South Carolina Maritime Museum

South Carolina Maritime Museum

The South Carolina Maritime Museum opened its doors in 2011. It is located, appropriately, on the waterfront in the center of Georgetown’s historic business district.

The museum resides on the first floor of an old McCrory’s five and dime store building built in the 1920’s. The original brick walls, maple floors and high ceilings were restored during an extensive renovation of the 5,000 square foot space. A large deck overlooking the Sampit River was added to the back of the building.

Current exhibits include models of historic ships and boats that once plied South Carolina waters, a photographic exhibit called “HENRIETTA, the Largest wooden Sailing Ship Ever Built in South Carolina”, and a documentary film about coastal South Carolina’s shipbuilding and lumber industry during the nineteenth century. Nautical artifacts include a 22,000 lb. propeller salvaged from a ship that sank in 1905 off the coast of Cape Romain, S.C. The original fresnel lens from the Georgetown Lighthouse will soon be on display.

There is a Museum store stocked with local history and maritime related books, museum logo apparel such as T-shirts, sweatshirts, jackets and hats, and other nautical gifts for adults and children.

Museum programs and events include the SC Youth Sailing Summer Camp for 8-14 year olds, and the annual” Burning of the Socks”, a boater’s celebration of the the spring solstice. The Georgetown Wooden Boat Show, always held on the third Saturday in October, is the major fundraiser for the museum.