There have been many firsts in the USA. First, the Pilgrims landed on Plymouth Rock in 1620. Then land was purchased past the Mississippi in 1783. The Gold Rush was in 1848. And the completion of the fifty states in 1959. In between all those dates, there were many other firsts. This included the opening of the Charleston Museum in 1773.

Let’s Explore America’s First Museum in Charleston, SC

The Charleston Museum was America’s first museum. It is an excellent place to see the true history of the state of South Carolina and the rest of the country. This entire museum is filled with collections of natural history, culture, and ethnological and zoological specimens.

The Permanent Exhibits at the Charleston Museum

There are nine permanent exhibits at the Charleston Museum. The Becoming Americans exhibit shares the important role of this city during the American Revolution. There are artifacts from both American and British soldiers. You will also see personal items of Francis Marion and George Washington’s inaugural button.

The Bunting Natural History Gallery shares the fossils, specimens, and skeletons of all the animals that have lived in this region over the years. The jaws of the Megalodon, which is a shark, is a highlight of this exhibit.

Over at the Lowcountry History Hall, you will see all types of items that were used by the Native Americans who lived in this area. This is where some of the earliest artifacts from the city are on display.

City Under Siege is the exhibit that shows the role Charleston played in the Civil War. The personal effects of civilians and soldiers are on display. Your family may be interested in seeing the different types of weapons that were used.

Other permanent exhibits include the Armory, Early Days, Kidstory, Historic Textiles, and Charleston Silver.

The Historic Houses of the Charleston Museum

There are two historic houses of the Charleston Museum. They are the Joseph Manigault House and Charleston’s Huguenot House.

The Joseph Manigault House was constructed back in 1803. It is quite an elegant antebellum home that shows the lifestyle of those who led a wealthy life. The family that lived there planted rice. A tour of the inside shares what their days would have looked like. You will also learn about the African Americans who lived and worked on this plantation.

Charleston’s Huguenot House was constructed during the 18^th century. This was after the Manigaults fled Europe to become rice planters in America. The inside of this home has been completely restored. It is filled with English, French, and American early 19th-century furniture. The Gale Temple overlooks the garden. All the outbuildings are labeled with signs stating what they were used for.

You cannot visit Charleston and not visit America’s first museum. I understand that many museums are boring. But this museum will bring history to life! You can easily spend a couple of hours at the Charleston Museum without even realizing it!

I can help you plan your trip to America’s first museum, while also creating an itinerary of other fascinating places to see when you are in Charleston. Let’s create those magical memories with your family that you will cherish forever.

So, are you ready to have me create a personalized family vacation itinerary for your next trip to Charleston or another destination?

If you said yes, I would like to invite you to click here to schedule a personalized family vacation planning session. When you click on this link, you will be taken directly to my digital calendar to schedule a time that is convenient for you.

Not ready for a personalized family vacation planning session yet? Sign up for my newsletter and continue to receive all the travel information I share.