The South Carolina State Museum Foundation received the largest private monetary donation in its history in the amount of $1,425,000. The donor, who wishes to remain anonymous, has gifted the donation to specifically serve as a tool for the conservation and acquisition of artifacts and objects for the museum’s collection.
This donation will ensure that the museum’s acquisition program remains active, providing funds so that the museum is able to continue to acquire and preserve important artifacts. These artifacts provide a tangible connection to the stories told through the museum’s exhibitions.
“The South Carolina State Museum collection helps tell the stories of our state,” says Paul Matheny, Director of Collections for the State Museum. “The museum preserves artifacts and objects from the past so that we can tell these stories in the future.”
The funds used in this acquisition process will help the museum close gaps within the museum’s collection. A procedure that is very specific, requires objects to be presented by curators to the museum’s acquisition committee for consent and approval. Selections are based on curator’s knowledge of need within their respective collections of natural history, art, cultural history and science and technology.
“We are so appreciative of this generous donation which will be essential in providing the necessary funding to continue our mission of collecting and preserving artifacts representing South Carolina’s wonderful history” said Willie Calloway, executive director. “These objects will be used to provide educational environments that entertain, inspire imagination and creativity, and enrich the lives of our visitors”
Founded in 1980, the State Museum Foundation was established as a non-profit ((501(c)(3)) organization to support the mission of the South Carolina State Museum. The foundations helps promote the programs and welfare of the museum, sound educational programs and exhibits, and give the public an opportunity to become involved in the educational efforts, history, natural history, science and technology, and art of South Carolina.
As the state’s largest and most comprehensive museum, the South Carolina State Museum, offers a unique, entertaining and educational experience to visitors throughout its 225,000 square foot facility located in the heart of downtown Columbia’s Congaree Vista. The State Museum is housed in one of its greatest artifacts, an 1894 old textile mill full of character and charm. In addition to beautiful meeting spaces throughout the facility, guests can explore outer space in one of the largest planetariums in the Southeast, watch an interactive 4D movie and look through a vintage telescope in a one-of-a-kind observatory. These exciting opportunities are all in addition to the four floors of South Carolina art, cultural history, natural history and science/technology that guests can experience.
For further information visit (www.scmuseum.org).
Tags: Carolina Arts, Columbia SC, Paul Matheny Director of Collections for the State Museum, South Carolina State Museum, South Carolina State Museum Foundation, Visiting Columbia SC, Visiting South Carolina
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