Our exhibitions are based on current scholarship and research, providing the university
campus and the community with engaging presentations each year. We strive to produce
exhibitions that reflect the museum’s broad, interdisciplinary approach, educating
visitors about the diversity and richness found throughout the Southeast region.
Current Exhibitions
Swag & Tassel: The Innovative Stoneware of Thomas Chandler
through July 20th, 2019, 2nd Floor, South Gallery
Swag & Tassel: The Innovative Stoneware of Thomas Chandler, is the first retrospective
exhibition of a 19th century Edgefield, SC, potter since I Made This Jar: The Life
and Works of the Enslaved African-American Potter, Dave. Building upon the research
in Philip Wingard's 2014 Ceramics in America article, "From Baltimore to the South
Carolina Backcountry: Thomas Chandler's Influence on 19th Century Stoneware," the
exhibition brings archaeological and archival research to bear on our understanding
of the nature and scope of Chandler's technical and aesthetic innovations within the
context of mid-19th century Edgefield District pottery manufacturing.
Thank You! Love, McKissick
through December 7, 2019, North Gallery
Every so often, McKissick Museum exhibits recently acquired objects to showcase the
work that goes on in our collections department and to demonstrate our sincere appreciation
for donors and visitors. In this version, we are excited to highlight new additions
of art, silver, quilts, minerals, pottery, political memorabilia, and objects related
to UofSC history. These new acquisitions come to the museum through figts, bequests,
transers, or purchases, and it's only through the generosity of donors that we can
continue telling the story of Southern life. Thank you! Love, McKissick.
Founding Feathers: Extinction and Conservation of Southern Birds
through June 30th, 2019, 3rd Floor, Lobby
What started as a group project in a university classroom has been transformed into
an educational museum exhibition on extinct and endangered birds. By showcasing the
stories of the extinct ivory billed woodpecker, the Carolina parakeet, and the passenger
pigeon, the exhibition brings to light the conservation efforts inspired by their
disappearance. Their legacy sparked the beginning of conservation efforts around the
United States including the successful conservation of the Bald Eagle. This 3rd floor
lobby exhibition features objects from McKissick Museum, the Irvin Department of Rare
Books and Special Collections, the Museum of York County, the South Carolina State
Museum and more.
Natural Curiosity: The University of South Carolina and the Evolution of Scientific
Inquiry in the Natural World
Ongoing, 3rd Floor, South Gallery
Explore your own “natural curiosity” in this exhibit that highlights not only the
treasures of nature, but also the evolution of the field of natural history. Beginning
soon after UofSC was founded as South Carolina College, professors and students alike
collected samples of animal, vegetable, and mineral to study and grow their understanding
of the world around them. Today, visitors can still learn from these real and authentic
objects or use newly installed touchscreens to dive deeper into the collections and
explore the Historic Southern Naturalists. Where will your natural curiosity take
you?
Upcoming Exhibits
McKissick Museum's abstract art from the 1960s and 70s makes an appearance in our
third floor lobby. Expect to see bold colors and geometric shapes on display.
