As the Florence Museum moves into its 75th year of incorporation, we have seen many changes, made progress with collections and provided community programs.  From its humble beginnings in the basement of the old Florence County Library building, under the auspice of the Blue Bird Tearoom Committee, to the acquisition of the Sanborn Chase home on Spruce Street in the early 1950’s, the museum holds its head high in preparation for the future.

As communities grow and change, so must the cultural institutions that represent them.  The Staff and Trustees of the Florence Museum have refocused their commitment to education and collecting not only objects of artistic, natural scientific and historic importance, but also of the Humanities. The stories of those of us who live in Florence County and the Pee Dee Region are just as important to the museum as its objects.  Whether you have lived your entire life in the region or have recently moved into the community, your relationship, stories and connections are important.

In an effort to collect these important stories about our people and culture, the museum will soon implement its new program titled, “There’s Much More To Your Story.”  This initiative will provide opportunities to community members, through voice or video recording to tell their story.  These stories will be used to better interpret the objects in the permanent collections of the Florence Museum and to enhance our interpretation and understanding of our important connections to world cultures.

From its acquisition of Southwestern Native American Pottery to its most recent contributions, the Florence Museum has remained constant and progressive with an unyielding zeal to maintain our commitment to our community and generations to come.

-Andrew R. Stout, Executive Director