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Museums

Chester County Historical Society Museum
107 McAliley St.
Chester, SC 29706
(803) 385-2330

Houses notable collections of Native American artifacts, firearms from the Revolutionary era to the present, period costumes and relics from the Civil War and a recreated late 18th Century parlor of Samuel McAliley in a 1914 jail behind the county courthouse. Open Wednesday 11am-3pm, and by appt.

The Chester County Historical Society Museum, located behind the Chester County Courthouse on McAliley Street in Chester, houses an extensive collection of artifacts relating to the history of this area. Sponsored by the Chester County Historical Society, the museum is a volunteer non-profit organization. Admission is free.

Its collection includes:

  • An extensive collection of old photos of Chester County from Henry O. Nichols
  • One of the finest Indian collections in the Southeast.
  • Approximately 80 long rifles and 35 handguns dating from circa 1680.
  • A copy of the Ordinance of Secession, as well as portraits of Chester County’s four signers of the document.
  • Genealogical materials on many Chester County families.
  • Military uniforms from World War I through the Vietnam War.
  • Civil War collections of flags, guns and other artifacts.
  • Civil War, World War II and Nazi medals.
  • Farm collections dating from the early 1800s.
  • Clothing from the 1800s.
  • Early 1800s baby carriage and tricycle.
  • Coca-Cola memorabilia.
  • The bench Aaron Burr slept on in 1807.

 

The Chester County Historical Society welcomes additions to the collection, financial contributions and volunteer support. The Chester County Historical Society was formed in the 1960s to preserve the significant historical artifacts of Chester County. The collection was formerly housed in a basement room of the courthouse. In 1981 the collection was moved to the permanent location in the county’s old jail house. The museum is open from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. each Wednesday, and tours also can be arranged by appointment. Call the director, Gary Roberts, at 581-4354 for information when the museum is not open.

Chester County Transportation Museum
157 Wylie St.
Chester, SC 29706
(803) 385-2330

Houses early buggies, wagons, a 1925 school bus used in Chester County, 1916 Ford, 1934 and 1939 Ford and a large collection of artifacts and pictures related to the development of transportation in Chester County. Museum is housed in a restored 1888 Freight Depot on Seaboard Railroad. Open Tuesday - Saturday 10 to 4, Sunday 1 to 4. Admission Adults $3, Seniors & Students $2. Call the director, Bob Shannon, at 803-385-2330 for group rates or send an email to ccmuseum@truvista.net. This attraction is sponsored by the Chester County Historical Society.

The Lando Manetta Mills History Center

Arts Council of Chester County
123 Main St.
Chester, SC 29706
(803) 581-2030

The Arts Council of Chester County which seeks to improve the quality of life in Chester County by promoting the arts and cultural events, was organized in 1973. The council supports programs in all parts of the county. The Arts Council continues to develop partnerships with other area organizations, such as Chester County Adult Education, the YMCA, the library system, the Great Falls Hometown Association and York Tech-Chester. New members and volunteers are welcomed.

The council works closely with the school district’s "Arts In Education Program" to bring artists of various types into local schools to work with students. Each spring, the organization recognizes the talents of local school students at the Superintendent’s Art Show. Each year, the council also sponsors the Chester County Art Show — an event that usually draws exhibitors from Chester and surrounding counties. In recent years, the council has sponsored musical concerts featuring the Greenville Symphony and the Air Force Concert Band. The organization also sponsors trips to various art museums and arts-related events each year. The council offers on-going classes in various arts and it offers special camp programs for school-aged youngsters.

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