florence county museum

there were four exhibits showing during our visit. The local history and Community galleries were the best and a great way to learn the history of the city, county and state. The art galleries we nicely presented with the finest work those of Steven Scott Young. It is free and worth the time if you are visiting the area. A great raining or cold day activity.

We selected this museum out of curiosity, because of its newness and situation in Downtown Florence redevelopment. Adequate parking is available adjacent to the building and across the street. The museum is proximate to what was a high crime area, but it seems the City has made dramatic improvements in that area and we felt quite comfortable there.The museum is new, very clean and in excellent repair. We were welcomed by two staff members who were friendly, knowledgeable and helpful. Half of the museum is focused on regional history, while the other half displays drawings and paintings. Much African American history is recounted by exhibits in both sections. Exhibits address many time periods, from the days of wooly mammoths and land bridges, to the Revolutionary, Civil and World Wars, to the region's contemporary transition from an agricultural-based economy to industry and service.Behind the museum is a quiet, walled courtyard that features Palmetto trees, propellers from a Confederate vessel built in Florence County, a bell from the old city hall, a "landslide" sculpture and joggling boards. While there is a Lego wall that kids can interact with, the museum is more adult-oriented and small children may lose interest absent an adult to interpret exhibits for them. Photography IS allowed in the museum, but flash is NOT. We enjoyed our visit and look forward to watching the museum grow.

Brand new building, just lovely, full of many interesting artifacts and details of the history of Florence County. Also two large gallery spaces, one which is presently hosting a retrospective of southern painters which was very good and the other a showing of Florence native primativist artist William H. Johnson who is know to African American historians. Also there is a nice outdoor space for a moment of fun or refection on the springy benches out there. Just a wonderful building and museum a must see if you visit Florence and best of all it's free! But don't forget to put something in the contribution box.