South Carolina State Museum’s Executive Director announces retirement

William Calloway, executive director of the South Carolina State Museum has announced plans to step down as head of the award-wining institution in 2020.

A native of South Carolina, Calloway took the reigns as executive director of the State Museum in April 2002 after serving as executive director of Kellogg’s Cereal City USA in Battle Creek, MI, where he led the development, construction and operation of the $22 million startup museum. While at the State Museum Calloway directed museum operations and content, as well as setting and executing long-term strategic direction.

“The State of South Carolina has been blessed for the past 18 years with Willie’s diligence, dedication, and expertise in building and directing our State Museum into the treasure that it is,” said John McCabe, South Carolina State Museum Commission Chair. “His vision for the museum has always been steadfast and clear, and he will truly be missed.”

Under Calloway’s leadership, the museum made history in 2014 by completing the award winning “Windows to New Worlds” $23.5 million project, which transformed the State Museum into a 21st Century institution. The project expanded the facility to include one of the largest planetariums in the Southeast, a state-of-the-art observatory and the only permanent 4D theater in South Carolina. Windows to New Worlds went on to win 17 awards, including the South Carolina Governor’s Cup for Travel and Tourism and The Palmetto Trust for Historic Preservation’s Stewardship Award.

“When we brought Willie to South Carolina to serve as Executive Director, the goal was to take the museum to the next level by transforming it through, among other things, the Observatory, Planetarium and 4D Theater. That goal was achieved through Willie’s hard work and vision,” said Gray Culbreath, South Carolina State Museum Commission former chairman. “While there were external challenges over the years, Willie’s servant leadership transformed the Museum and its wonderful staff into the nationally known institution it is today.”

Since “Windows to New Worlds” opened the State Museum has welcomed more 170,000 guests and 67,000 school children each year. Calloway leads a team of more than 200, which includes volunteers, part-time and full-time staff and oversees a total annual budget of $8 million. Thanks to these accomplishments Calloway was named by Columbia Business Monthly as one of the “50 Most Influential People” in 2014 and 2019 for his instrumental role in the museum’s expansion and continued growth.

An active member of the museum community, Calloway serves as a re-accreditation site reviewer for the American Alliance of Museums and a grant reviewer for the Institute of Museum and Library Services. He also serves as a certified leader for the Mankind Project and is a member of the Midlands Business Leaders Group.

“The leadership Willie has provided for the museum and foundation staff is impeccable; everyone involved with the museum is totally dedicated,” said Jed Suddeth, former South Carolina State Museum Foundation Chair. “This only happens with excellent leadership. I firmly believe Willie has laid a solid foundation for the museum’s future.”

The State Museum has been a powerful force in South Carolina under Calloway, providing free general admission to South Carolina students and teachers, and showcasing and preserving South Carolina’s stories resulting in a $22 million economic impact for the State. “While our building, our exhibits and our content are terrific; what brings it all to life for our visiting families and school groups are the people of the museum – the staff, the volunteers, the Museum Commission, the Foundation Board members, our donors, and our government supporters. What an incredible experience and joy it has been to serve with such passionate, dedicated and giving people,” Calloway expressed.

Col. Claude Eichelberger, long time serving South Carolina State Museum Commissioner stated, “Willie is an extremely effective administrator and leader. I am very thankful to have been associated with him.”

From the beginning of Calloway’s career at the State Museum he created a fresh perspective on how the institution engaged its mission. From award winning ‘blockbuster’ exhibits like the southeastern premiere of Bodyworlds Vital and Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition to the powerful RACE: Are We So Different? communities across the south were enriched with stories from around the world. In 2017, Calloway and museum staff hosted the ‘Total Eclipse Weekend,’ which welcomed over 8,000 guests from all over the world and brought the museum regional, national and international media attention. A year later, in 2018, the museum celebrated its 30th anniversary with a weekend long celebration that greeted guests from all over the southeast.

“Willie is top notch in all respects, “ said DeDee Rowe, South Carolina State Museum Foundation Chair. “He leaves quite a legacy of truly amazing accomplishments and has positioned us for a successful future. Many thanks to Willie for his outstanding leadership and valuable contributions to the Museum and to the citizens of South Carolina.”

About the South Carolina State Museum

As the state’s largest and most comprehensive museum, the South Carolina State Museum, offers a unique, entertaining and educational experience to visitors throughout its 225,000 square foot facility located in the heart of downtown Columbia’s Congaree Vista. The State Museum is housed in one of its greatest artifacts, an 1894 old textile mill full of character and charm. In addition to beautiful meeting spaces throughout the facility, guests can explore outer space in one of the largest planetariums in the Southeast, watch an interactive 4D movie and look through a vintage telescope in a one-of-a-kind observatory. These exciting opportunities are all in addition to the four floors of South Carolina art, cultural history, natural history and science/technology that guests can experience. For more information about the museum, visit scmuseum.org.