Page 8 - Classically Carolina 2018

HISTORY

Camden Archives

and Museum

Keeper of the stories

W
Want to see the original King Haigler weathervane? Through August, Camden’s Cotton Mill Era is on display
We’ve got that! Want to check out artifacts from the in the Whiteley room. From September to January,
the Whiteley Room will be home to an exhibit on the
Battle of Camden? We’ve got that too!
archaeology of the Battle of Fort Mott, an important
The Camden Archives and Museum’s primary mission is Revolutionary War battle.
to preserve and exhibit Camden’s and Kershaw County’s
history. Located at 1314 Broad Street, the Archives The Camden Archives and Museum is also home to
is recognized as one of the finest and most popular the Ross E. Beard Collection of firearms from the 14th
genealogical research spots in the state. Visitors can century to the present. Beard’s collection includes
examine books and periodicals, newspaper clippings and firearms and personal artifacts related to Melvin Purvis,
microfilm to learn about the past and, in many cases, John Dillinger, British SAS Capt. Peter Mason (upon
about their own families. Museum visitors can view whom Ian Fleming based James Bond), and David
permanent and changing exhibits on many different “Carbine” Williams.
aspects of the city and county’s history.
Under the leadership of Director Katherine Richardson,
Permanent exhibits at the CAM include displays on the Archives and Museum continues to explore new ways
the Revolutionary War’s Battle of Camden, Native to present the history of Camden and Kershaw County to
Americans, and the Boykin Spaniel, South Carolina’s the public. Interactive digital kiosks are part of its media
state dog, and an exhibit on the legendary career of horse resources. Custom-designed, one kiosk is programmed
trainer Frank Y. Whiteley. with a number of videos featuring the late Ross Beard
talking about his collection. In fact, The sheer size and
The museum also has two rotating exhibits each year. interest in the Beard collection required additional

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