Charleston Museum facts for kids
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| Established | January 12, 1773 |
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| Location | 360 Meeting Street, Charleston, South Carolina, United States |
The Charleston Museum is a special place in Charleston, South Carolina. It started in 1773, making it the oldest museum in the United States! Here, you can see amazing old objects, learn about nature, and explore beautiful art. The museum also cares for two historic houses in Charleston.
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The Charleston Museum's Story
The Charleston Museum began on January 12, 1773. It first opened its doors to visitors in 1824. This makes it the oldest museum in the United States. Other very old museums include the Peabody Essex Museum in Massachusetts.
Important People in Museum History
In 1920, a woman named Laura Bragg became the museum's director. She was the first woman to lead a public art museum in America. This was a big step forward! The museum's current building was finished in 1980. It is located at 360 Meeting Street in Charleston.
Caring for Native American History
Over the years, the museum received ancient remains of Native Americans. These were found by accident or during digs. The museum started working to return these remains to their tribes. This happened even before a law called the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act was passed in 1990. The museum has already returned two sets of remains. They are still talking with tribes about returning about 80 more Native American ancestors.
What You Can See at the Museum
The Charleston Museum has many cool things to explore. You can learn about local history and nature. There are also beautiful decorative arts, like old silver.
Amazing Fossils and Ancient Birds
The museum is home to a very special fossil. It is the only known fossil of the extinct Pelagornis sandersi. This bird might have been the largest flying bird ever discovered! Imagine a bird with wings bigger than a small car!
Historic Houses to Explore
The museum also owns and takes care of two historic house museums. These houses let you step back in time:
- Heyward-Washington House: This house is from the late 1700s. It was owned by Thomas Heyward, Jr.. He was a Founding Father and signed the Declaration of Independence. President George Washington stayed here in 1792.
- Joseph Manigault House: This is a beautiful Federal-style home. It is filled with furniture from the early 1800s. These pieces came from America, England, and France.
The Dill Sanctuary: A Place for Nature
Besides the houses, the museum also looks after The Dill Sanctuary. This special area is on James Island. It has different places for wildlife to live. You can also find old historical sites there. These include old Confederate batteries and ancient archaeological spots. The Dill Sanctuary is protected for nature, research, and learning. It is only used for museum programs. They even made a 6-acre pond for animals and birds!
What's in the Collections?
The museum has many different collections, including:
- Charleston furniture
- Charleston silver
- Textiles from the Lowcountry, like old clothes and quilts
- Ceramics from South Carolina
- Ancient Egyptian artifacts
- Old documents and photographs
- South Carolina birds
- Old firearms from the 1800s
- Fossils of animals without backbones and animals with backbones
- Rebuilt skeletons of different animals
- Rocks and minerals from all over the world
- Many types of plants and animals collected by local naturalists
