McKissick Museum, Columbia

The McKissick Museum, located at the heart of the University of South Carolina’s historic Horseshoe, is a treasure trove of cultural and natural history. Originally built in 1940 with funds from the New Deal's Works Progress Administration, the building served as the university’s primary library until the Thomas Cooper Library was completed in 1959. Today, it stands as the only twentieth-century building on the Horseshoe, repurposed in 1984 as the McKissick Museum, an institution dedicated to preserving and showcasing the rich heritage of the American South.

The museum’s diverse collections include an array of minerals, gemstones, and silver from the 18th century, with a notable focus on specimens from the southwestern United States. These natural science exhibits offer a glimpse into the geological and mineralogical history of the region. Visitors can marvel at the stunning variety of minerals and stones, each piece telling a story of the Earth’s ancient processes and the region’s mining heritage.

In addition to its natural history exhibits, the McKissick Museum is renowned for its cultural and historical artifacts. One of the standout collections is its array of 20th-century pottery, which includes pieces crafted by enslaved people. This collection not only highlights the artistic skills of these individuals but also provides insight into the daily lives and cultural expressions of enslaved African Americans in the South. The museum also boasts an extensive collection of Southern folk art, which has garnered national recognition. This collection celebrates the creativity and traditions of Southern artisans, offering a rich tapestry of the region’s folk life.