In the 1840's, the Georgetown region produced almost half the rice grown in the United States. Indeed, it is likely that no other area of the country has ever been as dependent for as long a period of time on this one crop as was this section of the Low Country.
Winnowing House Diorama The Rice Museum is located in the Old Market Building built in 1842 and is known locally as the Town Clock. The Town Clock is a symbol of Georgetown County. Through dioramas, maps, artifacts and other exhibits, visitors to the Museum gain a knowledge and understanding of a society based on one crop.
The recently opened Maritime Museum Gallery is located next door to the Town Clock in the Kaminski Hardware Building. On permanent exhibit is the Browns Ferry Vessel. This vessel was built in the early 1700's and sank approximately 1730. This is the oldest vessel on exhibit in America and it predates all vessels previously found by 50 years. The vessel is approximately 50' long and was a general purpose freighter used on the rivers and coastal waterways during the 1700's. Discovered on the Black River in 1976, this vessel was reconstructed and stored by the University of South Carolina and brought to the Museum in 1992. A 17 minute film entitled The Garden of Gold is shown throughout the day and is part of the Museum tour.
Also located in the Kaminski Hardware Building is the Prevost Gallery and the Museum Gift Shop. A changing exhibit provides visitors interesting and topical exhibits of art and histroy on a revolving basis. Art work from local artists is featured. The Gift Shop is filled with unique and unusual products from South Carolina and around the world.
Lafayette Park surrounds the Rice Museum building and is refreshing urban greenspace on the banks of the Sampit River. A visit to The Rice Museum is an excellent start of a tour of Historic Georgetown. Nearby are almost fifty structures that pre-date the War Between the States. Admission includes both The Rice Museum, The Maritime Museum Gallery and the film presentation.
Admissions
Adults...$5.00
Seniors (60+)...$4.00
Children/Students (12-21)...$2.00
Children under 12...free (accompanied by an adult)
Group Rates by prior arrangement
Hours
10:00 am to 4:30 pm
Monday-Saturday
Closed Sunday and Major Holidays
