The Heart and Hands Behind the Laurens County Museum: Working to Preserve Local Heritage

Located at 116 S Public Square in Laurens, the Laurens County Museum is more than just a place to explore history—it’s a hub of community, education, and preservation. With 4,700 feet of exhibit space, the museum showcases the area’s rich heritage while offering versatile event spaces, including the Russell Burns board room for corporate meetings and the stunning Magnolia Room upstairs. This elegant space hosts lectures and is available for rent for corporate events, wedding receptions, and more, making the museum a valuable community resource.

The Laurens County Museum has become a destination for history tourists from across the United States and will serve as ground zero for the celebration of the 250th anniversary of the Revolutionary War in Laurens County in 2026. As a result, the museum has become an essential economic and cultural resource for the county, attracting visitors and boosting local tourism.

Serving everyone from children to seniors, the museum ensures that no one is left out. Its programs and exhibits are designed to engage all ages, making it a welcoming place for families, school groups, and lifelong learners.

Behind the scenes, countless hours are dedicated by volunteers who ensure that each exhibit and event run smoothly. Volunteers greet visitors, maintain and preserve artifacts, conduct research, manage office tasks, assist with grant writing, and even take on hands-on projects like building displays and decorating. Every role is essential to making the museum a welcoming and engaging place for visitors.

“Our volunteers are truly the lifeblood of the Laurens County Museum,” says Teresa Noble, Chair of the Museum Board. “Every role, from hosting events to caring for plants and answering calls, ensures the museum remains a thriving resource for everyone.”

Volunteers have the opportunity to take on a variety of tasks based on their interests. Those with a love for history can dive into archiving artifacts, while others may enjoy leading tours, organizing events, or supporting essential administrative tasks. For those with practical skills, there are tasks like display repairs, painting, and managing plants around the building. Every contribution lightens the load and keeps the museum open and inviting for all to enjoy.

During Hurricane Helene, the museum became a refuge for locals who needed a place to charge devices, access the internet, and stay updated on the news. “When the community needed us, we were able to open our doors to help because of our dedicated volunteers,” adds Noble. “We rely on the county’s residents to share their stories and artifacts, but we also need their hands to help us keep those stories alive.”

Would you like to be part of keeping history alive and shining a light on the rich heritage of Laurens County? The museum welcomes community members with a passion for history, culture, and community service. Volunteers are needed in various roles, and there’s a place for everyone—whether your interests lie in hosting events, preserving artifacts, conducting research, or supporting behind-the-scenes tasks. Together, we can ensure that Laurens County’s stories are preserved and celebrated for generations to come.

For those interested in volunteering, please call the museum at 864-681-3678 or visit www.laurenscountymuseum.org to learn more about how you can make a lasting impact.