Last updated: 4/16/2024
116 South Public SquareLaurens, SC 29360
116 South Public SquareLaurens, SC 29360
Tuesday - Saturday
10 AM - 3 PM
CLOSED - Sunday - Monday
The Laurens County Museum is a non-profit organization that actively investigates and communicates information regarding our important prehistoric and historic resources. We excel in presenting authentic views and experiences to diverse audiences in our county, state, nations, and world through research, preservation, and education.
The Laurens County Museum Association (LCMA) was organized in 2005 by people representing different parts of Laurens County. Led by James Gambrell, this small group met at the Laurens County Library in July of that year to discuss the possibility of establishing a museum to preserve items of importance to Laurens County history. Within one year, this group purchased the building located at 205 West Laurens Street, secured grant funding, renovated the building, and opened the Laurens County Museum.
In 2012, John D. Witherspoon donated beautiful, and quite large, bedroom furniture. It became immediately apparent that the pieces did not fit in the space the museum currently owned (link to picture of old building with bedroom). Mr. Witherspoon had a solution! He purchased our new building located directly across from the County Courthouse and donated it to the LCMA. He mentioned that he would like to see his family furniture displayed on Main Street in Laurens and now there would be an opportunity to do so. Although this building was large and prominently located, the museum association was taking on a huge renovation project. The museum located on West Laurens Street has remained open during this complex and expensive renovation project. In 2016, the Dominick Building (located adjacent to the Witherspoon Building) became available. The LCMA saw the opportunity to generate some rental income and purchased this building as well. The first floor currently houses Designs by D & Vendor Mall and the second and third floors are currently serving as museum workspace and an archaeology lab.
The LCMA is deeply indebted to the late Tony Harper. Sadly, Tony passed away in 2019, but before he died, he bequeathed $1,000,000.00 to the LCMA. This money was to be used to complete the work on the Witherspoon Building, redesign exhibits and move them to the new location. The work necessary at the Witherspoon Building has included the installation of an elevator, a sprinkler system, electrical work, HVAC installation, framing, drywall, painting, and flooring. This work has been completed and we held our grand opening on January 2, 2022.
This room is dedicated to the people who lived in our area for thousands of years prior to European settlement. The Laurens County Museum owns several extensive Native American collections that are on display. Additionally, there will be information regarding archaeological excavations and a re-creation of the Cherokee living environment.
This hall features the following exhibits:
- Worship in Laurens County - Dedicated to the role of spirituality and religion within Laurens County.
- Learning in Laurens County - Traces the rich history of education within Laurens County.
- Serving in Laurens County - Dedicated to both military and police services within Laurens County.
- Working in Laurens County - Pays tribute to agriculture and industry within Laurens County.
- Witherspoon Bedroom - The new Museum location developed from a 2012 donation of an 1850's bedroom set from Mr. Witherspoon. The former location on Laurens Street was way too small for displaying the furniture. After holding several meetings with Mr. Witherspoon, and wishing to honor his request that the furniture be prominently displayed, his solution was: a new building. The furniture is proudly displayed and is the first exhibit you see when you enter the Tony Harper Exhibit Hall.
The Laurens County Museum is home to several interesting collections. Among them are three display collections and one research collections of Native American Artifacts. Additionally, the museum has 30 historic quilts and 118 glass paperweights in its collection. We have a sizable collection from Laurens Glass Works, a military collection, a Rococo Revival bedroom suite donated by Mr. Witherspoon’s family, and more.
Teaching curriculum will be developed for each of these themes and made available to schools and other organizations interested in “digging deeper” into the prehistory and history of Laurens County.
Our first curriculum kit was completed this summer. The lesson “Becoming a Historian” was made in collaboration with the Joe Adair Center for use in their summer program. The kit included artifacts, lesson plans, and worksheets. There will be many more curriculum kits developed over the next two years.
Access: General Public, Students, Scholars, Members
Appointment required: No
Your Laurens County Museum is a long standing historical building located on the Historical Public Square in Downtown Laurens. The Magnolia Room has unique features that surely makes for a beautiful and unforgettable event venue.
The Magnolia Room is on the second floor and is ideal for weddings, anniversaries, birthday parties, corporate events and more, The whole second floor area is at your disposal and is one of the areas most requested event spaces. Reserve your booking now and see the links below for rates and rental information.
This available space is located on the first floor and will accommodate up to twenty five people in the audience area. There is a stage with table and chairs along with a white board to use with any electronic displays you may need and HDMI hookups.
Gift Shop
Special Event Rental
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