Salute to 250 Day on June 27 features grand opening of American Battleground exhibition, live music, hands-on activities and new planetarium show
The South Carolina State Museum will commemorate the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution with Salute to 250 Day on June 27, offering free general admission from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and celebrating the opening of a major new exhibition focused on South Carolina’s role in the Revolutionary War.
The event will mark the debut of American Battleground: South Carolina’s Revolution, a new exhibition exploring the state’s pivotal role in America’s fight for independence. The exhibition is the first completed project under the museum’s Reimagine the Experience capital campaign.
“As we commemorate America’s 250th anniversary, this celebration offers an opportunity to reflect on South Carolina’s important role in the Revolutionary War and share those stories with audiences in meaningful ways,” said Amy Bartow-Melia, executive director of the South Carolina State Museum.
Among the exhibition’s highlights is the historic flag of the 2nd South Carolina Regiment, created to commemorate the Patriot victory at the Battle of Sullivan’s Island in 1776. The artifact will be displayed publicly for the first time in more than a decade. Museum curators will be available throughout the day to discuss the exhibition and will participate in a special panel discussion moderated by State Museum Chief Engagement and Content Officer Dr. Jeffrey Brodie.
Visitors can also experience Revolutionary Astronomers, a new live planetarium production developed by Planetarium Production Specialist Brodie Blizzard and the museum’s Astro Hub team. Combining animation, sky simulations, video and special effects, the presentation explores how scientific discovery continued during the nation’s founding years through the stories of three influential astronomers.
“Salute to 250 Day is an opportunity for visitors to experience history in a way that is creative, engaging and community-centered,” said Meeghan Kane, head of community engagement at the museum. “Through art, music, storytelling and hands-on activities, we hope guests of all ages can connect with the people, ideas and cultural traditions that shaped South Carolina.”
The celebration begins with a special Member Morning at 8:30 a.m., providing museum members with early access to the exhibition, planetarium show and other activities before the public opening at 10 a.m.
Throughout the day, guests can enjoy live performances by Gallus Camerata featuring Revolutionary-era music, meet representatives from local history and cultural organizations, and participate in hands-on activities inspired by historical artistic traditions. Activities include mini portraiture projects, traditional bookbinding with Jessica Ream, natural dye demonstrations with Christina Smith-Galloway, junk journaling with Kat Martin and Emma Larson of The Spread, and stamp-making activities inspired by artist Thomas You.
General admission to the museum is free during the event. Planetarium and 4D theater tickets, including admission to Revolutionary Astronomers, will be available for an additional fee.
Additional event information and show schedules are available through the South Carolina State Museum.