America’s first museum holds the key to the city’s history in its collections of military artefacts, textiles and prehistoric animals.
The Charleston Museum was the first museum in the U.S. Founded back in 1733, the museum has a permanent exhibit of its own early exhibits. Today it’s a modern museum with military displays, natural history exhibits, historic textiles and ancient mummies.
Browse through several military displays in the museum’s permanent collection. George Washington’s inaugural button resides in an exhibit of American Revolution artifacts. The table and chairs used at the convention seceding South Carolina from the U.S. is on display in the Civil War room.
Some of South Carolina’s four-legged and winged inhabitants are housed in the Natural History display. Visit the Cretacious-era dinosaur Thescelosaurus neglectus, and now extinct birds such as the Carolina parakeet. Prehistoric critters unearthed in archaeological digs near Charleston include a toothed whale, a bird with a wingspan of 19 feet (5.8 metres), and an 18-foot (5.4-metre) long crocodile.
Antique lovers will appreciate the textile displays and silverware exhibits that show the degree of artistry and craftsmanship present throughout Charleston’s history. Displays are rotated and include collections of old uniforms, footwear from the 19th century and early 20th-century quilts. Look for George Washington’s christening cup in the silverware collection.
Children will enjoy the hands-on Kidstory exhibit. They can play in prop rooms of historical scenes, experience interactive storytelling films and look at wildlife through a microscope.
Guided tours of the museum are available for a small fee. Buy an all-inclusive ticket for entry to the museum and its two historical houses, Heyward Washington House and Joseph Manigault House.
Charleston Museum is located on Museum Mile in downtown. There’s free parking on-site and paid public parking across the road. CARTA buses and free DASH trolleys stop at the museum, which is open daily except for major national holidays.
