McKissick Museum
Imaging the Invisible and Annual Art Gala and Exhibition
Imaging the Invisible and Annual Art Gala and Exhibition
McKissick Museum is located at the heart of the historic Horseshoe on the Columbia campus of the University of South Carolina. It was established in 1976 by the University Board of Trustees to bring together under one roof the many object collections housed in various departments and colleges across campus. These collections date to 1801 and provide insight into the long and illustrious history of the University. McKissick Museum is accredited by the American Association of Museums, operating within their guidelines for the proper care and safekeeping of these historical artifacts.The McKissick building is a Works Progress
Administration structure erected in 1939 as the University's library. It stands on the site of the first President's house built on the Horseshoe, which was removed to make room for the library in 1937. A plaque commemorating the house lies in front of McKissick Museum at the edge of the grass bordering the plaza.
The Museum has an Advisory Council consisting of University and community members dedicated to the welfare and promotion of McKissick's endeavors. In 1980 McKissick Museum created a membership program to offer special advantages to its loyal supporters. The nationally-recognized Museum Management Certificate Program is taught on-site and offered through the College of Arts and Sciences' Public History Program. On average about twenty-five graduate students in various stages of their academic careers are enrolled in the program.
Exhibitions can be found on three floors of the Museum. Permanent installations include the first floor Baruch Silver Gallery, and the third floor exhibition, Natural Curiosity: The University of South Carolina and the Evolution of Scientific Inquiry in the Natural World. Two galleries on the second floor, as well as one on the third, feature changing exhibitions. Additionally, McKissick offers a wide variety of events and programs year-round.
Administration structure erected in 1939 as the University's library. It stands on the site of the first President's house built on the Horseshoe, which was removed to make room for the library in 1937. A plaque commemorating the house lies in front of McKissick Museum at the edge of the grass bordering the plaza.
The Museum has an Advisory Council consisting of University and community members dedicated to the welfare and promotion of McKissick's endeavors. In 1980 McKissick Museum created a membership program to offer special advantages to its loyal supporters. The nationally-recognized Museum Management Certificate Program is taught on-site and offered through the College of Arts and Sciences' Public History Program. On average about twenty-five graduate students in various stages of their academic careers are enrolled in the program.
Exhibitions can be found on three floors of the Museum. Permanent installations include the first floor Baruch Silver Gallery, and the third floor exhibition, Natural Curiosity: The University of South Carolina and the Evolution of Scientific Inquiry in the Natural World. Two galleries on the second floor, as well as one on the third, feature changing exhibitions. Additionally, McKissick offers a wide variety of events and programs year-round.
Public Exhibition at the Columbia Metropolitan Airport.
November 22, 2011 Meet USC at McKissick Exhibition at CAE
Between November 22, 2011 and May 4, 2012 McKissick Museum will have a new exhibition on display at the Columbia Metropolitan Airport specifically located in the glass display cases in the main lobby near the USO. Meet USC at McKissick will familiarize travelers with the museum’s mission to foster awareness and appreciation of the diversity of the American South’s culture and geography, attending particularly to the importance of enduring folkways and traditions. Columbia Metropolitan Airport has partnered with McKissick to display the exhibition while the museum building undergoes renovations.
Curator of Exhibitions, Benjamen Salata, stated, “As McKissick undergoes extensive environmental renovation, it is important that we continue to fulfill our vision of ‘telling the story of Southern life.’ This exhibition at the airport will allow us to continue our mission and to reach people who may not be familiar with McKissick.” Besides introducing visitors to the collections and mission, Meet USC at McKissick highlights the Jean Laney Folk Heritage Awards. Created in 1986 to recognize lifetime achievement in the traditional folk arts of South Carolina, the award emphasizes individuals or groups whose work displays authenticity, significance, and excellence in folk art. The award is administered by McKissick Museum and the South Carolina Arts Commission. An advisory panel appointed by the Lt. Governor and the Speaker of the House select the winners.
November 22, 2011 Meet USC at McKissick Exhibition at CAE
Between November 22, 2011 and May 4, 2012 McKissick Museum will have a new exhibition on display at the Columbia Metropolitan Airport specifically located in the glass display cases in the main lobby near the USO. Meet USC at McKissick will familiarize travelers with the museum’s mission to foster awareness and appreciation of the diversity of the American South’s culture and geography, attending particularly to the importance of enduring folkways and traditions. Columbia Metropolitan Airport has partnered with McKissick to display the exhibition while the museum building undergoes renovations.
Curator of Exhibitions, Benjamen Salata, stated, “As McKissick undergoes extensive environmental renovation, it is important that we continue to fulfill our vision of ‘telling the story of Southern life.’ This exhibition at the airport will allow us to continue our mission and to reach people who may not be familiar with McKissick.” Besides introducing visitors to the collections and mission, Meet USC at McKissick highlights the Jean Laney Folk Heritage Awards. Created in 1986 to recognize lifetime achievement in the traditional folk arts of South Carolina, the award emphasizes individuals or groups whose work displays authenticity, significance, and excellence in folk art. The award is administered by McKissick Museum and the South Carolina Arts Commission. An advisory panel appointed by the Lt. Governor and the Speaker of the House select the winners.
