Welcome to the Georgetown County Museum
Home of 300 Years of Georgetown History and The Francis Marion Interpretive Center
Operated by Georgetown County Historical Society
Muskets, marshlands, rice plantations, winding rivers, and revolution — what do these seemingly unrelated subjects have in common? At the Georgetown County Museum, they come together to tell the rich and remarkable story of nearly 300 years of American history as experienced through the lives of the people of Georgetown County, South Carolina.
From colonial beginnings to pivotal moments in the Revolutionary era and beyond, Georgetown has witnessed centuries of change, resilience, and cultural growth.
The Museum brings these stories to life through engaging exhibits and displays that preserve the spirit and heritage of each era.
Operated by the Georgetown County Historical Society, the Museum is dedicated to preserving and promoting the history of Georgetown County from its earliest origins to the present day. Through education, preservation, and community engagement, the Society provides perspective on the past while helping create a lasting legacy for future generations.
300 Years of Fluctuating Fortunes
Georgetown was founded in 1729. In the 18th Century, our first wealth was the cultivation and processing of indigo, a plant that gave a dark blue clothing dye. After the Revolutionary War brought the decline of that crop, Georgetown County growers turned to rice cultivation and production.
By the 1850s, we were the wealthiest county in the United States. This success was made possible by the skills, knowledge and ingenuity of the enslaved Africans who brought their agricultural expertise from West Africa.
Following the War Between the States and emancipation, the labor force was lost and rice cultivation collapsed, bringing economic hardship and devastation to the region.
Struggling through the Reconstruction era, Georgetown gradually regained a measure of economic stability through the lumber industry. In 1899, the Atlantic Coast Lumber Company was established and by 1916, it was the largest lumber mill in the nation.
The Great Depression struck Georgetown hard, and the closing of the lumber company in 1932 dealt another severe economic setback. In 1936, International Paper Company’s newest mill became the county’s largest employer. The mill supported Georgetown’s economy until 2024 when it closed, delivering yet another significant economic blow to the Georgetown area.
Yet Georgetown has demonstrated remarkable resilience across the centuries, continually reinventing itself in response to changing times. Today, tourism serves as a growing foundation of the local economy.
Georgetown County Museum preserves and shares artifacts, documents, and stories that illuminate the region’s rich and complex past. Visitors leave Georgetown with a renewed appreciation for American history and the unique culture here, whether they have traveled from just down the road or from many miles across the country.
Accessibility
We have a ramp at the entrance to the museum. Seating is available. There's an elevator to the 2nd floor.
Wheelchairs and other aids are permitted throughout the museum.
Service dogs are permitted. Pets, though adorable, are not permitted.
Visit the Museum
Open Tuesday thru Saturday from 11AM to 3PM. We are a FREE museum
There is no admission charge, although we greatly appreciate donations.