OUR MUSEUMS
Joanne T. Rainsford Discovery Center
405 Main Street
Edgefield, SC 29824
803-637-2233
Open 10:00 to 4:00 Tuesday through Sunday or by appointment
The Joanne T. Rainsford Discovery Center houses an excellent general history museum which tells the story of the long history of Edgefield County and its people. This 1840 plantation home, which was moved to this site and opened in 2004, was designed to provide a comprehensive overview of the history of Edgefield County and surrounding areas. Subjects treated include geography, flora & fauna, native Americans, Indian trade, early settlement, American Revolution, the cultivation of cotton, the antebellum period, the War Between the States, Reconstruction, the New South and industrialization, the twentieth century with a special exhibit on Edgefield’s renowned Strom Thurmond, Edgefield Pottery and our heritage of Camellia cultivation. The Discovery Center also houses the William Miller Bouknight Theatre where theatrical and musical performances are held throughout the year. The Society’s theatrical performers, known as the Main Street Players , produce a variety of plays, some of which involve fascinating characters and events from Edgefield County’s rich history.
Magnolia Dale House Museum
320 Norris Street
Edgefield, SC 29824
803-637-2233
Open by appointment
The Magnolia Dale House Museum is an 1843 plantation home which houses numerous portraits, furnishings and artifacts related to the history of Edgefield County and its people. It has been operated by the Society since 1959. A number of important community events are held annually at Magnolia Dale, including the Camellia Show in February and the Christmas Tour of Churches Reception in December. Visitors will not be disappointed with their visit here!
Horn’s Creek Church Museum
475 Old Stage Road
Edgefield, SC 29824
(6 miles south of town)
706-993-0464 or 803-637-2233
Open by appointment
Horn’s Creek Church Museum is housed in a church which was founded in 1768 by the Reverend Daniel Marshall with the building dating from as early as 1784. It was one of the first churches in the South Carolina backcountry and grew to become one of the most influential churches in the region in the antebellum period. Following the decline of population in the neighborhood in the early 20th century, the church closed its doors in 1942 and the property was turned over to the Edgefield Baptist Association for safekeeping. In 2002 the property was conveyed to the Edgefield County Historical Society which constructed a caretaker’s cottage and completed the restoration of the church in 2018. Today it serves as a museum for the County’s Colonial, Revolutionary and Early National periods, as well as an event center for weddings and other social and community events. For photos showing weddings and social events and for information about scheduling your wedding here, please see the following page.
