Empowering History: Anonymous Matching Grant Doubles Impact for the Laurens County Museum
December 5, 2023
The Laurens County Museum has been given a wonderful challenge. To kick off the season of giving, a generous supporter has offered to match all donations to the Museum between now and December 28th. Gifts up to $10,000 will be matched for a total goal of $20,000. Already 65 percent of the goal has been donated with $3,500 remaining to reach $10,000.
LCMA Board President Teresa Noble notes, “The Laurens County Museum is a gem in the crown of our county. Laurens County has a tremendous history that deserves to be told and preserved. Here history comes alive and encourages us to dive in deeper. Please help us continue our task of keeping and sharing the stories and treasures of Laurens County by contributing to matching this grant.”
Connie Post, Laurens County Museum Administrator, has a unique view of the importance of the sacred trust the Museum has been given. “At The Laurens County Museum, we consider it an honor and privilege to preserve the stories of Laurens County. It is a trust that we take seriously, and it is impossible to do without the support of friends, volunteers, members, and donors. People like yourself, who have given your time, money, and support to keep our doors open so that the stories of the people of Laurens County can be told. These are the stories of our ancestors and families. Our stories. The stories we pass to our children and grandchildren.” Connie has Cherokee heritage and believes it is important to learn, preserve, and educate the young and old, and to learn as much as possible from those who have come before. “History is not always easy to hear, and in the best of times, very complicated. But, we must learn, research, and tell as best we can,” according to Mrs. Post.
In 2023, the Laurens County Museum expanded its opportunities to tell the stories of many, including partnering with the PAIA Lower Eastern Cherokee Nation to celebrate Native American Traditions of the past and present. In 2024, there will be anticipated openings of new exhibits such as The Laurens County Quilt Exhibit, The Life of Martha Franks Exhibit, The Grand Opening of our Native American Artifact Collection and so much more.
Everyone is invited to join the Museum in preserving the past. Mrs. Post expanded on her earlier comments about the excellent work happening at the Museum by volunteers, “The past shapes our present and helps us transmit understanding to future generations. The preservation of history also sustains our cultural identity as a people. Our modern lives are a continuation of our heritage, and we are blessed to be able to do the work we do at The Laurens County Museum on behalf of the people of Laurens County.”
There are many ways to make your tax-deductible donation.
- Our website: www.LaurensCountyMuseum.org
- Our Facebook page at the GivingTuesday fundraiser.
- Call the museum and donate over the phone. (864) 681-3678.
- Stop by or mail in a check to PO Box 932, Laurens, SC 29360
In addition, some of you might consider The Laurens County Museum for your yearly required minimum distribution from your IRA as a tax-free option to meet your requirement. (The Laurens County Museum does not offer tax advice.). Donating to the Museum is also a wonderful way to honor or remember a loved one. However you choose to help, please accept our gratitude in advance for any and all gifts. We could not do this without you!
The Laurens County Museum is located at 116 South Public Square, Laurens, SC 29360. The museum exhibit hall is free and open to the public Tuesday through Saturday, 10:00 am until 3:00 pm.
