New Temporary Gallery and Exhibit Will Allow Visitors a True Peek into the Past

New Temporary Gallery at The Charleston Museum Allows Viewers a True Peek into the Past with its first exhibit, “Transported: Charleston Street Scenes, 1860s-1960s

CHARLESTON SC – The Charleston Museum presents Transported: Charleston Street Scenes, 1860s-1960s, in its new interim exhibits space, theLowcountry Image Gallery. This gallery, the first of its kind at The Charleston Museum, will be located on the second floor and showcase photography from the Museum’s extensive archival collection.

The Lowcountry Image Gallery will allow visitors a true peek into Charleston’s history as they view photographs from decades, even centuries, past. Curating each of the exhibitions will be Archivist and Collections Manager, Jennifer McCormick. It is the Museum’s hope that these images will provide a connection between visitors and some of the Museum’s archival collections that are not generally on display.

Transported, on exhibit beginning today, August 3, 2015 until January 31, 2016, will examine the century-long evolution of the means by which Charlestonians commuted through the city. While transportation mechanisms have changed over time, thanks to area preservation efforts many of the streets and buildings have remained as they were. As the title implies, visitors will be transported into the photographer’s world in the moment he captured the image and to an earlier time in Charleston’s history.

McCormick explains the allure of her first exhibition, stating “throughout the years Charlestonians have been witness to the ever changing street scenes of a small but vibrant city. Fortunately these views were captured by photographers who were ever present, if not vigilant, in their mission to photograph Charleston and her people.  In doing so, they succeeded in telling a story of how a city has kept her southern charm and sophistication throughout the changing times.”  Museum Director Carl Borick adds that “the Museum is pleased to present this incredible collection of historic Charleston street scenes, which reflect not only the distinct architectural features of Charleston but the social life as well.”  He notes “this exhibit and gallery are a further means of accomplishing our mission of preserving and interpreting the important heritage of the South Carolina Lowcountry.”

About The Charleston Museum

Founded in 1773, The Charleston Museum is considered America’s first museum.  Its mission is “to educate Charleston area residents and visitors about the natural and cultural history of the South Carolina Lowcountry through collections, exhibitions, preservation, programs and research.”