Museums

Chester County Historical Society Museum
107 McAliley St.
Chester, SC 29706
(803) 385-2332

Houses notable collections of Native American artifacts, firearms from the Revolutionary era to the present, period costumes and relics from the Civil War and a recreated late 18th Century parlor of Samuel McAliley in a 1914 jail behind the county courthouse. Open Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 1am to 3pm.  Admission is $3 per adult, $2 for senior citizens and students over 12.  Under 12 is free.  School groups are free.  Group rates available.  Schedule an off hours visit by calling 803-385-2332 or emailing ccmuseum@truvista.net. Director: Liz Anderson.

The Chester County Historical Society Museum, located behind the Chester County Courthouse on McAliley Street in Chester, houses an extensive collection of artifacts relating to the history of this area. Sponsored by the Chester County Historical Society, the museum is a volunteer non-profit organization.

Its collection includes:

  • An extensive collection of old photos of Chester County from Henry O. Nichols
  • One of the finest Indian collections in the Southeast.
  • Approximately 80 long rifles and 35 handguns dating from circa 1680.
  • A copy of the Ordinance of Secession, as well as portraits of Chester County’s four signers of the document.
  • Genealogical materials on many Chester County families.
  • Military uniforms from World War I through the Vietnam War.
  • Civil War collections of flags, guns and other artifacts.
  • Civil War, World War II and Nazi medals.
  • Farm collections dating from the early 1800s.
  • Clothing from the 1800s.
  • Early 1800s baby carriage and tricycle.
  • Coca-Cola memorabilia.
  • The bench Aaron Burr slept on in 1807.

The Chester County Historical Society welcomes additions to the collection, financial contributions and volunteer support. The Chester County Historical Society was formed in the 1960s to preserve the significant historical artifacts of Chester County. The collection was formerly housed in a basement room of the courthouse. In 1981 the collection was moved to the permanent location in the county’s old jail house.

Chester County Transportation Museum
157 Wylie St.
Chester, SC 29706
(803) 385-2330

Houses early buggies, wagons, a 1925 school bus used in Chester County, 1916 Ford, 1934 and 1939 Ford and a large collection of artifacts and pictures related to the development of transportation in Chester County. Museum is housed in a restored 1888 Freight Depot on Seaboard Railroad. Open Tuesday - Saturday 11am to 3pm. Admission Adults $3, Seniors & Students $2. Call the director, Bob Shannon, at 803-385-2330 for group rates or send an email to ccmuseum@truvista.net. This attraction is sponsored by the Chester County Historical Society.

The Lando Manetta Mills History Center

 

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