SOUTH CAROLINA: SC museum procures Revolutionary War artifacts for 250th exhibit
Two Revolutionary War-era items are entering the Charleston Museum‘s collection of 2.4 million artifacts in time for a special exhibit next year honoring the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
The Meeting Street cultural and historic attraction acquired a musket and folding cot — both of which provide insights into military life during the 8-year battle for freedom, director Carl Borick said.
The “Brown Bess” flintlock served as the standard weapon of choice for British infantry for more than a century but was also carried by American troops during the War of Independence, according to the museum.
“The musket is something that would have been by their side all day — on the march, in battle and at camp,” Borick said. “The soldiers that fought in the Siege of Charleston — which was fought right outside where the Charleston Museum is today — would have been armed with this type of weapon.”
The acquired musket is 4 inches shorter than the original model. Markings indicate it was produced at an armory in Ireland that supplied weapons for the Royal government and could only fire three shots per minute.
“We don’t know what soldier or regiment carried it, but it is representative of the standard infantry weapon from the Revolutionary War. Ultimately, it was this kind of weapon that helped America gain its independence,” Borick said.
The folding camp bed, or cot, was commonly purchased by higher-ranking officers of both the American and British armies, as most soldiers slept on garrison floors or in tents while in battle.
After the 250th anniversary next year, the musket will become part of the downtown museum’s permanent exhibit dedicated to the Revolutionary War, “Becoming Americans.”
Lights, camera, rules
A proposal that fired up South Carolina photographers and film industry advocates over the last few months is coming before the city’s Tourism Commission on Feb. 26.
The planned guidelines has been revised extensively. The rule would target film- and photographic-related activities that interrupt the normal flow of pedestrian or vehicular rights-of-way or negatively affect the public’s experience on public and private property.
The latest draft was approved Feb. 10 by the commission’s Quality of Life subcommittee, and several photographers said they feel more comfortable with the changes.
Wednesday’s meeting will be held at 4:30 p.m. at City Hall, at 80 Broad St.
Locals on tour
Residents of Charleston, Berkeley and Dorchester counties can take a complimentary Bulldog Tours daytime history or nighttime ghost walking tour on its Locals’ Day.
Three of the company’s most popular offerings — Charleston Strolls, Charleston Ghost and Graveyard Tour and the Charleston Haunted Jail — will be free to residents March 3.
Nancy Small leads an outing for Bulldog Tours.
Owner John LaVerne said the promotion is a way to thank residents and get locals interested in Charleston history. Reservations can be made by phone only, by calling 843-722-8687. Proof of residency will be required at check-in.
–postandcourier.com
