Upcountry History Museum

Upcountry Road to Freedom
2026-04-25 10:00 - 2027-09-05 17:00 (America/New_York) | SC
Upcountry Road to Freedom: Upstate South Carolina During the American Revolution

April 25, 2026 – September 5, 2027
In a war remembered more for battles at Bunker Hill, Saratoga, and Yorktown, it was the events of the Southern Campaign, 1778-1781, that finally turned the tide for American independence. The hard-fought war came to an end in 1783, but not before South Carolina found itself at the frontline of battles against British forces determined to regain control of the war by redirecting their efforts to the Southern colonies. This central military operation involved strategic battles in the Carolinas, Georgia, and Virginia.
More than 135 military engagements took place in South Carolina during the Revolutionary War. Most were skirmishes involving patriots and loyalist militias. A few, however, were battles that directly affected the outcome of the war.
Commemorating the 250th Anniversary of the United States of America, the exhibition will focus on Upcountry South Carolina people, places, and events. This major exhibition, organized by the Upcountry History Museum in partnership with Clemson University and private collectors, will explore the lesser-known people of Upcountry South Carolina, who helped turn the 13 colonies into one nation.
Historic artifacts, archival materials, and accoutrements from soldiers, civilians, and diverse groups, many on loan from private collections, will illustrate key phases of the war including the path to independence, colonists to revolutionaries, the war’s darkest hours, and the new nation’s formation.
Diverse perspectives, including stories of Upcountry South Carolina women, African Americans (free and enslaved), indigenous peoples, and soldiers will further illustrate what it meant to gain independence and become the United States of America.

Xavier Riddle and the Secret Museum: The Exhibit
2026-05-15 10:00 - 2026-09-26 17:00 UTC
Xavier Riddle and the Secret Museum: The Exhibit
May 16, 2026 – September 27, 2026

Young adventurers and their caregivers will travel back in time to unravel the secrets of world-famous heroes and heroines in Xavier Riddle and the Secret Museum: The Exhibit.
Xavier Riddle and the Secret Museum is an animated PBS KIDS TV children’s series based on New York Times best-selling author Brad Meltzer and illustrator Chris Eliopoulos children’s book series, Ordinary People Change the World.
The 2,000 square foot interactive exhibit brings to life the acclaimed PBS KIDS TV series, which follows kid adventurers Xavier Riddle, his sister Yadina, friend Brad; and Berby the flying robot, as they tackle everyday problems by doing something extraordinary: traveling back in time to learn from real-life inspirational figures when they were children.
The imagination-stirring STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, math) and early literacy experience is filled with holograms, heroes, heroines and engaging activities specially designed for children ages 3-10. Adventurers enter the Secret Museum through a hidden portal – just like in the tv series – to unlock different periods in history and meet inspirational heroes and heroines, learning about their extraordinary contributions and actions that helped change the world for the better.
Hands-on exploration includes uncovering dinosaur skeletons with paleontologist Mary Anning, discovering a secret garden with botanist George Washington Carver, and examining x-rays with chemist Marie Curie. Visitors also travel through a real-life version of Hall of Heroes! A room filled with additional hands-on learning experiences regarding many of the world-changing historical figures featured in the television and book series.
Xavier Riddle and the Secret Museum: The Exhibit highlights the importance of empowering children to dream big and recognize their ability to make a real and meaningful difference in the world. Children not only unravel the secrets of heroes and heroines from the past but also learn how they can be role models of the present. In addition to supporting STEAM learning and early literacy, the exhibit illustrates that when children are encouraged to believe in themselves, they can accomplish amazing things.

Exhibit Drop-In Tour
2026-08-21 14:00 - 14:30 (America/New_York)
Upcountry Road to Freedom
Explore Upcountry Road to Freedom: Upstate South Carolina During the American Revolution with a guided tour led by UHM Education Coordinator, Abby Silon. This exhibition features artifacts, archival materials, and accoutrements from soldiers, civilians and diverse groups from Clemson University and private collectors.
After the tour, test your knowledge with rapid round trivia!

Drop-In Tours will occur on select Fridays at 2:00 PM.
Tours last approximately 30 minutes.
Drop-In Tours are included with your general admission.
