South Carolina pottery tradition, SC State Museum art and history exhibit

At the SC State Museum we recently enjoyed seeing the “Tangible History: South Carolina Stoneware from the Holcombe Family Collection” exhibit (free with museum admission which is $7 adults, $5 children 3-12). The best part was the live demonstration with a treadle potter’s wheel, an exact replica of the one used by Billy Henson from [...]

The Great Charleston Earthquake of 1886: pictures, stories, facts and quacks on display at the SC State Museum in Columbia

The most destructive earthquake ever recorded in the eastern United States occurred near Charleston at 9:51PM on August 31st, 1886. The quake was felt by two out every three people living in the country! Estimated at a 7.3 magnitude (more powerful than the Haiti earthquake in 2010) the shock lasted about a minute. The following [...]

Body Worlds Vital at SC State Museum, Columbia fun and exciting things to do with kids

Recently we visited the SC State Museum to see the renown Body Worlds exhibit. We took advantage of the special $1 admission (1st Sunday of the month) and ended up paying $20 total (adult and child tickets). We spent over an hour browsing the galleries and gift shop and we were impressed. My 7 years [...]

Bad girls at sea…the amazing story of Mary Read, Anne Bony and Calico Jack

John Calico Jack Rackham was an English pirate who ravaged the Caribbean shores at the end of the Golden Age. His nickname stemmed from the colorful calico clothes he wore. He is famous for being the only known captain with female crew members and for his skull and crossbones Jolly Roger, nowadays most popular piracy [...]

All about Pirates! Jolly Rogers, medicine, crime and punishment (State Museum attractions)

Call them sea thieves, entrepreneurs, mischievous warriors, or wild creatures…For centuries pirates have ruled the high seas, terrorized merchants, ran havoc along the coast and sprung countless myths and legends. Love them or hate them they are here to stay. This post sheds some light on the pirate lifestyle: flag designs and symbols, how they [...]

The “Infernal Machine”! HL Hunley’s submarine amazing artifacts and good-luck charms

The find of the century… The Charleston Harbor is home to the country’s most intriguing Civil War naval battle. Yes, I’m talking about the one and only HL Hunley, also called “The Diver”, “The Infernal Machine”, “The Fish Boat”, “The Peripatetic Coffin”. The Hunley was the world’s first combat submarine to successfully sink an enemy [...]

Powers of Nature at work! Hit by lightning at the SC State Museum in Columbia

Well just pretend. The make your own lightning interactive stations are very popular with kids. Who wouldn’t? There’s lot more fun things to do and learn at the Powers of Nature exhibit, SC State Museum newest science attraction: • Create your own tornado • Touch the world’s largest hail stone (it’s huge!) • Watch brave [...]

Hunley’s mystery continues…the more clues, the more questions

The H.L. Hunley submarine drama continues to fascinate us centuries after its tragic Civil War combat disappearance. June 2011 update: Hunley comes to life! Almost 150 years after its sinking the beloved sub is finally sitting in an upright position. “It’s as if you are looking at the submarine for the first time,” said conservator [...]

What the Humvee, Ball bearings and Tour de France have in common? Hint, Da Vinci’s Machines in Motion

That’s right. The most creative and prolific inventor ever, put his genius mark on the world’s first armored tank operated from inside and the first bicycle, and he revolutioned construction with his ball bearings introduction…”Ball bearings. It’s all about ball bearings” Other firsts: the parachute, ornithopter (a premise to present day helicopter), machine gun, log [...]

Fun, free and affordable weekend things to do with kids in Columbia

Wonder where to go with the kids and what’s interesting to see while visiting Columbia? Here is a list of really fun, educational and healthy things to do during the weekend. UPDATE! I’ve added more lovely places from recent 2009 and 2010 experiences. Free family activities 1. “Tame the wild things” at the Public Library, [...]