McKissick Museum

McKissick Museum is a multidisciplinary university museum located at the heart of the University of South Carolina in Columbia, South Carolina. Founded in 1976, it serves as the official state museum of folklife and material culture, dedicated to collecting, preserving, and interpreting the rich cultural and natural heritage of the Southern United States. The museum's diverse holdings and programming support the academic mission of the University of South Carolina while engaging the public through exhibitions, research, and educational initiatives.

History

The museum was established by an act of the South Carolina General Assembly in 1976, coinciding with the nation's Bicentennial celebrations. It is named for J. Rion McKissick, a former dean of the University of South Carolina School of Law and president of the university. Initially housed in the historic Thomas Cooper Library, the museum's growing collections and public role necessitated a dedicated facility. In 1984, it moved into its permanent home, the renovated and expanded former university library building located on the historic Horseshoe. This move solidified its position as a central cultural institution within both the University of South Carolina and the broader Palmetto State community.

Collections

The museum's permanent collections are organized around several core areas, emphasizing the American South. The Folklife Resource Center houses extensive materials related to traditional arts, crafts, and cultural practices, including significant holdings in Southern pottery, particularly from the Edgefield District known for its alkaline-glazed stoneware. The Natural Science Collection contains important geological and paleontological specimens from the region, such as fossils from the Eocene epoch. Additional strengths include collections of Southern quilts, basketry, and historical artifacts documenting South Carolina history, as well as the University of South Carolina Archives for material culture. These collections are actively used by researchers, students, and visiting scholars.

Exhibitions

McKissick Museum presents a dynamic schedule of changing exhibitions drawn from its collections and through collaborations with other institutions. Exhibitions often explore themes of regional identity, traditional craftsmanship, and contemporary interpretations of Southern culture. Past notable exhibitions have focused on topics such as the legacy of face jug pottery, the history of textile mills in the Piedmont, and the work of influential Southern artists. The museum also hosts traveling exhibitions from organizations like the Smithsonian Institution and maintains several long-term installations that interpret key aspects of its collections for the public.

Building and location

The museum is situated in a prominent Beaux-Arts style building on the northwestern corner of the historic Horseshoe at the University of South Carolina. The structure, originally built as the university's main library in 1940, was designed by the firm of J. Carroll Johnson. Its architectural features include a grand portico with Ionic columns and a central rotunda. The 1984 renovation, overseen by Lyles, Bissett, Carlisle & Wolff, adapted the space for museum use while preserving its historic character. Its central location on the University of South Carolina campus makes it a gateway for visitors exploring the university and the city of Columbia, South Carolina.

Public programs and outreach

The museum engages a wide audience through a robust array of public programs and outreach activities. These include lectures by scholars and artists, hands-on workshops demonstrating traditional crafts like blacksmithing or sweetgrass basketry, and performances of roots music and storytelling. Educational programs are developed for K-12 students, aligning with South Carolina curriculum standards. The museum also participates in major community events such as the University of South Carolina's homecoming and the city's First Thursday on Main street festival. Through partnerships with organizations like the South Carolina Arts Commission and the National Endowment for the Humanities, it extends its reach across the state.