SC Confederate Relic Room and Military Museum

SC Confederate Relic Room and Military Museum

TSCHAA Feild Trip 2016

History was always a subject that I hated growing up. It was presented as an endless list of dates and names that I could never memorize. There was no story - just facts. It wasn't until I began homeschooling my daughters that history began to come alive and become enjoyable for me.

Most of the history my girls learn comes from living books and field trips. We have enjoyed visiting museums and historical sites over the years, and we recently discovered the SC Confederate Relic Room and Military Museum in Columbia, SC. Because I felt the museum has so much to offer, I set up a tour for TSCHAA members.

Joe Long, Curator of Education

TSCHAA members were treated to a guided tour of the SC Confederate Relic Room and Military Museum, and Joe Long, our tour guide, brought history to life through the stories he shared about SC's involvement in wars. He didn't just share facts; he shared stories. These stories are what history is all about. History is more than dates and names that you memorize. History is about the stories of real people from the past.

TSCHAA Member

What really stands out about the museum is that it is filled with real stories that give you a glimpse into the past. From the binoculars and Bible that saved the lives of two soldiers who were shot, to the quilt that was made for a soldier who was injured in the line of duty, you get a peek into the lives of the people who served our country and state. You can see the now threadbare flags that were once flown so proudly during past wars and even see uniforms and weapons that were once used by the brave men who fought in SC. You also get a taste of life on the homefront as you read stories of the women and families who lived in SC.

Founded in 1896, the museum was started by a group of women who wanted to preserve Civil War artifacts and provide a memorial to the men who died. Today, it houses artifacts from the Revolutionary War to current wars. It is located at 301 Gervais Street in Columbia and is housed inside the SC State Museum building.

If you are looking for a way to learn about South Carolina's involvement in wars, I highly recommend that you check out the SC Confederate Relic Room and History Museum. The museum offers free Homeschool Fridays each month that are geared to students of all ages. You can learn more about the museum by visiting their site at www.crr.sc.gov.

Happy Homeschooling!
Lara T Caldwell, TSCHAA Director