Florence County Museum
The Florence County Museum reflects the region’s rich artistic, cultural and historic heritage. Through a dynamic range of exhibitions, studios, lectures and family programming, the FCM provides an engaging educational experience to visitors of all ages.Collection highlights in local history include: Cretaceous period reptile material, an 18 ft. tall Ancient Bald Cypress trunk sub-fossil, Native American and Colonial period artifacts, Civil War artifacts from the Florence Stockade prison camp and Confederate Naval Yard at Mars Bluff, artifacts related to the life and career of former FBI agent and Florence County native Melvin Purvis and fragments of the MK-6 atomic bomb that was accidentally dropped on the Mars Bluff community in 1958.In addition to the aforementioned historical highlights, our permanent collection includes works by celebrated 20th century African-American artist and Florence, South Carolina native, William H. Johnson: featuring works on paper and oil paintings, each representing distinct periods of the artist’s development.It is also of note that the Florence County Museum is home to The Wright Collection of Southern Art a prestigious volume of over 140 works representing some of the finest in 20th century Southern Art. This collection boasts works by Thomas Hart Benton, Alfred Hutty, Helen Hyde, Alice Huger Smith, Anna Heyward Taylor, Elizabeth O’Neill Verner, Palmer Schoppe, Mary Whyte and Stephen Scott Young.The Florence County Museum is equally committed to providing a platform for contemporary artists as the host of the Pee Dee Regional Art Competition, South Carolina’s oldest juried art competition. The Pee Dee Regional Art Competition has been showcasing the best in southern contemporary art since 1954.
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Google Reviews
Miss DI’ve visited this museum a few times over the past five years or so, and I must say I’m quite impressed. What many do not seem to understand is that it takes a long time and great care to build from the ground up. The items that were housed at the original museum were brought over to this new building, and I’m sure the staff has attempted to add much to the collection over the years in spite of many obstacles (including, but not limited to the very recent COVID pandemic). They’ve managed to overcome that obstacle and I’m sure many others. A lot of blood, sweat, tears have gone into this project and others in the attempt to build up the downtown area and local culture. I know, because I witnessed much of it… and I know that those who were there early on, and are no longer with us would have *loved* this place. To those who have worked so hard to build this beautiful place from the ground up… Well done. 💜
Jun 20, 2026 · Google Review
Sandra Nelson LawsonBeautiful place. It's very informative by giving information on how and who help with forming Florence and also some of the neighboring cities as well. My granddaughter did the scavenger hunt they had for people to do if they chose to. We had a great time, 90 minutes went by very quickly today!!!!
Jul 27, 2024 · Google Review
V MarsFun, educational and surprising gem of a museum. Super interesting local history coupled with beautiful works of art. The museum is laid out very well. As you stroll through the exhibit by Johnson, you'll find a fascinating story of a talented man whose life and travels shaped his art.
Oct 22, 2024 · Google Review
L HollingsworthGreat complement to Florence. There are plenty of parking spaces and interesting landscaping. Super clean, with the right blend of art and history.
Feb 5, 2025 · Google Review
Tracey PattersonI didn’t know this museum existed but it was a great one to visit.
Oct 4, 2025 · Google Review