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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: Conversations with a Curator: Lawn Party with Curator of Historic Textiles Virginia Theerman
When: July 9, 2021
Time: 10:30 am 
Where: The Charleston Museum
Admission: Free for Members/Free with Admission for non-members

Join Curator of Historic Textiles Virginia Theerman in our Historic Textiles Gallery for a tour of the new exhibit, The Lawn Party: From Satin to Seersucker. In an “unprecedented” era when large gatherings have been discouraged and fashion has trended towards leisurewear, Theerman celebrates getting dressed up for outdoor events in this captivating exhibition. Featuring objects from the Museum’s Historic Textile and History collections ranging from the 1820s to the present day, garments are mixed across time and occasion in small vignettes, creating conversations through the decades. Come join the party. 

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What: Sweetgrass Basket Weaving Workshop
When: July 17, 2021
Time: 9:30 am - 1:00 pm  
Where: The Charleston Museum
Admission: $75 for Members/$105 for non-members

Join local artisan Sarah Edwards-Hammond for in-depth instruction on sweetgrass basketry which has been an integral part of the Lowcountry’s Gullah Geechee community since the 17th century. Edwards-Hammond comes from a long line of basket makers and has passed down the tradition to her family and others in the community. Edwards-Hammond will share a brief history on the artisanal craft of basket making.  Participants will then spend the remainder of the class making their own basket guided by Edwards-Hammond. Come learn about an extraordinary  craft that has been a staple of culture, art, and history in Charleston for centuries. All materials and instruction will be provided in this workshop. Space is limited and reservations are required. 

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Hotels Near the Charleston Museum

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Find top-rated hotels at the lowest prices on TripAdvisor. Check rates now!

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More things to do in Charleston

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