First established in Sumter county as the “National Guard Museum and State Weapons Collection”, the South Carolina Military Museum relocated to the capital city of Columbia to better serve its mission of preserving the State’s military history.
This new location offered strong partnerships with the South Carolina Military Department and the opportunity to expand the collection. Through the efforts of staff and volunteers, the former National Guard motor pool was transformed into an inviting space for the community to learn their rich military heritage.
Officially recognized by the U.S. Army’s Center for Military History and the National Guard Bureau, the museum features a timeline of South Carolina military history within two full exhibit galleries available for visitors to explore. Staff members are on hand to help with research inquiries by utilizing our archival collection or resource material. Always striving to lead by example, the museum also hosts community events to thank our veterans and build relationships with the community.
Documentaries
Vietnam experiences to the “Traveling Wall” exhibit in Blythewood, S.C.
Ten years in the making, the series explores the human dimensions of the war through revelatory testimony of nearly 80 witnesses.
William Westmoreland: The Man Behind The Four Stars.
World War II Documentaries
Veterans reunite for the 70th anniversary of the invasion of D-Day in Normandy, France.
A collection of stories from ten WWII Veterans.
World War II stories of William Farrow and Thomas Dry Howie.
The generation that persevered through the Great Depression and won a global war.
Burriss and his heroic attempt to capture several bridges in Operation Market Garden.
Important personal stories and accounts to be remembered forever.
An eight episode video collective of personal stories told by South Carolina veterans.
The living memories of heroes and civilians who have served.
S.C. Senator John Drummond shares the story of his capture by the Nazis.
World War I Documentaries
This episode explains key elements about "The Great War," or "The Forgotten War," such as how World War I got started, the countries involved, why the United States entered the conflict, advancements in technology, the socio-economic effects of the Treaty of Versailles, and more!
WWI changed South Carolina and how women and African-Americans saw themselves as a part of society.
Theodore Roosevelt asks to form a 'rough riders' regiment to fight in World War I.