Andersonians In War Opens Veterans’ Day at Anderson County Museum
After seven years in development, the Anderson County Museum’s new permanent exhibit, Andersonians In War, will open to the public on Veterans’ Day. This exhibit sheds a light on Anderson County and South Carolina veterans who, through their service, have etched their names into the American past, embodied the social and political debates of their times, and changed the course of state, regional, and national history.
In the past, these stories have been relayed using a blur of campaigns and battles that sweep broadly over America’s wars. Andersonians in War will zoom in on the personal experiences of those who were there, giving visitors a chance to live these stories rather than simply read them. By giving faces and names to the events of the past, we hope to connect our audience with these valiant men and women who helped shape our county, state, and nation.
Beginning in the American Revolution, military leaders Andrew Pickens and Robert Anderson would aid in the victory of the colonies and in the founding of Anderson County. However, not every hero is a politician or wealthy statesman. Take Cpl. Freddie Stowers for instance, who came from a poor farming family in Sandy Springs, SC and rose to greatness by leading his African American fellows to victory on the Meuse Argonne front in 1917. Each tale included in this exhibit will offer a unique window into our military past, from the Revolution to modern day conflicts.
“Our hope and mission is to preserve the stories of our county’s veterans, past and present, and to inspire appreciation for the sacrifices they have made for the betterment of this county, state, and nation,” said Curator Dustin Norris. “In every major American conflict, one can find Andersonians in War.”
“Our job is to connect our visitors to the past. Highlighting individuals who have lived historic military lives unique to Anderson County and South Carolina, provides a link to the roots of our community,” said Executive Director Beverly Childs. “We like to think of our exhibits as a breathing and living entity and these military stories bring home the reality of war.”
The exhibit will open to the public on Veterans’ Day at 10 a.m. with Curator tours at 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. on both Friday, November 11th and Saturday, November 12th. To RSVP for the tour, send an email to [email protected]. Please specify date, time and how many people you are RSVPing for.
The admission free Anderson County Museum is located at 202 East Greenville Street, in downtown Anderson. The Fred Whitten Gallery and Whitner’s Emporium Gift Store hours are Tuesday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Wednesday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Roper Research Room is open 1 to 7 p.m. on Tuesdays and by appointment with the Curator. ACM is handicap accessible and admission and parking is free. Donations are always welcome. For more information, contact the Museum at (864) 260-4737.