Upcountry History Museum

Beautification: The Environmental Legacy of Lady Bird Johnson
2025-03-15 10:00 - 2025-09-07 17:00 UTC | SC
Beautification: The Environmental Legacy of Lady Bird Johnson
March 15, 2025 – September 7, 2025
Curated and produced by the LBJ Presidential Library, Austin, Texas, Beautification: The Environmental Legacy of Lady Bird Johnson, focuses on the life and legacy of Lady Bird Johnson, wife of the 36th President of the United States, Lyndon Baines Johnson. The Upcountry History Museum, Greenville, SC, will be the exhibit’s first stop on its limited national tour.
The former first lady is most often associated with promoting environmental conservation and the wildflowers that brighten the country’s landscape. This exhibition guides visitors through a comprehensive story of Mrs. Johnson’s life, providing more context to her education, family, campaign efforts, acumen as a businesswoman, leadership in education and environmental conservation, and her role as a philanthropist.
Throughout her time in the White House, Lady Bird fought to make American cities more beautiful by planting flowers or adding park benches and by removing billboards and junkyards from the nation’s highways. Her efforts in these areas pushed her further into the political arena, more than any First Lady before her. Even Eleanor Roosevelt, Lady Bird’s declared role model, had not sat in on a legislative strategy session or been given assignments to influence Congressional votes. Lyndon Johnson supported Lady Bird’s efforts, publicly promoting her projects in his State of the Union speeches and during Cabinet meetings.
Beautification: The Environmental Legacy of Lady Bird Johnson will guide visitors through a comprehensive story of Mrs. Johnson’s life, from childhood through her post-White House years. Visitors will be immersed in the life and legacy of Lady Bird Johnson on loan from the LBJ Presidential Library and the Johnsons daughters Lynda Bird Johnson Robb and Luci Baines Johnson include items from Whistle Stop campaign tours, gowns from White House galas, mementos from beautification projects; original art from The Lorax, created by Dr. Seuss; along with letters, photographs, oral histories, home movies, and artifacts – the majority of which have never been shared with the public.

Support provided by

Janis Bandelin & Bill Fitzpatrick Mountain Laurel Garden Club of Travelers Rest

Privies, Pipes, and Progress...
2025-05-10 10:00 - 2025-10-05 17:00 UTC | SC
Privies, Pipes, and Progress…
May 10, 2025 – October 5, 2026

Renewable Water Resources Celebrates 100 Years of Cleaning Water
November 1, 1928, ushered in a new era for the Upcountry as the then Greater Greenville Sewer District began operations at the recently completed Mauldin Road treatment plant. The realization of this “modern sewerage system” in the “first city in the South to be completely sewered” brought with it expectations, opportunities, and progress for the 20th century.
Over the next few decades, upgrades and advanced improvements were made to keep the utility on mission for cleaning water and protecting public health, while additional facilities were built to help meet the demands of a growing region. As the service area and functions expanded, the utility was renamed Greenville County Sewer Authority in 1968, and by 1969, S.C. Act 688 established it as the primary wastewater treatment provider in the Greenville area.
The succeeding years brought increased environmental responsibilities, escalating infrastructure demands, as well as an anticipated expansion in scope of responsibility for surrounding counties. So, the General Assembly authorized S.C. Act 1415 in 1974 to rename the utility to Western Carolina Regional Sewer Authority (WCRSA).
For the next 35 years, WCRSA made pioneering and groundbreaking advancements in numerous areas of wastewater treatment, many of which positioned the utility as the definitive leader at the state and national levels.
By the early 2000s, the utility’s vision had evolved to encompass a more thorough commitment to enhancing the quality of life for its communities by transforming wastewater into a clean, fresh, renewable resource. State legislators agreed and by approval of Act 102 in 2009, the name became Renewable Water Resources (ReWa).
Over the past 100 years, ReWa has established itself as an organization dedicated to protecting Upstate waterways, supporting public health, and promoting a cleaner environment. It has also become a steadfast community partner motivated to lead, engage, and serve.
This exhibition takes visitors on a journey through ReWa’s 100 years and features interactive displays, archived materials from early days of operations, photo collages highlighting the decades, and more.

Support provided by

Dinosaurs: Land of Fire and Ice
2025-05-24 10:00 - 2025-09-21 17:00 UTC | SC
Dinosaurs: Land of Fire and Ice
May 24, 2025 – September 21, 2025

Dinosaurs will roar into Upstate South Carolina, when the Upcountry History Museum presents Dinosaurs: Land of Fire and Ice.
Crossing the threshold of this special exhibition means traveling back in time to explore the Age of the Dinosaurs. As visitors move through the exhibit they encounter unfamiliar landscapes, touchable dinosaurs of all shapes and sizes, and opportunities to investigate clues about what the dinosaurs left behind. The exhibit builds on the popular fascination with dinosaurs and includes science, history, and literacy based activities to challenge all ages.
Dinosaurs: Land of Fire and Ice, designed for children ages 3-10, is the first child-centered exhibit dedicated to expanding the understanding of dinosaur habitat and range. The bilingual (Spanish and English) exhibit features three distinct sections that build on a child’s innate curiosity about dinosaurs: Land of Fire (a warm dinosaur habitat), Land of Ice (a cold dinosaur habitat), and a Field Research Station (complete with a Big Dig experience).
The steamy Land of Fire – present day Montana – introduces visitors to the Triceratops, T-Rex, and the dinosaurs who called this environment home. Children can circle the land in insect costumes, buzz through a volcano with oozing lava, work through a swampy bog, and identify an ecosystem of animals and plants.
No coats are needed for a trip across the Land of Ice where visitors meet the dinosaurs who made their homes in the cold climate of present day Alaska. Activities include exploring an icy cave filled with northern lights effects, breezing down an icy slide, and creating a Cretaceous food chain in an environment based on cold dinosaur habitats 70 million years ago.
In the hands-on Field Research Station children and their caregivers don goggles and research vests, as they uncover dinosaur bones in a dig station and examine fossils to identify dinosaurs.
This immersive exhibit includes sculpted, touchable dinosaurs that feature the most recent scientific findings about the colors, textures and structural form of the dinosaurs. Designed to spark children’s interest in science and history, the exhibit will immerse visitors in meaningful science experiences and activities that use scientific thinking skills; focus on history, natural history, and paleontology; and provide opportunities to build literacy and vocabulary skills through interactive activities.

Support provided by

Avengers: Endgame – The Exhibition
2025-06-07 10:00 - 2026-01-18 17:00 UTC | SC
Avengers: Endgame — The Exhibition
June 7, 2025 – January 18, 2026
“In the comic books and the movies, the story is always the most important element.”
– Stan Lee, Writer, Editor, Comic Book Creator

For over 85 years, creating independent yet deeply connected stories has been the foundation of the Marvel Universe. Conceived from a simple idea of strange tales and journeys in 1939 with the publication of Marvel Comics #1, Marvel began to create a world with visual and cultural impact that has continued to influence readers and viewers today.
As the comic book industry gained momentum in the 1930s, Stan Lee, an aspiring writer, joined Timely Comics, the forerunner to Marvel Comics. In 1940, Timely introduced characters such as Captain America, Toro, the Whizzer, and even Miss America, who with the Human Torch, founded the Invaders, dedicated to combating Nazi forces in Europe. Following the war, the group was renamed the All-Winners Squad with the mission to fight crime in the U.S.
Over the next two decades, new characters in different genres expanded the growing repertoire of stories which furthered the narratives of heroes and villains. By the 1960s, Marvel had risen in popularity. Lee and artist Jack Kirby created the company’s first family with The Fantastic Four in 1961, followed in 1962 with Spider-Man, well Daredevil, Nick Fury, Incredible Hulk, and the X-Men.
In 1963 Marvel created a team of superheroes including Captain America, Iron Man, Black Widow, Thor, Hawkeye, Hulk, and Black Panther. Named The Avengers, their mission was to stand as Earth’s first line of defense against the most powerful threats in the universe.
By 2012, movies and television shows were the outlets for Marvel Universe characters, the parent company became Marvel Cinematic Universe. The Avengers continued to provide audiences with thrilling storylines based on their mission as seen in 2012, 2015, and 2018 films.
Avengers: Endgame debuted in theaters in 2019 and became the highest-grossing film of all time that year. In partnership with The Walt Disney Company’s Marvel Studios and private collectors, the Upcountry History Museum will present an exclusive 2000 square foot exhibition featuring an extraordinary display of original costumes, props, and memorabilia showcasing the film’s messages of teamwork, courage, and perseverance.
The first exhibition of its kind in the United States, the project invites visitors of all ages to traverse the Marvel Universe. This once-in-a lifetime experience will explore the fourth installment in the Avengers saga and is the culmination of 22 interconnected Marvel films and the climax of a journey. The exhibit’s design and messaging will emulate Avengers: Endgame’s principles of friendship, teamwork, and setting aside differences to overcome impossible obstacles.

Support provided by

Toddler Time!
2025-06-24 10:00 - 11:00 (America/New_York) | SC
Spark your child’s innate curiosity through hands-on play that’s both educational and engaging.

Celebrate all things DINOSAURS through interactive sensory games, themed crafts, and a museum-wide scavenger hunt, all designed specifically for young learners. Toddler Time will wrap up with a group story time that includes snacks and juice.

Toddler Time is included with your general admission and FREE for children ages 2 and under.

Time Travelers: Dino Discovery
2025-06-26 10:30 - 11:00 (America/New_York) | SC
Join us for a roaring good time with this short but fun program just for kids!
Kicking things off with a dinosaur-themed story time, children ages 3-9 will then get hands-on with a fun, take-home clay fossil craft.
It’s fossil fun in under half an hour! Giving you just enough time to explore the Museum before wearing out those little dinosaur legs.

Thursday, June 26
10:30AM | Included with your admission

Adults – $14 | Kids (ages 3-18) $10

Kids ages 2 and under are FREE

Spots are limited – register NOW!

Have a question? Give us a call at (864)467-3100

Exhibit Drop-In Tour
2025-06-27 14:00 - 14:30, 2025-07-11 14:00 - 14:30, 2025-07-25 14:00 - 14:30, 2025-08-08 14:00 - 14:30, 2025-08-22 14:00 - 14:30, 2025-09-05 14:00 - 14:30 (America/New_York) | SC
“Avengers! Assemble.”
Explore Avengers: Endgame – The Exhibition with a guided tour led by UHM Education Coordinator, Sarah Wright. This exhibition features original costumes and props from Marvel Studio’s Avengers: Endgame as well as comics and memorabilia from private collectors.
Get a behind the scenes look at how the Marvel Studios created one of the highest-grossing films of all time. After the tour, test your MCU 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.

Family Fun Day
2025-06-28 10:00 - 12:00 (America/New_York) | SC
Hear the roars, feel the rattle of pounding footsteps, and marvel at the incredible creatures when the world of Dinosaurs: Land of Fire and Ice returns to the Upcountry History Museum!

Saturday, June 28
10AM – 12PM | Doors will be open until 5PM

Adults – $14 | Kids (ages 3-18) $10
Kids ages 2 and under are FREE
Purchase tickets upon arrival or at the link below

Have a question? Give us a call at (864)467-3100

There’s something for all ages, including fun crafts, games, and story times for the kids. Venture out and explore Upcountry history and the Museum’s one-of-a-kind exhibitions.

Bingo at the Museum
2025-07-09 10:30 - 11:30, 2025-08-13 10:30 - 11:30 (America/New_York) | SC
Bam! Pow! BINGO!
Join us for an action-packed morning of Superhero Bingo at the Upcountry History Museum! Suit up in your favorite Marvel costume and test your luck (and your hero knowledge) in a morning where bingo balls fly faster than a Quinjet!
Between bingo rounds, explore Avengers: Endgame – The Exhibition or stop by to play and learn in Dinosaurs: Land of Fire and Ice. All ages are welcome!

Stay the whole time or just play a round, but the bingo balls will roll at 10:30 AM!
Reservations are required as space is limited.

All ages are welcome and prizes will range accordingly.
Let us know if you’d like to have a group from an assisted living home attend one of these upcoming programs!

Connections Café - South Carolina History: The American Revolution
2025-07-10 14:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York) | SC
Connections Café is a monthly program in partnership with the Alzheimer’s Association for individuals living with early-stage Alzheimer’s or dementia. Programs vary each month but usually include a short meeting with updates from the Alzheimer’s Association, a tour of a Museum exhibition, and a hands-on activity time in the classroom.
Connections Café meets the second Thursday of each month at 2:00 p.m.
Admission is free for all participants and caregivers.

July 10, 2025 | 2:00 p.m.
Join us on July 10th to explore the American Revolution in South Carolina.

Connections Café is generously sponsored by:

Saturday Toddler Time!
2025-07-12 10:00 - 11:00 (America/New_York) | SC
Spark your child’s innate curiosity through hands-on play that’s both educational and engaging.

Celebrate all things MARVEL UNIVERSE (and DINOSAURS) through interactive sensory games, themed crafts, and a museum-wide scavenger hunt, all designed specifically for young learners. Toddler Time will wrap up with a group story time that includes snacks and juice.

Toddler Time is included with your general admission and FREE for children ages 2 and under.

Lunchbox Learning
2025-07-16 12:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York) | Upcountry History Museum, 540 Buncombe Street, Greenville, SC, 29601, United States
The Story of Camperdown Mill
Presented by John Nolan
Join historian John Nolan for a fascinating look into the rich history of Greenville’s once-thriving Camperdown Mill. From its roots as a grain mill site in the 18th century to its emergence in 1874 as a major cotton thread and gingham producer, Camperdown Mill shaped the economic and social fabric of the region. Learn how this industrial powerhouse weathered depressions, ownership changes, and national trends—before its decline and eventual demolition in 1959. Discover the hidden legacy beneath modern Greenville and how remnants of the mill helped pave the way for today’s Liberty Bridge and revitalized West End.
John Nolan is the owner of Greenville History Tours. For over twenty years he has led Greenville’s residents and visitors around the historical and cultural sites of the city. He is also the author of A Guide to Historic Greenville, South Carolina.

Lunchbox Learning is generously sponsored by:

Upcountry Summer Market
2025-07-19 10:00 - 14:00 (America/New_York) | SC
Join us for a sunny summer market and explore a curated selection of goods handcrafted by skilled artisans.
There’s something for all ages, including fun crafts, games, and story times for the kids. Whether you’re shopping for gifts, looking for treasures, or just enjoying the Museum, we hope you’ll venture out and celebrate the unique creations of these local artists, while exploring UHM and our one-of-a-kind exhibitions.

Saturday, July 19
10AM – 2PM | Doors will be open until 5PM
Adults – $14 | Kids (ages 3-18) $10
Kids ages 2 and under are FREE
Purchase tickets upon arrival or at the link below
Have a question? Give us a call at (864)467-3100

The Upcountry Summer Market is included with your general admission.

Toddler Time!
2025-07-22 10:00 - 11:00 (America/New_York) | SC
Spark your child’s innate curiosity through hands-on play that’s both educational and engaging.

Celebrate all things Avengers and Dinosaurs through interactive sensory games, themed crafts, and a museum-wide scavenger hunt, all designed specifically for young learners. Toddler Time will wrap up with a group story time that includes snacks and juice.

Toddler Time is included with your general admission and FREE for children ages 2 and under.

Time Travelers: Dino Discovery
2025-07-24 15:00 - 15:30 (America/New_York) | SC
Join us for a roaring good time with this short but fun program just for kids!
Kicking things off with a dinosaur-themed story time, children ages 3-9 will then get hands-on with a fun, take-home clay fossil craft.
It’s fossil fun in under half an hour! Giving you just enough time to explore the Museum before wearing out those little dinosaur legs.

Thursday, July 24
3:00 PM | Included with your admission

Adults – $14 | Kids (ages 3-18) $10

Kids ages 2 and under are FREE

Spots are limited – register NOW!

Have a question? Give us a call at (864)467-3100

Time Travelers: Dino Discovery
2025-08-06 10:30 - 11:00 (America/New_York) | SC
Join us for a roaring good time with this short but fun program just for kids!
Kicking things off with a dinosaur-themed story time, children ages 3-9 will then get hands-on with a fun, take-home clay fossil craft.
It’s fossil fun in under half an hour! Giving you just enough time to explore the Museum before wearing out those little dinosaur legs.

Wednesday, August 6
10:30AM | Included with your admission

Adults – $14 | Kids (ages 3-18) $10

Kids ages 2 and under are FREE

Spots are limited – register NOW!

Have a question? Give us a call at (864)467-3100

Neighborhood Night
2025-08-07 17:30 - 20:30 (America/New_York) | SC
Access for All!
UHM is open on the first Thursday evening of select months throughout 2025.

The Museum operates with the firm belief that its exhibits, events, and programming should be accessible to all, regardless of cultural, ethnic, geographic, or socioeconomic differences. The Neighborhood Night initiative, introduced in 2015, provides free access to educational programming for underserved children, families, and adults.

WHEN: Thursday, August 7 | 5:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
WHERE: Upcountry History Museum
HOW: Drop in to explore the Museum and its changing exhibitions. No registration is required.
WHY: Neighborhood Nights demonstrate the Museum’s commitment to accessibility, regardless of economic constraints by providing full access to the Museum’s diverse exhibitions.
COST: FREE!
QUESTIONS: Call (864)467-3100 or email info@upcountryhistory.org

Saturday Toddler Time!
2025-08-09 10:00 - 11:00 (America/New_York) | SC
Spark your child’s innate curiosity through hands-on play that’s both educational and engaging.

Tiny hands, big hearts! Bring out your little sprouts and busy butterflies as we celebrate the environmental legacy of First Lady Johnson, exploring the wonders of nature through interactive sensory games and a museum-wide scavenger hunt, all designed specifically for young learners. Toddler Time will wrap up with a group story time that includes snacks and juice.

Toddler Time is included with your general admission and FREE for children ages 2 and under.

Connections Café - ReWa
2025-08-14 14:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York) | SC
Connections Café is a monthly program in partnership with the Alzheimer’s Association for individuals living with early-stage Alzheimer’s or dementia. Programs vary each month but usually include a short meeting with updates from the Alzheimer’s Association, a tour of a Museum exhibition, and a hands-on activity time in the classroom.
Connections Café meets the second Thursday of each month at 2:00 p.m.
Admission is free for all participants and caregivers.

August 14, 2025 | 2:00 p.m.
Join us on August 14th to explore Privies, Pipes, and Progress.

Connections Café is generously sponsored by:

Family Fun Day
2025-08-23 10:00 - 12:00 (America/New_York) | SC
Hear the roars, feel the rattle of pounding footsteps, and marvel at the incredible creatures in Dinosaurs: Land of Fire and Ice!
You’ll also traverse to Marvel Universe as we explore Avengers: Endgame – The Exhibition.

Saturday, August 23
10AM – 12PM | Doors will be open until 5PM

Adults – $14 | Kids (ages 3-18) $10
Kids ages 2 and under are FREE
Purchase tickets upon arrival or at the link below

Have a question? Give us a call at (864)467-3100

There’s something for all ages, including fun crafts, games, and story times for the kids. Venture out and explore Upcountry history and the Museum’s one-of-a-kind exhibitions.

Toddler Time!
2025-08-26 10:00 - 11:00 (America/New_York) | SC

Lunchbox Learning
2025-08-27 12:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York) | Upcountry History Museum, 540 Buncombe Street, Greenville, SC, 29601, United States
Operation Starlite
Presented by Dr. Rod Andrew Jr.
Operation Starlite was the first major offensive conducted by U.S. Marines during the Vietnam War. Taking place from August 18 to August 24, 1965, this pivotal operation marked a significant escalation in American involvement in Vietnam and set the tone for the years of conflict that followed. This lecture will explore the strategic objectives, the execution of the assault on Viet Cong forces near the Chu Lai base area, and the operation’s lasting implications for U.S. military strategy in Southeast Asia.
Dr. Rod Andrew Jr. is a professor of history and Alumni Master Teacher at Clemson University and a retired Colonel in the United States Marine Corps Reserve. His written work includes The Life and Times of Andrew Pickens: Revolutionary War Hero, American Founder; Wade Hampton: Confederate Warrior to Southern Redeemer; and U.S. Marines In Battle: An-Nasiriyah, 23 March-2 April 2003.

Lunchbox Learning is generously sponsored by:

Homeschool Day - Dinosaurs
2025-08-29 14:00 - 15:30 (America/New_York) | SC
Dinosaurs: Land of Fire and Ice
Encounter unfamiliar landscapes, touchable dinosaurs of all shapes and sizes, and opportunities to investigate clues about what the dinosaurs left behind in this bilingual, hands-on STEM exhibit. Homeschool Day will include an immersive History Learning Lab experience that includes a “Dinosaur Dig” and creating take-home fossils.

WHEN: Friday, August 29 | 2:00 p.m.

WHERE: Upcountry History Museum

HOW: August’s Homeschool Day is open to children in 1st-12th grade

COST: $11 per student & $14 per adult

UHM MEMBERS COST: $7 per student & Adults are FREE

Connections Café - Dinosaurs: Land of Fire and Ice
2025-09-11 14:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York) | SC
Connections Café is a monthly program in partnership with the Alzheimer’s Association for individuals living with early-stage Alzheimer’s or dementia. Programs vary each month but usually include a short meeting with updates from the Alzheimer’s Association, a tour of a Museum exhibition, and a hands-on activity time in the classroom.
Connections Café meets the second Thursday of each month at 2:00 p.m.
Admission is free for all participants and caregivers.

September 11, 2025 | 2:00 p.m.
Join us on September 11th to explore Dinosaurs: Land of Fire and Ice.

Connections Café is generously sponsored by:
