Charleston Museum Opens New Exhibit Exploring the Lowcountry’s Complex History

Charleston Welcomes a New Exhibit at the Museum

Charleston, S.C. has a lot to celebrate with the opening of a brand new exhibit at the Charleston Museum this Friday! The exhibit, aptly named “Beyond the Ashes: the Lowcountry’s New Beginnings”, takes visitors on a journey through the end of the Civil War and delves into the complex history of Charleston up until the 21st century. It’s an exciting opportunity for both locals and tourists to immerse themselves in the rich and sometimes painful past of this beautiful city.

What’s Inside the Exhibit?

One of the most fascinating aspects of the exhibit is its remarkable collection of historical artifacts. Director of the Charleston Museum, Carl Borick, shared that a stunning piece on display is a pew from an Edisto Island church. This pew serves as a critical link in the storytelling of both enslaved and free individuals during the time of the Civil War and afterward.

“It helps us tell the story of enslaved people, but also free people, when the Civil War gets here and slavery comes to an end,” Borick noted. He pointed out how the pew acts as a bridge to discuss the beginnings of Reconstruction and the often painful period that followed its end.

Unpacking a Painful Past

As Charleston locals, it’s no surprise to anyone that the Lowcountry has a history sprinkled with hardship and struggles. Borick emphasizes this point: “We had enslaved people here for 250 years. And even beyond that with Reconstruction and the end of Reconstruction, there was a lot of violence in South Carolina.”

While the museum is dedicated to revealing these challenging narratives, they equally strive to provide a complete and honest understanding of Charleston’s past. “The Charleston Museum has never shied away from these topics. We want to make sure that we tell the complete story,” Borick said passionately.

A Long Time Coming

The opening of the exhibit has been a labor of love and a significant part of the museum’s strategic plan since 2019. A range of significant events is memorialized in the exhibit, including the Jim Crow Era, the Earthquake of 1886, and the flourishing period known as the Charleston Renaissance.

Visitor experience is set to be fulfilling and educational, offering a deeper appreciation of Charleston’s evolution over the past 150 years. “What we want people to take away from the exhibit is a true understanding of what’s happened in Charleston, but we want to end on a note of hope,” Borick explained. The message of perseverance shining through these stories is legitimate and lifelike.

Visiting the Exhibit

The museum invites everyone to visit this intriguing exhibit starting this Friday. Admission is free for museum members, making this groundbreaking exhibit accessible to those who want to learn and engage more deeply with Charleston’s history. As visitors walk through the exhibit, they will see not just remnants of the past, but also reflections of survival, progress, and the community’s enduring strength.

So, whether you’re a history enthusiast or simply curious about Charleston’s complex past, this exhibit promises to be enlightening and rewarding. Mark your calendars for this Friday to explore “Beyond the Ashes: the Lowcountry’s New Beginnings” and discover the resilience that defines this great city.