For 42 years, the admission-free Anderson County Museum has been “letting history speak” by sharing the history and heritage of Anderson County and South Carolina. Known for innovative history exhibits and educational programming, the museum is now bringing science and technology into the mix.
“We are excited to announce two new experiences for children—a STEM room for innovative learners and a 30-inch plasma globe,” said Executive Director Beverly Childs. “Education has always been a core value of the museum. Our children’s programs and homeschool events have centered on teaching history. Now we are expanding the learning experience by bringing science and technology into the museum.”
The ribbon cutting for both took place Saturday, September 27.
THE SPARK STATION is a hands-on STEM activity room. SPARK stands for STEM, Play, Assemble, and Research for Kids. STEM is an interdisciplinary approach to learning and problem-solving that integrates science, technology, engineering, and math. The plasma globe, affectionately called Blue Lightnin’, will be added to the Turbines and Textiles Exhibit, bringing a spark of science into the history museum.
Alongside THE SPARK STATION, the museum is launching a new club for children called the Spark Squad. Created by the museum’s children’s program coordinator, Allyson Sanders, the Spark Squad will meet the first Saturday of each month from 11 a.m. until 12 noon.
“This will be a fun and exciting adventure into history and science for children under 12 years old,” said Sanders. “Each meeting will include a STEM learning activity, and kids will create an entry for their own ongoing science journals. Lessons will use fables, children’s books, fairy tales, and nursery rhymes to teach children how to apply science and technology.”
THE SPARK STATION is sponsored by Mergon Corporation with a $10,000 donation spread over four years.
“Mergon Corporation’s newly established partnership with the Anderson County Museum is a natural fit with our company’s Mergon Gives Back program,” said HR Manager Kelly Manly. “Mergon is driven by innovation, and our aim is to inspire future generations of engineers and problem-solvers. Partnering with THE SPARK STATION allows us to promote STEM education and workforce development. We look forward to enhancing technological progress and creating immersive experiences through educational enrichment in the community.”
The plasma globe the largest in the Upstate was made possible through donors and the fundraising efforts of the Friends Board of the museum. The exhibit case for the globe is sponsored by Kinley Custom Cabinetry.
The Anderson County Museum is owned by Anderson County, which maintains the museum facility, while staff are county employees. Fundraising by the Executive Director and Friends Board supports new exhibits and programming.
The museum is admission-free and handicap accessible, located at 202 East Greenville Street in downtown Anderson. The Fred Whitten Gallery and Whitner’s Mercantile store are open Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Wednesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Roper Research Room is open Tuesdays from 1 to 7 p.m. and by appointment with the Curator.
For more information, contact Beverly Childs at (864) 260-4737.
