Spartanburg Regional History Museum is now exhibiting “We The People: A Portrait of Politics in Spartanburg County.” This locally curated exhibit showcases the evolution of politics in our community beginning in 1789.
The exhibit includes pivotal civil movements in South Carolina in the 19th and 20th centuries, and profiles of seven influential public servants who have represented Spartanburg in all levels of government.
This free exhibit at Chapman Cultural Center is open Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sundays, 1-5 p.m. It will end Nov. 13.
The museum’s permanent exhibit offers a walk-through of Spartanburg history from the early days of Spanish explorers like Juan Pardo to the military training camps of the 20th century’s two World Wars and beyond. You’ll notice a bell from Riverdale Mill hanging in the entryway as you climb the stairs to enter the museum. While looking at artifacts in the main exhibit, note the exhibit counter is made from wood salvaged from Riverdale Mill. While there certainly is a display focusing solely on Spartanburg County’s rich textile heritage, evidence of that heritage is sprinkled throughout the Museum.
Whether it’s the crucial role of the Battle of Cowpens in winning American independence from Great Britain or the indelible mark left by the men who passed through Camp Wadsworth in the First World War and Camp Croft in the Second World War, an important focus of the Museum is Spartanburg County’s broad military history. To satisfy curious minds and active hands, “Spartanburg By the Numbers” and “Spartanburg Firsts” offer details about our history behind small doors just waiting to be opened. There is also plenty to see in the “Where People Meet” display, where you can glimpse the leisure activities of Spartans for the last century.
The decorative arts gallery showcases the Museum’s outstanding collection of Spartanburg and Piedmont area furniture — including several distinctive half-penny inlay pieces — locally made pottery, hand-crafted quilts and samplers, and other artwork.