Laurens County Museum Selected as a 2026–2027 Host Site for Smithsonian’s “Americans” Exhibition

Laurens County is celebrating a major cultural win. The Laurens County Museum has been selected as one of just six communities in South Carolina to host the prestigious Smithsonian Museum on Main Street traveling exhibition Americans during its 2026–2027 statewide tour.

This selection places Laurens County among a small group of museums and cultural centers chosen for their demonstrated commitment to community engagement, education, and the arts. Hosting a Smithsonian exhibition is a significant achievement for any community—and it marks another milestone in the growing impact of the Laurens County Museum as a regional destination for history, learning, and cultural programming.

Americans examines how American Indian history, images, and stories are deeply woven into the fabric of the nation. Through powerful displays, artifacts, and conversations, the exhibit invites visitors to reflect on how Native American imagery appears in everyday American life—from sports mascots to advertising, national symbols, and place names—while exploring the complex history behind these representations.

The exhibit will visit Laurens County November 28, 2026 through January 16, 2027, offering local families, students, and visitors the chance to experience this nationally recognized program during the holiday and winter season. As a host site, the Laurens County Museum will also offer special events, educational programs, and community conversations to deepen understanding and encourage thoughtful dialogue.

The six statewide host sites for the 2026–2027 tour include:

• USC Native American Studies Center (August 22 – October 3, 2026)

• Marlboro County Museum (October 10 – November 21, 2026)

• Laurens County Museum (November 28, 2026 – January 16, 2027)

• Allendale County Historical Society in partnership with USC Salkehatchie (January 23 – March 6, 2027)

• Black Creek Arts Council (March 13 – April 24, 2027)

• Edisto Island Museum (May 1 – June 12, 2027)

South Carolina Humanities, which partners with the Smithsonian to bring Museum on Main Street exhibitions to local communities, praised the strength and readiness of this year’s selected hosts. For Laurens County, it represents an opportunity not only to welcome a world-class exhibit but to highlight the museum’s ongoing efforts to elevate arts, history, and culture across our county.