building itself dates back to the 1800s. It once housed the first fully-electric textile mill in the world.”

The museum boasts four floors divided into four categories: cultural history, natural history, art and science. There’s also more than just history to be enjoyed. 

“We have a planetarium, a 4-D  theater and an observatory which will be showing shows and doing some solar observing,” Dickson said. “It really is the perfect place for friends and family to go and enjoy while learning a little more about South Carolina.”