Belton Museum New Exhibit to Feature Indigenous People

Greg Wilson/Anderson Observer

The Belton Area Museum Association (BAMA) will open its newest exhibit "Natives and Immigrants" at the historic Belton train depot Saturday from 10:30 a.m.– 4 p.m..

In commemoration of the 350th anniversary of the founding of the Colony of Carolina, the exhibit focuses on the indigenous people groups who were already living in the territory and the European settlers who arrived on these shores to create a new life for themselves. 

“Many of the amazing artifacts both groups left behind are on display,” said BAMA Executive Director Abigail Burden.  

At the center of the exhibit is the S.C. State Museum’s traveling exhibit "The First South Carolinians: The Life and Times of the First Cultures in the Palmetto State." Visitors can walk through the exhibit and view the extensive collections of several local patrons. 

Included in the display are 15,000 year old stone implements, a buckskin dress, ritual masks, photographs and portraits, basketry and pottery by renowned Native American crafters, silver pieces and minted items from the Carolina colony, trade industry items, furniture and everyday cultural items of the settlers. 

The exhibit will be on display until December 11, 2021. For more information or to arrange a group tour, please call 864-338-7400.