South Carolina State Museum, Columbia (must see)

The South Carolina State Museum stands as a beacon of history, culture, and science in the Southeastern United States. Established on October 29, 1988, the museum is housed in the historic Columbia Mills Building, itself a significant artifact of industrial history. This building, originally opened in 1894, was the world’s first completely electric textile mill and marked the debut of a major General Electric installation. Nestled on the banks of the Congaree River, where a pre-Civil War shipping canal once thrived, the museum not only preserves but also embodies a rich tapestry of South Carolina’s past.

The museum's vast and diverse exhibits span four key disciplines: art, cultural history, science and technology, and natural history. Each floor of the museum offers a unique journey through time and innovation. On display are life-size replicas of pivotal technological milestones like the Best Friend of Charleston, the first American-built locomotive, and the H.L. Hunley, the first submarine to successfully sink an enemy ship in combat. These exhibits offer a tangible connection to the state's storied past and its contributions to American history and technological advancement.

One of the museum's most captivating features is its dramatic natural history exhibits, such as the life-sized model of a Megalodon suspended mid-air, poised as if swimming through the gallery. This recreation of the ancient giant shark is strategically placed around a corner, often startling and thrilling visitors, especially young children. The museum also features an "Official" Story Chair, affectionately named Sammy, donated by storyteller Mike Miller to foster a love of stories and learning among its youngest guests.

The South Carolina State Museum's commitment to preserving the old while embracing the new is evident not only in its exhibits but also in the physical structure of the building itself. On certain levels, the museum has preserved the original mill flooring, marked by hundreds of textile brads and rings embedded during its days as a bustling cotton mill.