south carolina confederate relic room and military museum

rightonm

A treasure trove for Civil War students...a book shop and gift shop are available. Some genealogical material is available.

civilwarguy

I remember many years ago visiting this museum and it being an old fashioned collection of artifacts and labels unimaginatively displayed in shrine-like fashion. Wow has this place changed! Now located at the back of the South Carolina State Museum, the museum houses two outstanding exhibits. One deals with Sherman's burning of Columbia in the context of his entire Carolinas Campaign of 1865 and the other, larger exhibit, outlines military history as it pertains to the Palmetto State.Both exhibits feature professional displays and a staggering array of flags and other original artifacts. The museum is NOT a hagiography of all things Confederate but rather an objective and non-biased historical examination of its subjects.There is a good little gift shop and a space for educational programs and presentations. If you enjoy Civil War history or any kind of military history, don't miss this gem. Free parking is available right on site in downtown Columbia.

jlantern3

this little place is packed full of history. Civil Wars buffs will be intrigued with all the artifacts,relics and the flags. The flags were nice to view. go slow and take in all the exhibits-this is a real gem of a place. The gift shop is really good as well.

Harper31

Our entire family enjoyed this museum. Our 10 year old found it to be interactive and interesting. We all highly recommend this museum!

texastraveler92

I loved the Confederate history. Although the place was 40 mins. from closing, William Joe Long, Curator of Education, took us to the back room to see the 12th SC Volunteer Infantry flag with about 18 battles written front and back on this proud historic flag. It looked as thought they were written in blood. My ancestors, fathers and sons, fought for this flag and they all died in Virginia fighting for the Southern Cause. I knelt by the flag and tears came to my eyes. Joe then recommended the best S.C. books in their gift shop for me to buy on S.C. Confederate history. The only thing I disliked is that the Confederates did not win the WBTS.

781cynthiag

This museum is inside the State Museum, but it is at the back it. There was a small fee to see, but if you like see and learning about the Civil war, you might want to check this museum out.

asorig

I love this museum for the quiet and the well-preserved history. This museum not only teaches, but also reminds us of the humanity affected by war: the hopes, determination, sacrifices, the pride of individuals and community. The kids love the history made so real here. The stories, the artifacts, the flags (sooo many flags), medical history, clothing... Nice gift shop (no junk) at reasonable prices. Website has wonderful resources, including 'Scavenger Hunt' style activities to print. Wheelchair accessible. Seating available throughout. Bathroom: after paying, go straight, past the gift shop. Not a hands-on museum. This is a treasure of a museum; a good one to train your kids on and keep coming back to!

wheelag

This is a small but fascinating museum which, along with other sites on my visit to the south east of the US has inspired me to read more about the US Civil War. Some excellent artefacts are presented along with plenty of information to read. Staff were very knowledgeable and helpful.

358kieranr

The South Carolina Confederate Relic Room and Military Museum is located inside the South Carolina State Museum. It is a little confusing but it also makes it very simple to do both museums in one day. You can buy a combo ticket for both attractions which saves a little bit of money on admission.And it is definitely worth the investment time and money.Although the museum is on the smallish side, it is mighty!The stories behind the exhibits are amazing. And very personal as they seek to tell the story of young men from South Carolina who fought in the Civil War.There were staff members walking around to answer questions or share even more information.Be prepared for a lot of reading! Young children or older kids who struggle with reading would not enjoy this museum as the displays would probably lose a lot without reading the intricate and detailed stories behind them.However, for anyone who loves history or anything related to military, this is a must see!

capitolcollector2009

This is located in the same building as the South Carolina Museum, but admission to them is separate. However, I was there on the first Sunday of the month, so I paid two dollars total to see both. Not bad. This attraction was far less crowded than its neighbor, and with its vaulted ceilings and slightly dim lights, it almost had a creepy vibe. There were all sorts of interesting artifacts and I had a great time reading about South Carolina citizens who tied into the Civil War. Easily worth seeing during a Columbia visit.

gracielitaa

Very friendly staff and free to enter plus very educational too. I enjoy pictures and artifacts. And clean nice areas to visits.

lesalia17

We took a family friend to the Relic Room. Our friend is a war buff and educated us as much as the museum did. He gave high praise to the displays and artifacts. I learned a lot and enjoyed the visit. Even with reading, it took us about 1-2hrs to get through. My younger children were just about done with their patience when the adults finished. There are no interactive displays. Everything is in cases with plaques to read. Great collection and a great place for war history fans.

Blackwater6822

Spoke with registrar. The folks who work here take history seriously and know how to covey to the public the importance of South Carolinas contribution to the Civil War.

265darleneg

Hi like I said love all the new exhibits, like king tuts tomb, titanic.The gift shop. Lots of nice things about south carolina history. There's books, paintings notecards. Some things are overpriced, but all gift shops are. Still love it.

562jeanettem

This is a small museum next to the entrance to the SC State Museum. If you like history like my husband and I do - then you will enjoy this collection. I especially liked the credit given to the women of the Civil War.