10.26.2023

Today’s Forecast

79º | Sunny | 0% chance of rain | Sunrise 7:38 a.m. | Sunset 6:37 p.m.

Culture

The South Carolina State Museum is turning 35 (but its story is much older)

Presented by a COLAtoday Partner

Image from The State Newspaper in 1988 depicting the South Carolina State Museum and a sign announcing its upcoming opening

The South Carolina State Museum opened in 1988, but its story goes back much further. | Photo provided by the South Carolina State Museum

Over the last 35 years, the South Carolina State Museum has welcomed more than 5 million guests, including 50,000+ public school students per year from across SC, and its collection has grown to house over one million objects.

Do you know what the largest artifact at the South Carolina State Museum is, though? The building itself.

Let’s dive into a little history, shall we? (Pro tip: You can hear more fascinating behind-the-scenes stories like this one by subscribing to the museum’s podcast.)

From mill to museum

On April 15, 1894, Columbia Mills Company president Arethas Blood pulled a switch to start the motors in the new Columbia Duck Mill. This event marked the first time a textile mill anywhere in the world was operated completely by electric power.

While it grew to employ ~1,000 workers and operate 24/7 during World War II, the mill eventually closed in 1981. At that same time, a small group of historians, artists, and leaders were working on a plan to create a museum for South Carolina (read: “a State Museum.”)

The start of SCSM

Finn the Megalodon arriving at the museum on a flatbed truck — Finn arrived at his new home on a flatbed truck provided by the SC National Guard.
|
Photo provided by the South Carolina State Museum

The building was officially donated to the state in December 1981, and the process of transforming a textile mill into a museum began. Iconic objects started to move in, like “Finn the Megalodon,” which (who) was driven to the museum on a giant flatbed truck provided by the SC National Guard.

On SCSM’s opening day, skydivers parachuted in with a giant pair of scissors, which they handed off to Governor Carroll Campbell to cut the ribbon (which was made of duck cloth, the product originally produced at the old mill).

How to celebrate

On Saturday, Nov. 4, SCSM will open a brand new exhibition covering all the above and more, called “The Story of Us.”

The museum will also host an all-day bash full of live music and dance performances, behind-the-scenes tours, and more. The best part? Admission is free.

Looking ahead

To start planning for the next 35 years, the museum is launching the “Reimagine the Experience” project with a goal to renew more than 75,000 sqft of exhibition space to feature more objects from the collection and highlight more South Carolina stories.

Learn more + share your thoughts

Asked

What do you want to see represented in the South Carolina State Museum’s new galleries?

Share your thoughts

Events

Thursday, Oct. 26

Main Street Haunted Hop | Thursday, Oct. 26-Sunday, Oct. 29 | Times vary | Main Street, Columbia | Free | Put on your most creative costume and get ready to hop from bar to bar, indulging in delicious drinks and treats along the way.
Sweeney Todd | Thursday, Oct. 26-Saturday, Oct. 28 | 8 p.m. | Trustus Theatre, 520 Lady St., Columbia | $30 | Attend the dark, witty, and Tony Award-winning tale of love, murder, and revenge.

Friday, Oct. 27

Alice in Wonderland | Friday, Oct. 27 | 5-9 p.m. | Smoked, 1643 Main St., Columbia | $50-$150 | During this in-person event, you’ll experience a magical atmosphere filled with fantastical decorations and live performances.
Fright Night Laser Lights | Friday, Oct. 27 | 6-10 p.m. | South Carolina State Museum, 301 Gervais St., Columbia | $8-$10 | Enjoy planetarium laser experiences including Laser Stranger Things and Dark Side of the Moon — costumes are welcome.
Folklore & Legends Lantern Tour | Friday, Oct. 27 | 6-7 p.m. | 222 Broad St., Camden | $10 | Join Historic Camden for this spooky tour with ghost stories and legends.

Saturday, Oct. 28

Gala With A Bite | Saturday, Oct. 28 | 9:30-11:30 p.m. | Koger Center for the Arts, 1051 Greene St., Columbia | $100 | Experience the haunting delights of this year’s themed event, where a captivating garden adorned with spine-chilling decorations awaits within the expansive walls of the Koger Center event space.
75th Annual Trinity Bazaar | Saturday, Oct. 28 | 9 a.m.-2 p.m. | Trinity Episcopal Cathedral, 1100 Sumter St., Columbia | Free | This year’s beneficiaries are Trinity Recovery, EARN the Right, Dianne’s Call, Power in Changing and Keepin’ It Real Ministries.

Calendar events here

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Wellness

Hear the crisp crunch of autumn leaves more clearly

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News Notes

Sports

The World Series stirs 2012 nostalgia for Gamecock fans as Christian Walker advanced with the Arizona Diamondbacks after a 4-2 Game 7 win over the Phillies. Game 1 kicks off Friday at 7 p.m., with Christian likely to face off against former college teammate Jordan Montgomery during the series. (Gamecocks Online)

Arts

The 701 Center for Contemporary Art launches its 7th SC Biennial, showcasing 24 local artists in a juried multimedia exhibit from Saturday, Nov. 18 to Sunday, Feb. 25, 2024. Kickstarting with a reception on Nov. 18, 6-8 p.m., the event highlights the contemporary art scene statewide with free admission.

Seasonal

The Christmas Light Boat Parade returns to Lake Murray on Saturday, Dec. 2, beginning at 6 p.m. Gates open at 4:30 p.m. for the free event with Christmas carols and a fireworks finale. Boaters keen on participating should register by November 27 at 12 p.m.

Eat

The State is serving up a sandwich showdown for Midlands locals to vote for their favorite sandwich shop. It’s a stacked competition, with selections leaning towards locally-owned delis and small chains. Cast your vote by 11:59 p.m. Monday, Oct. 30, to crown the top spot.

Legacy

Axel Hodges, the playful dog who ran for “mayor” of the Shandon neighborhood in 2018, has passed away. Known for his paw-litical charm, the Bernese Mountain dog, owned by former Governor Jim Hodges and his wife Rachel, brought smiles and light-heartedness to the community and enjoyed being a good boy. (The State)

Answered

Marla F. wrote in and asked about a bedframe she obtained from Maxwell Brothers and Quinn. The furniture store was founded in Augusta, GA in 1904 and opened in Columbia in 1928 at 1722 Main St. It then moved to 1425 Main St. where it operated as a three-story store with a warehouse attached.

Eat

Feeling hungry, Cola? Good news: It’s time for another serving of Doctors’ Orders, a series in which Midlands doctors share what they like to eat at some of our favorite local restaurants. Check out the latest installment, featuring Mr. Friendly’s.*

Drink

Move over, pumpkin spice latte — have you tried an apple pie chai? Pro tip: Grab yourself a warm cup from Boxcar Coffee next time you’re getting your shopping done at Lowes Foods.*

Home

Did you know? Your HVAC system is only as reliable as the air duct system that assists it and sealing your ducts can help you get the most from your equipment: Enter: Cool Care Heating, Air, Plumbing & Refrigeration’s Duct Sealing with Aeroseal®. Learn more + schedule a sealing.*

Development

300 new apartments coming to Earlewood area

The site for the new apartments is near the developing North Main District. | Photo by COLAtoday

A previously vacant shopping center near Columbia’s Earlewood neighborhood is set for a transformation into a $93 million apartment complex, according to The State.

Central Baptist Church purchased the property at 3231 Sunset Dr. in 2016 with community development in mind. The plan now is to construct 300 market-rate apartments and a 520-space garage, a collaborative effort between the church and Greenville-based Streams Development.

Construction is slated to begin in 2024, with completion aimed for 2026. The project’s price tag includes $1.2 million for site clean-up, with environmental remediation and removal of nearly 1,500 tires.

The initiative was unveiled during a forum orchestrated by Columbia Councilwoman Tina Herbert to educate religious and nonprofit entities on housing development on its properties.

The move follows a broader trend where local churches, like Word of God Church purchasing the Dutch Square Mall, leverage their holdings to foster community growth. Herbert’s forum underscored the collective effort required to develop such properties successfully.

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The Wrap

David Stringer wearing a dark button-down shirt

Today’s edition by:
David

From the editor

If you’re thinking about dressing up as your favorite Yellowstone character for Halloween, you could fit right in at the Blythewood Rodeo happening this weekend. The bull riding event has become so popular over the past decade that it now happens in both spring and fall.

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