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Charleston Museum 

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The Charleston Museum was founded in 1773, making it America’s first museum. War delayed the museum’s public opening, but the doors finally opened to the public in 1824. The Museum features two levels of exhibits that recounts the history of Charleston and the Lowcountry by showcasing hundreds of items ranging from ancient fossils to Civil War artifacts. 

The first level is home to the Natural History section, temporary exhibits that focus on local history and the museum’s gift shop. The second level is home to eight permanent exhibits: 

• Lowcountry History Hall - Learn about the Native Americans who first inhabited the South Carolina Lowcountry as well as the colonists and enslaved African Americans who transformed the region into an agricultural empire.
• The Armory - Showcases examples of historic weaponry, dating from 1750 to the twentieth century
• Becoming Americans - Explore Charleston's role in the American Revolution
• Charleston in the Civil War - Learn about Charleston's role in the Civil War
• Early Days - See collections from around the world including an Egyptian mummy and mummy case
  
• Kidstory - A hands-on exhibit for children where the history of Charleston comes alive
• Historic Textiles - Features regularly rotating exhibits from a rich historic textiles and clothing collection
• Charleston Silver - Showcasing the impressive work of the South’s finest silver craftsmen and women
  
  The museum also owns two historic homes, the Joseph Manigault House and the Heyward Washington House, that are open to the public. Admission for each is $12 or save money by purchasing combo tickets. Limited free parking is available and paid public parking is available across the street. Allow approximately 2 hours to tour the entire museum.

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Charleston Museum Photos

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Charleston Museum Hours and Admission

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Charleston Museum Address and Map

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Current and Upcoming Events
at the Charleston Museum

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What: Fossil Friday with Curator of Natural History Matthew Gibson
When: Fridays 
Time: 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Where: The Charleston Museum
Admission: The event is free with admission

Do you LOVE fossils? Join Matthew Gibson, Curator of Natural History on Fridays from 2 to 4 PM in the Bunting Natural History Gallery lab. Gibson will be on hand to share projects he is currently working on and to help identify your fossil finds.

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What: Revolutionary War Siege Lines Walking Tour with Director, Carl P. Borick 
When: May 13, 2021
Time: 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Where: The Charleston Museum
Admission: Members $25 / Nonmembers $40

On May 13 at 6 pm, join Carl P. Borick, Director of The Charleston Museum and author of A Gallant Defense: The Siege of Charleston, 1780, as he leads a tour to some of the key points related to the Revolutionary War Siege of Charleston, the longest siege of the war and largest battle fought in South Carolina.  The area to be toured, now an urban landscape interspersed with pleasant city parks was once the site of vicious fighting between besieging British troops and Patriot defenders during April – May 1780. Although the fortifications have long since disappeared, Borick will highlight notable features of the terrain that serve as reminders of this momentous battle.

The tour will begin at 6 pm, leaving from the Museum, for a walking tour lasting 1 – 1.5 hours. Comfortable footwear is recommended.  Parking is available to attendees. Participants are invited to arrive early to purchase A Gallant Defense: The Siege of Charleston, 1780 or are welcome to bring previously purchased books to have signed.

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Hotels Near the Charleston Museum

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More things to do in Charleston

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