South Carolina State Museum to Celebrate America’s 250th Anniversary

The South Carolina State Museum in Columbia will celebrate the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution with “Salute to 250 Day” on Saturday, June 27, from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. with free general admission.

The event will also mark the grand opening of the new exhibition, American Battleground: South Carolina’s Revolution.  

“As we commemorate America’s 250th anniversary, this celebration offers an opportunity to reflect on South Carolina’s important role in the Revolutionary War and share those stories with audiences in meaningful ways,” said Amy Bartow-Melia, executive director of the State Museum.

  American Battleground: South Carolina’s Revolution explores South Carolina’s central role in the Revolutionary War and is the first exhibition completed as part of the Museum’s Reimagine the Experience capital campaign.

Among the featured artifacts on display will be the historic flag of the 2nd South Carolina Regiment. The flag was created to mark the Patriot victory at the Battle of Sullivan’s Island in 1776 and will be on display for the first time in more than 10 years.

Museum curators will be in the exhibition gallery to provide additional insight into the stories, artifacts, and themes explored in the exhibition. The curators will also participate in a panel discussion with special guests, moderated by State Museum Chief Engagement & Content Officer Jeffrey Brodie.

In addition to visiting the new exhibition, guests can enjoy the debut of Revolutionary Astronomers, a new live planetarium experience created by State Museum Planetarium Production Specialist Brodie Blizzard and the Museum’s Astro Hub team.

Combining animated illustrations, sky simulations, video, audio and visual effects, the production takes audiences back to the 1700s to discover how scientific curiosity and exploration continued as a new nation emerged. Presented live, the show tells the compelling stories of three astronomers whose work and discoveries helped advance both science and the United States during a period of great change.   

“Salute to 250 Day is an opportunity for visitors to experience history in a way that is creative, engaging and community-centered,” said Meeghan Kane, State Museum head of Community Engagement. “Through art, music, storytelling and hands-on activities, we hope guests of all ages can connect with the people, ideas and cultural traditions that shaped South Carolina.” 

“Salute to 250 Day” will begin with an exclusive Member Morning at 8:30 a.m. before the public celebration starts at 10 a.m. State Museum members will enjoy early access to explore the exhibition, a chance to see the new planetarium show, and more.  

Throughout the day, guests can enjoy live music by Gallus Camerata featuring Revolutionary-era compositions, meet local history and cultural organizations, and participate in a variety of hands-on activities inspired by historical creative practices.

Activities will include mini portraitures, traditional bookbinding with Jessica Ream, natural dye work with Christina Smith-Galloway, junk journaling with Kat Martin and Emma Larson from The Spread, and stamping activities inspired by artist Thomas You. 

General admission to the South Carolina State Museum will be free on Saturday, June 27. Tickets for 4D theater and planetarium shows, including Revolutionary Astronomers, will be available for an additional cost. Showtimes and additional event details can be found on scmuseum.org.