News Summary
The Cayce Historical Museum continues to preserve and celebrate local history with a significant collection of Native American artifacts and expanding exhibits. New initiatives include a public safety exhibit featuring a restored fire truck and an educational smokehouse exhibit showcasing historical food preservation techniques. Open to visitors, the museum offers a diverse range of artifacts and connects the community to its rich past.
Cayce, South Carolina – Cayce Historical Museum Showcases Rich Local History and Expanding Exhibits
The Cayce Historical Museum, located next to Cayce City Hall, continues to be a central hub for preserving and celebrating the area’s rich heritage since its opening in 1991. The museum houses one of South Carolina’s largest collections of over 8,000 Native American artifacts, with many items collected by Samuel Watson, a World War I veteran known for his extensive dedication to preserving Native American history.
The museum not only showcases artifacts, including arrowheads, pottery, and tools, but also features local historical art. Notable among these is a painting depicting George Washington observing Columbia from the Cayce side of the river, symbolizing the town’s significance during the early formation of the United States.
As part of its ongoing efforts to enhance community engagement, the museum is currently working on a new public safety exhibit that includes the restoration of a 1936 Cayce Fire Truck, which is expected to be completed by the end of this year. This initiative will help educate visitors about the evolution of public safety in the region.
Expanding Educational Initiatives
The museum is also undertaking a project to create a smokehouse exhibit, which will demonstrate historical methods of food preservation. The smokehouse, dating back to the 1820s, has been relocated to the museum’s property since 1992 and renovated to serve educational purposes. The exhibit aims to inform visitors about traditional food preservation techniques such as salting, smoking, drying, pickling, and fermenting, providing valuable insights into the lifestyle of past residents.
Visiting the museum offers an engaging experience through its wide range of artifacts and stories. Visitors can explore the facility from Tuesdays to Fridays between 9 am and 4 pm, Saturdays from 2 pm to 5 pm, and enjoy free admission on Sundays.
Background Context
Cayce, an older community than nearby Columbia, has foundations that date back to the Colonial period, rooted in the Saxe Gotha and Granby communities. The museum’s building mirrors the architectural style of the Old Cayce Building, first constructed in the 1760s during the Colonial period, further emphasizing the historical significance of the site.
Through its diverse exhibitions and dedicated efforts to preserve local history, the Cayce Historical Museum remains a vital resource for both residents and visitors looking to deepen their understanding of the region’s past.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Lexington County to Commemorate 250 Years of History
Additional Resources
- WLTX: Cayce Historical Museum Opening 1800s Smokehouse Exhibit
- WLTX: Exploring the Deep History of Cayce
- Cola Daily: Lexington County Museum Director Tells of County’s Native American History
- Cola Today: 5 Objects in Town That Are Older Than Columbia
- New York Times: Artists and Underrepresented Creative Growth
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