Charleston Museum

The Charleston Museum is one of the most unique and wonderfully laid out museums. It is perfect for families, and includes a wildlife exhibit that is one of a kid. Featuring rare bones of an extinct specie of bird and drawings of the famous American Naturalist, Mark Catsby.



Circular Congregational Church Bible c. 1760

George Washington's Christening Cup

Me in a hoop skirt, grown ups gotta have fun to :)

Silverworks Room in Charleston Museum

Silver Work and More

Upon walking into the museum, one can look up and see the bones of a huge whale hanging from the ceiling. Children are instantly drawn to all the attractions around them, and families will be ready to explore all the museum has to offer. Walk up the stairs to view a grand chandelier, sign the guest book, and take a left to start the journey through the museum.
The first exhibit viewing to the left is a mass collection of silver work, as well as some wood work dating back to the 1600s. A Bible from the Circular Congregational Church of Charleston dating back to the 1760s. Take a moment to view the many snuff boxes, including Edward Rutledge's (signer of the Declaration of Independence). From there take in the work of the silversmith's from centuries ago, and be sure to view the Christening cup of America's first Commander in Chief, George  Washington. The silver gallery truly shows the riches of Charleston. It is a great start to the tour.

Textiles

The next stop after viewing a 17th century table and 18th century clock and other collectibles is, textiles. Leading to the display of clothing and quilts is a textile wall for children, and a few hoop skirts for children and adults to try on. In fact, parents can enjoy looking at the silver work while the kids make their own quilt on the textile wall.
After making a quilt and transporting back to the 19th Century by way of the hoop skirt, view the clothes dating from 18th to 20th century. The clothes are beautiful, but one piece that stuck out while touring was the Bethlehem Star Quilt. The Quilts are absolutely amazing. To think of the time and work that went into each patch is nuts. Currently, May 5th-December 9, 2012, the textile gallery is featuring Geometric quilts.
The next stop on the journey (a must for kids of all ages) is, THE KID MUSEUM!!!

The Kid Museum (Kidstory)
Charleston Museum's Kid Museum is totally awesome. Start by taking a right and listening to a story from a slave, Indian, and patriot. Then walk through the door of a small replica of the Heyward-Washington House. The children will learn the story of the Heyward-Washington children, experience the music and culture of the time, discover toys and games from the 18th century, try on colonial clothes, and can even light the fire place (it's electric).
After exploring the house, climb aboard a ship to experience the journey to a new and unknown world. Discover what was really in the barrels on the ship, the instruments and tools used by sailors, and raise the jolly roger to set sail on the ocean blue.
From there, move to the lighthouse and learn the story of a boy who lived in the lighthouse. He will tell children of life on an island, in a lighthouse, and watching ships at sea. Then, follow a girl named Rosa as she teaches children about sea and land life in the Charleston area. Go on over to the coloring table and color one of four animals native to the area, and upon leaving, take a moment to look at some animals using a microscope.
This whole exhibit is all about exploring and teaching children how to have fun while learning history. It is a must. Even for the big kids (adults).

Musical Instruments

After stepping out of Kidstory, check out the Victorian Doll Houses and the collection of instruments. One notable instrument is, the canjo. Before the banjo, there was, the canjo. From there move on to the Early Days, going back to ancient Egypt and the early days of Native settlers, then to Nature.
"Natural History"
This part of the museum was outstanding. One of the best exhibits of nature ever. Not only does the museum cover each species of bird native to the area and around the world, it includes ocean and swamp life, as well as the drawings and findings of the famous Mark Catsby. Who made his way along the southeast to document the many different species of animals and plants.
There is a great exhibit of turtles. It includes the loggerhead and many other species. The bird exhibit is definitely the most amazing. There is one called the "Giant Moa," which was flightless and is extinct. Kids will love this section just as much as the Kidstory section, and everyone will be amazed at all the information of animal life of the past and present.

Civil War (Sesquicentennial)
After exploring the animals, prepare to be blasted with an overwhelming abundance of Civil War information and artifacts. It is not surprising that there is so much information and exhibits on the subject in Charleston. After all, the war started at Fort Sumter, in Charleston. For families with kids, the information is almost impossible to take in, but it is an amazing exhibit.
Currently, from 2011-2015, the museum is focusing on the Sesquicentennial of the Civil War. Last year, April 12, 2011, our family made our first trip to Fort Sumter, on the very day 150 years after the first shots of the Civil War were fired. The history of the war runs deep in Charleston, and the exhibit proves it. This one area could easily take an hour to get through, just to read and take in the info. It is a very interesting display.

Revolutionary War
After witnessing the Civil War display, see the story of how America came to be, by way of the Revolutionary War. There are several items of Francis Marion, many weapons, and clothing from the time period. There is even a battle map, displaying locations of where battles took place.


Colonial and Plantation Life in Charleston

Finally, witness what plantation life was like in South Carolina. View photos of plantations and their story. Listen to the story of the plantations as they play throughout the display room. Take time to see the exhibits around the room, the tools used for cotton and rice, and items such as the slave badge and unique pottery.

The museum is a great experience for visitors, no matter which display one starts the walk. While there, be sure to go outside and walk the museum mile, visiting other historic buildings along the way. Also, take time to visit one or both of the homes preserved by the museum, the Joseph Manigault House and the Heyward-Washington home. There are several different ticket packages available, the museum by itself is $10 per adult, $5 per child, and parking is available for museum visitors on the right side of the building or at the visitor center. It is a museum trip that will not be forgotten.