Laurens County Museum and City of Clinton Host Opening Reception for SC Federation of Museums Conference
September 18, 2024
The Laurens County Museum and the City of Clinton hosted a warm and welcome reception on Monday, September 16, 2024, at the MS Bailey Municipal Center in Clinton. The event, which served as the opening reception for the South Carolina Federation of Museums (SCFM) annual conference, was set against the backdrop of the Clinton Textile Heritage Museum, a tribute to the region’s rich textile history.
The reception was attended by SCFM conference participants, Clinton City Council members, Laurens County Museum board members and volunteers, local business owners, Clinton Mayor Randy Randall, Senator Danny Verdin, and many others.
Teresa Noble, Chair of the Laurens County Museum Board, opened the evening by welcoming guests and expressing pride in the museum’s progress. “All of Laurens County should be proud of the museum we have today and the ongoing efforts to preserve our rich history,” she said, highlighting the importance of local heritage.
Clinton Mayor Randy Randall followed with his own remarks, offering heartfelt gratitude to Emily Bailey for her vision and determination in seeing the Clinton Textile Heritage Museum project to completion. He also addressed the recent fire in downtown Clinton, thanking Senator Verdin for his continued support in the aftermath. “We are grateful for all who have come together to support our community during this difficult time,” Mayor Randall noted.
Senator Danny Verdin took the opportunity to echo the call for community support and resilience. “Please continue to pray for the individuals and businesses impacted by the fire,” he urged. Verdin promised to stand by those affected, pledging ongoing assistance until recovery is complete. Speaking to the importance of preserving history, Verdin added, “The spirit of Clinton is alive in those who are tirelessly working to recover, and in those who dedicate themselves to preserving our collective heritage.” He emphasized the need to pass on the region’s rich history to younger generations, expressing his passion both as a grandparent and as an advocate for historical preservation.
