Laurens County Museum to Host 20th Birthday Gala on August 23

Celebrate Two Decades of Preserving Local History with Dining, Dancing, and Displays

Get ready for an unforgettable evening as the Laurens County Museum marks a major milestone—its 20th anniversary—with a festive and elegant celebration on Saturday, August 23, 2025, from 6:00 to 9:00 pm in the Magnolia Room at the Laurens County Museum, 116 South Public Square, Laurens.

Founded in 2005 by a passionate group of local historians, genealogists, and community members, the Laurens County Museum Association began as a grassroots effort to preserve the rich cultural heritage of Laurens County. Over the past two decades, this dedicated group of volunteers has transformed three historic buildings in the Laurens Historic District, helped publish four books, hosted countless educational programs, and welcomed thousands of visitors from near and far. Their efforts have made the museum a cornerstone of cultural preservation—and now it’s time to celebrate.

A Night to Remember

Guests to the 20th Birthday Gala will enjoy a full evening of celebration:

• Museum tours begin at 5:30 pm, accompanied by live piano music from Marian Nee, who will be performing on the museum’s historic grand piano donated by the Cora Cox Lucas Music Club.

• Dinner is served at 6:00 pm, catered by the highly acclaimed The Southern Way Catering.

• Desserts by Cakes to Dye For will sweeten the evening, including gluten-free options for guests with dietary needs.

• Adult beverages will be available, and a silent auction will offer an array of exciting items and experiences—all to benefit the museum’s continued growth.

But the evening won’t just be about fine food and fundraising. Guests are invited to dance the night away to the high-energy sounds of the Sweet Soul Party Band, known across the Upstate for bringing down the house with crowd favorites from the ’60s and ’70s.

An Immersive Experience

The Magnolia Room itself will be transformed for the night into a living exhibit, with unique and never-before-displayed artifacts from the museum’s permanent collection, giving guests a deeper glimpse into the story of Laurens County.

The Laurens County Museum has always been a labor of love, sustained by generous donations, grants, memberships, and an army of committed volunteers. This celebration is not only a recognition of the past 20 years—it’s also a vital fundraiser to ensure the Museum continues to thrive as it prepares for the nation’s 250th birthday in 2026.

Tickets and Information

The public is warmly invited to be part of this landmark evening.

• Tickets:

  • $110 for museum members

  • $125 for non-members (membership can be purchased with ticket)

To reserve your seat or learn more, contact the Laurens County Museum at (864) 681-3678, email [email protected], visit LaurensCountyMuseum.org, or follow them on Facebook.

Dress code: Cocktail attire encouraged.

Come raise a glass, take a spin on the dance floor, and celebrate 20 incredible years of preserving the past and inspiring the future at the Laurens County Museum.