Cherokee County Museum

Cherokee County Museum Museum with engaging activities and exhibits related to history, art, STEAM, and local sports. Gateway to The Liberty Trail.

CCM is owned and operated by the Cherokee Historic and Preservation Society, CHAPS, a 501c3 nonprofit organization.

Welcome Our New Executive Director, William Blake Harrison!CHAPS is excited to welcome William Blake Harrison as our new...
05/07/2026

Welcome Our New Executive Director, William Blake Harrison!

CHAPS is excited to welcome William Blake Harrison as our new Executive Director. Blake brings strong leadership experience, a Bachelors of Arts in history, completing his MBA from The Citadel and a proven record of team development and problem‑solving.

We also extend our heartfelt thanks to Pam Melton Cazel, who has retired after 10 years of dedicated service. Her impact on CHAPS and the Cherokee County Museum will be felt for years to come.

FREE EVENT - At the Cherokee County Museum, Thursday, May 28th at 6 PM.             In April of 1791, President Washingt...
05/07/2026

FREE EVENT - At the Cherokee County Museum, Thursday, May 28th at 6 PM.

In April of 1791, President Washington set out on a 1,900 - mile journey to visit each of the southern states -- Virginia, the Carolinas, and Georgia. He spent more time in South Carolina that in any of the states. In this lively and humorous presentation, author Kathryn Smith, impersonating Martha Washington in full 18th century dress, recounts his travels and shares the inside story of life with her "Old Man." Audiences will learn some things they never knew about the man behind the myth.

Kathryn Smith is a former newspaper reporter and editor who now spends her time writing and speaking about history. She is the author of "The Gatekeeper", the first biography of FDR’s private secretary and de facto White House Chief of Staff Marguerite A. LeHand, and "Gertie: The Fabulous Life of Gertrude Sanford Legendre", which won the Benjamin Franklin Gold Award from the National Independent Book Publishers Association, and two books about Prohibition in the South: "Baptists and Bootleggers" and "Methodists and Moonshiners". Kathryn lives in Anderson, S.C. with her husband, Leo.

Please contact us at the Cherokee County Museum at 864-489-3988 for more information.

The Cherokee County Museum is completely FREE for all Cherokee County schools and home school groups!No complicated gran...
05/07/2026

The Cherokee County Museum is completely FREE for all Cherokee County schools and home school groups!
No complicated grant applications, no paperwork headaches, visit our website or give us a call to schedule your visit.
We love welcoming students and teachers to explore our local history, artifacts, and exhibits in a fun, hands-on experience. It’s the perfect educational field trip right here in your own backyard!
Contact us today to book your next field trip!

https://ccmuseumsc.org

✨Volunteer Spotlight✨We’re excited to shine the spotlight on one of our incredible volunteers, Wes Spencer!Wes is always...
05/06/2026

✨Volunteer Spotlight✨

We’re excited to shine the spotlight on one of our incredible volunteers, Wes Spencer!

Wes is always willing to jump in wherever he’s needed—helping with building and grounds, supporting special events, and even cooking pancakes for Santa. His versatility and willingness to serve make him an invaluable part of our team.

When asked about his favorite exhibit, Wes says it’s hard to choose—“It’s all so great!”—but the radio room holds a special place in his heart. It brings back fond memories of listening to “Carolina in the Morning” on WAGI-FM growing up. He also loves seeing his grandkids enjoy the stage and costume area in the Montgomery Wing.

Off campus, his favorite spot is Fort Thicketty, where he takes pride in the ongoing efforts to preserve and enhance this important historic site with new trails, kiosks, and improved access.

Wes volunteers because he cares deeply about the future of Cherokee County. As our community grows, he wants to help ensure that our local history is preserved for generations to come—and he values being part of a team that supports our amazing staff.

Thank you, Wes, for all that you do! We are so grateful for your dedication and heart for this community.

FREE EVENT - TONIGHT ONLY!!!
04/23/2026

FREE EVENT - TONIGHT ONLY!!!

FREE EVENT: Discover the beginnings of America’s fight for independence as we launch our SC250 Speaker Series at the Cherokee County Museum.

The opening program, Revolutionary War 101, offers an accessible look at the causes, key moments, and lasting impact of the American Revolution, with special focus on South Carolina’s decisive contributions.

Our presenter, Rick Wise, is the Executive Director of the South Carolina Battleground Preservation Trust and a recognized authority on Revolutionary War sites throughout the state. A U.S. Army veteran and trained military historian, he plays a leading role in The Liberty Trail project and regularly provides battlefield interpretation, public programs, and preservation guidance. Rick’s clear, engaging approach makes complex history easy to understand—and unforgettable.

Join us for this FREE EVENT at the Cherokee County Museum in Gaffney, SC Thursday, April 23, as we explore the stories and legacies that continue to shape our nation.

https://www.facebook.com/SCarolinaAmRev250

04/22/2026

FREE EVENT: Discover the beginnings of America’s fight for independence as we launch our SC250 Speaker Series at the Cherokee County Museum.

The opening program, Revolutionary War 101, offers an accessible look at the causes, key moments, and lasting impact of the American Revolution, with special focus on South Carolina’s decisive contributions.

Our presenter, Rick Wise, is the Executive Director of the South Carolina Battleground Preservation Trust and a recognized authority on Revolutionary War sites throughout the state. A U.S. Army veteran and trained military historian, he plays a leading role in The Liberty Trail project and regularly provides battlefield interpretation, public programs, and preservation guidance. Rick’s clear, engaging approach makes complex history easy to understand—and unforgettable.

Join us for this FREE EVENT at the Cherokee County Museum in Gaffney, SC Thursday, April 23, as we explore the stories and legacies that continue to shape our nation.

https://www.facebook.com/SCarolinaAmRev250

✨ VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT ✨We’re proud to shine this month's Volunteer Spotlight on TOSHA COTTRELL, whose passion for histor...
04/03/2026

✨ VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT ✨

We’re proud to shine this month's Volunteer Spotlight on TOSHA COTTRELL, whose passion for history and community makes a lasting impact at the Cherokee County Museum.

Tosha serves in multiple roles, bringing both expertise and enthusiasm to everything she does. As an archivist, she helps organize and preserve historical records, supports genealogical research, restores artifacts, and assists with collections management. Her work plays a vital role in ensuring that Cherokee County’s rich history and traditions are protected and passed down for future generations.

You’ll also find Tosha welcoming guests as a docent and event assistant. Whether she’s guiding school groups, engaging with families, or helping during special events, she shares the excitement of discovering local history and encourages lifelong learning for visitors of all ages.

When asked about her favorite exhibits, Tosha couldn’t choose just one. She loves both the Archives and the Kids Zone, noting that these spaces create opportunities for interactive programming that bring youth and seniors together through shared learning experiences.

Tosha volunteers because of the meaningful connections it fosters. She values the opportunity to preserve local heritage, engage with the community, and learn through hands-on experiences. Most of all, she says the reward comes each time she participates in museum activities and sees the impact firsthand.

We are grateful for Tosha’s dedication, knowledge, and heart for service—she truly helps bring our museum to life!

“She is leading the way of the future in space exploration,” said Pam Cazel, the executive director of the Cherokee Coun...
04/02/2026

“She is leading the way of the future in space exploration,” said Pam Cazel, the executive director of the Cherokee County Museum. “That is a first for NASA and certainly a first for us here in Cherokee County and we’re so proud of that.”

Wednesday's planned launch of the Artemis II spacecraft will be NASA's first manned lunar exploration since the Apollo 17 mission in 1972. And it can't happen without one Upstate native. https://www.wspa.com/news/local-news/clemson-grad-to-lead-artemis-ii-launch/?utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook_WSPA_7News

Big things are happening through collaboration! Today, the incredible teachers from Corinth Elementary took their first ...
03/31/2026

Big things are happening through collaboration!

Today, the incredible teachers from Corinth Elementary took their first step into an exciting new partnership with the Cherokee County Museum. During their visit, educators engaged in an inspiring instructional planning session, laying the foundation for a dynamic new educational initiative that will bring history, science, and hands-on learning to life for students.

Together, we are developing standards-aligned lessons that integrate history and science, where appropriate for elementary grade levels, ensuring meaningful, engaging experiences that connect classroom learning with real-world exploration.

This partnership represents more than a meeting—it’s a shared commitment to enriching student experiences and building meaningful community connections.

We can’t wait to see this vision come to life for our students!

The "free admission" SC250 Speaker Series begins Thursday, April 23 at the Cherokee County Museum.  For more information...
03/28/2026

The "free admission" SC250 Speaker Series begins Thursday, April 23 at the Cherokee County Museum. For more information go to www.ccmuseumsc.org or call us at 864-489-3988. Normal operating hours are 10 AM - 4 PM Tuesday through Friday and 10 AM - 2 PM Saturday. https://www.facebook.com/SCarolinaAmRev250

Address

301 College Drive
Gaffney, SC
29340

Opening Hours

Tuesday 10am - 4pm
Wednesday 10am - 4pm
Thursday 10am - 4pm
Friday 10am - 4pm
Saturday 10am - 2pm

Telephone

(864) 489-3988

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