Who We Are
Who We Are
Who We Are
From its very start the South Carolina State Museum has been committed to collecting, preserving and showcasing the rich culture, art and natural history of the Palmetto State. Take a moment to learn more about the museum, meet our amazing team members as well as our Museum Commissioners and Foundation Board Members.
(Judi Gatson. Museum Member) “This museum is awesome! History, science, technology, art is all right here.
(Bhavna Vasudeva. Former Board Member, South Carolina State Museum) “And it's about to get better, bigger and more exciting. It's our State Museum, and I'm so proud of where we've been and where we're going!”
(Tom Falvey. Director of Audience Engagement, South Carolina State Museum) “This building used to be the first fully electric textile mill in the United States, and in 1988 it became the State Museum. Since then, we've welcomed over 5 million visitors and we have over 1.1 million objects, artwork and specimens in our collection from all over the state, dating back hundreds, thousands, even millions of years.”
(Judi) “So many incredible stories are waiting to be told and so many are told every day. The State Museum reaches thousands of students, both here and at school programs across the state. Together, we've explored space, the environment and our shared history through countless exhibitions over the years.”
(Bhavna) “You should see what we've got planned for the future. Brand new permanent galleries, expanded exhibit space, more in-depth programing, more stories. You'll learn more about South Carolina than you thought you ever knew.”
(Tom) “Our state is full of surprises and fascinating stories, so our State Museum should be as well. We are an ever-changing, innovative institution committed to be a cultural and educational resource for the state.”
(Bhavna) “So we honor the past and we push towards the future.”
(Judi) “It's our museum. Our South Carolina State Museum.”
(Tom) “We're proud of where we've been, and we can't wait to get where we're going.”
Our Mission
To educate and inspire audiences of all ages by sharing the history, art, culture, and scientific wonder of South Carolina through collections, exhibitions, digital engagement and outreach programs in our communities.
Our Vision
We will reimagine the experience of the South Carolina State Museum and fully embrace our status as the state’s flagship cultural institution. We will preserve and celebrate the collections, stories, and discoveries that reflect the contributions of all South Carolinians to our state’s past, present, and future by launching new and dynamic exhibitions events and activities featured in our transformed building; by serving communities across the state; by reaching people online; and by forging strategic collaborations and partnerships.
Our Values
We spark curiosity and inspire learning.
We welcome and serve all audiences, from across the state of South Carolina and beyond.
We are a trusted source of knowledge.
We preserve the past and ignite possibilities for the future.
We embrace professionalism, excellence, and innovation in our mission and in our operations.
We value collaboration and partnership.
Meet the Team
Our team is committed to fulfilling the museum's mission and here to be a resource for guests, students, researchers and stakeholders.
Learn more about the State Museum Commission, which oversees the State Museum.
The mission of the South Carolina Museum Foundation is to support and promote the purposes of the South Carolina State Museum.
Join Our Team!
See what job openings are currently at the museum and find out how to apply.
Reimagine the Experience
Learn more about the museum's ambitious project to 'reimagine' our permanent exhibition galleries.
Additional Resources
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The Human Resources Department is committed to attracting, maintaining, and retaining top talent in the museum industry.
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Looking for ways to get involved at the State Museum? Consider joining the Volunteer team!
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