Belton Area Museum Association

09/01/2026

Nominations Sought for Belton Hall of Fame

BELTON, S.C. — The Belton Area Museum Association and the City of Belton are pleased to announce that nominations are now open for the Belton Hall of Fame, an annual program honoring individuals whose accomplishments and contributions have helped shape the community.

“The purpose of the Belton Hall of Fame is to recognize people throughout the history of our wonderful city who have made significant contributions to the civic, educational, athletic, economic, charitable and cultural landscape of our city,” said Belton Mayor Eleanor Dorn.

Nominations are being accepted in three categories:
• Historic: Individuals whose contributions date from 1850–1950
• Deceased: Individuals who made contributions between 1900 and the present
• Living: Individuals who have made contributions from 1950 to the present

Three inductees will be selected by a six-member volunteer committee representing a variety of areas of achievement. Committee members will review each nomination and select individuals whose accomplishments and influence have made a lasting impact on the Belton community.

Each inductee will be honored with a recognition plaque at Belton City Hall. The 2026 inductees will be announced and formally recognized during the opening ceremonies of the Belton Standpipe Heritage and Arts Festival, scheduled for Oct. 3, 2026.

“Every year, we get a great group of nominations, and the committee chooses inductees who have had a significant influence on the city,” said Belton City Administrator Alan Sims. “It is a wonderful way to recognize the people who have helped make Belton the community it is today.”

Previous Belton Hall of Fame Inductees include the following:

2020
Historic: Dr. George R. Brown; Mr. Nathan Coward
Deceased: Mr. Blair “Fluffy” Rice; Mrs. Jean Crawford Martin
Living: Mr. Dave McKee; Mr. Ron “Red” Lawson

2021
Historic: Mr. A. R. Campbell
Deceased: Mr. Jim Russell
Living: Rev. Kenneth Dean

2022
Historic: Mrs. Jessie Breazeale Lewis
Deceased: Mr. Charles Meeks Sr.
Living: Mr. Marty Knight

2023
Historic: Mr. J.T. Rice
Deceased: Mr. Charlie Bill Martin
Living: Mr. Rex Maynard

2024
Historic: Dr. William Carroll Brown
Deceased: Mr. Matthew Crayton
Living: Mrs. Martha Keys Bagby

2025
Historic: Senator A. C. Latimer
Deceased: Mrs. Ruth Cox Drake
Living: Mr. David Jones

Nomination forms are available through the City of Belton and Belton Area Museum Association websites and pages and can be picked up at both locations.

Nominations must be submitted by Friday, Sept. 18, 2026. Completed forms should be dropped off at Belton City Hall by the deadline.

For additional information, contact Alan Sims at [email protected] or Alison Darby at [email protected].

08/13/2026

Let's all celebrate together! 200 years as a county! My, what stories our forefathers could tell! What future are we going to see fulfilled?

08/12/2026

Check out Belton's history.

The town took its name from John Belton O’Neall, the president of the Greenville and Columbia Railroad and a justice on the South Carolina Supreme Court. Darby said that Josephine Brown, daughter of Dr. G. W. Brown, who had sold land for the town, admired O’Neall and suggested a variation on his...

08/12/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1EVXk9mBJ1/
Check out Belton's newest article, part of the Anderson County Bicentennial Celebration.

The town took its name from John Belton O’Neall, the president of the Greenville and Columbia Railroad and a justice on the South Carolina Supreme Court. Darby said that Josephine Brown, daughter of Dr. G. W. Brown, who had sold land for the town, admired O’Neall and suggested a variation on his...

07/31/2026

Heritage Days at the Depot for Homeschoolers is coming up Oct. 2, and registration is now open for groups to grab sessions at this year's event.

If your home school group or coop is interested in attending, please send an email to [email protected] and details for organizing your field trip on Friday, Oct. 2 will be forwarded to you.

As always, there's a great line up of artisans and historical re-enactors, and this event is a don't miss educational opportunity for your students, from 1st grade to 12th grade, to learn the skills and traditions of our ancestors in a hands on and interactive format. This year's artisans also help us celebrate America's 250!

Email today for more information!

07/31/2026

Thursday evening had the diverse group of 23 new friends shouting Mahjong! as they learned the basics of this most exciting, strategy dense, and and thought-provoking new fad. Many thanks to expert teachers Rachel Moseley, Ashley Day, and Courtney Poore who shared their passion and love of the game. All proceeds benefitted the Belton Interfaith Ministries Association.

This event was held as part of the Games People Play exhibit, on display now. Come by the Belton Depot and visit this fun and interactive exhibit before its closing on August 22.

07/07/2026

Learn to Play Mahjong!

Call today to reserve your spot for a fun and entertaining evening as you learn to play the game that's sweeping the nation—Mahjong!

On Thursday, July 23, from 6:00–9:00 p.m., two experienced Mahjong players who have hosted numerous game nights throughout the area will teach the fundamentals of this exciting and social game. All Mahjong boards, tiles, and playing supplies will be provided.

Enjoy delicious charcuterie and beverages while you learn, play, and make new friends in a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere.

The cost is $40 per person, with all proceeds benefiting the Belton Interfaith Ministries Association.

Gather your friends and family for a memorable evening at the Belton Depot—whether you're completely new to Mahjong or just curious about all the excitement!

Space is limited to just 24 participants.

Call today to reserve your place: 864-338-7400.

with Belton Interfaith Ministries