Mission
The mission of the McDuffie Museum is to instill in the citizens of McDuffie County, especially its youth, an understanding of their heritage and sense of pride in the history of their community.
Beginnings
The McDuffie Museum began with the dream of preserving and sharing local history. A group of visionary citizens took the lead of this massive undetaking. Once the idea was formed, they needed a home for their project.
Historic Location
In 2000, Suntrust Bank solved this initial problem by donating two historic buildings on Main Street to the group. First National Bank, built in 1899, and Thomson Drugs, built in 1904, would be the new home of the museum.
Readying the Space
The group, now the museum board, had no idea where to begin with turning their space into a proper museum. In 2006, a grant from the Watson-Brown Foundation made it possible to hire Durel Consulting Partners out of Maryland to craft a master plan for the museum inluding exhibit ideas and renovation needs.
Preserving History
2KM Architects, an Augusta-based company, was hired onto draw up renovation plans that matched needs while preserving the historic and architectural integrity of the buildings. The board knew that the historic buildings were an important piece of the puzzle that became the McDuffie Museum.
The Work Begins
Two State Construction Co. of Thomson began the construction in two phases. The first phase included three gallery spaces, a catering kitchen, office space, and restrooms. The second phase, which has yet to begin, will include a fourth gallery, an elevator installation, and the completion of the second floor of the pharmacy.
The Grand Opening
In January 2009, the McDuffie Museum opened its doors with "Key Ingredients: America by Food," an exhibit that came from the Museums on Main Street division of the Smithsonian Institute. Since that time, the McDuffie Museum has hosted many other exciting exhibits, most recently The American Revolution Traveling Exhibit hosted by the American Battlefield Trust and the National Society of the DAR.
Moving Forward
The McDuffie Museum is proud of its own rich history as well as the local history it has been entrusted to preserve and share. We are thrilled to welcome all visitors to share in what we have at this time and the many exciting things we have planned for the future.
