The South Carolina Maritime Museum held a public reception to unveil the its first exhibit, “Lumber Schooners”. The event was held on Thursday, February 9, 2012 from 5 pm until 7 pm. About 200 people showed up. Wow!
Everyone took time to browse the photographs of the lumber schooners that visited Georgetown in the early 20th century when Georgetown was the biggest lumber port in the Southeast.
Much of the new exhibit is displayed on a temporary canvas wall that defines the current museum space (about 1800 sq. feet). As the museum grows the canvas wall will be moved back.
Behind the canvas wall is another 3200 square feet of space for the museum to grow into as it increases its exhibits. Some of this square footage is taken up with public restrooms and a small kitchen. For now, the remaining open area will be used for museum events such as this one. It will also be used as event rental space to provide income for museum operations.
The museum’s board of directors furnished appetizers and set up a bar and some tables. <br/> Volunteers tended bar and replenished food.
For many who attended, it was a first view of the museum’s newly renovated home on the waterfront.
Museum director Susan Sanders greeted guests and signed up new museum members. The homemade chalkboard on the wall behind the front desk is where museum members are listed.
Here you can see the museum’s little gift shop, another revenue source for museum operations.
It was a great night with so many people showing up to show their support for the new South Carolina Maritime Museum.
Museum board member Robert “Mac” McAlister created the exhibit with the help of his wife, Mary, an artist and interior designer. Mac has authored several books about Georgetown’s maritime history. Many thanks to Mac and Mary!
