TheRice Museum documents and celebrates an important period in U.S. history.Late-18th century settlers discovered that this grain would grow well in theswampy lowlands of South Carolina, and production boomed. The area became oneof the wealthiest in the country. At its height, the region produced almosthalf of the country's total rice crop.
Themuseum is housed in a mid-19th century brown-and-white clock tower called theOld Market Building. Inside, you’ll see dioramas, preserved machinery, maps andartifacts relating to the crop production, which was centred in Georgetown.The museum provides an interesting look at the economic effects the crop had onthe local area, as well as the widespread use of African slaves in production.
Setaside a day for your visit as there is much to see in Georgetown once your RiceMuseum tour is complete. The nearby Francis Marion National Forest is a greatplace for a hike.
Seethe oldest vessel on display in the United States at the Maritime MuseumGallery. It’s located in the Kaminski Hardware Building next door to the RiceMuseum. The Browns Ferry Vessel was a general-purpose freighter built in the1700s and sunk in 1730. Take a 60-minute tour of both the Kaminski Hardware andOld Market buildings, led by volunteers with a strong knowledge of the area'shistory.
Afterwards, settledown for a picnic in Lafayette Park, surrounding the old clock tower on theSampit River. Take a leisurely stroll around Georgetown and look for the manyhomes, public buildings and sites that predate the Civil War.
TheRice Museum is in Georgetown, about 50 minutes by car south of Myrtle Beach.The museum is closed on Sundays and major holidays. There’s a small admissionfee and children under six enter for free.