All ethnology museums to visit in South Carolina

Explore the cultural diversity and heritage at 10 ethnology museums in South Carolina. These museums offer insights into the traditions, customs, and ways of life of various communities.

Are you interested in learning about different cultures and their histories? Here are the ethnology museums to visit in South Carolina:

  1. Old Slave Mart Museum1

    Old Slave Mart Museum

     Charleston, SC
    The Old Slave Mart, located at 6 Chalmers Street in Charleston, South Carolina, is a significant historical site that once served as a slave auction gallery during the antebellum period. This building provides a tangible connection to the city's past, offering visitors a chance to learn about a crucial aspect of Charleston's history.
  2. Clemson Area African American Museum2

    Clemson Area African American Museum

     Clemson, SC
    The Clemson Area African American Museum (CAAAM) is situated in the Calhoun Bridge Center in Clemson, South Carolina. This location is significant as it was formerly an all-black school known as the Calhoun Elementary School, the last school built for African American students in this part of Pickens County. The museum is housed in the old Morrison Annex Building, which was home to the second African American school during segregation.
  3. Heyward House Museum and Welcome Center3

    Heyward House Museum and Welcome Center

     Bluffton, SC
    One of the significant features of the Heyward House property is the last remaining slave cabin in Bluffton. This structure provides a tangible link to the past, offering visitors a glimpse into the harsh realities of the slavery era. It stands as a reminder of the region's history and the struggles endured by those who were enslaved.
  4. Upcountry History Museum4

    Upcountry History Museum

     Greenville, SC
    The Upcountry History Museum, located in Greenville, South Carolina, is a unique institution that showcases the regional history of fifteen upstate South Carolina counties. The museum's exhibits span from the early 18th century to the present, providing a comprehensive view of the area's past. Visitors can gain a deeper understanding of the region's history and how it has shaped the present.
  5. Parris Island Museum5

    Parris Island Museum

     Port Royal, SC
    The Parris Island Museum is situated in Building 111, Panama Street, at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island in Beaufort, South Carolina, United States. This location is easily accessible and provides a unique insight into the history of the United States Marine Corps and the Port Royal region.
  6. Mcleod Plantation Historic Site6

    Mcleod Plantation Historic Site

     Charleston, SC
    McLeod Plantation is a significant historical site located on James Island, South Carolina. It is situated near the intersection of Folly and Maybank roads at Wappoo Creek, which flows into the Ashley River. This former slave plantation offers a glimpse into a crucial part of American history and provides an opportunity for visitors to learn about the past in a tangible way.
  7. William Aiken House7

    William Aiken House

     Charleston, SC
    The Gov. William Aiken House, also known as the Aiken-Rhett House, is a historic building located at 48 Elizabeth Street, in the Wraggborough neighborhood of Charleston, South Carolina. Built in 1820, the house is known for its association with Gov. William Aiken and is considered to be the best preserved complex of antebellum domestic structures in Charleston. The house was originally configured as a Charleston single house with entrance from the south side along Judith Street.
  8. York W. Bailey Museum at Penn Center8

    York W. Bailey Museum at Penn Center

     Beaufort, SC
    The Penn Center, previously known as the Penn School, is a significant African-American cultural and educational center. It is situated in the Corners Community on Saint Helena Island. Founded in 1862 by Quaker and Unitarian missionaries from Pennsylvania, it was the first school established in the Southern United States specifically for the education of African-Americans. Today, it continues to fulfill an educational mission and serves as a cultural hub.
  9. Greer Heritage Museum9

    Greer Heritage Museum

     Greer, SC
    The Greer Heritage Museum is a local history museum situated in Greer, South Carolina. It is conveniently located near the Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport, making it easily accessible for tourists flying into the area. The museum offers a deep dive into the local history and culture of Greer and the surrounding regions.
  10. Horry County Museum10

    Horry County Museum

     Conway, SC
    The Horry County Museum is housed in the historic Burroughs School, also known as Burroughs Graded School, located in Conway, South Carolina. The building was constructed in three phases between 1905 and 1923, making it a significant part of the local history.