war between the states museum

I visited the War Between the States museum while spending a day in Florence. The museum is located in a two-story house in a residential area which makes it an odd place for it to be located. There is a gravel lot adjacent to the museum where you can park. The museum itself is only open two days a week, Wednesdays and Saturdays from 1000-1700. There was a minimal entrance fee of $3 for adults. They also had a small gift shop in the lobby.The museum has a collection of artifacts found in the area as well as displays about the Confederate ironclad CSS Pee Dee, photographs of various individuals from the state who fought on both sides, a description of the Florence Stockade, and other items located on both floors of the house. There is also a small reference library located in a room on the second floor. For some reason there is also a room made up to look like what I assumed was what one would look like back then. There was no explanation so it was hard to tell what they intended to portray. Overall it was basically a large collection of items that they have obtained and placed in displays that were thoughtfully laid out for the most part.While the museum is not as robust or as good as others it was still worthwhile visiting for a quick stop. It only took me about 45 minutes to see everything and that was taking my time. While I wouldn’t recommend making the museum the sole reason for visiting Florence it is still a nice stop if you are in the area. If you plan on visiting the Florence Stockade the museum gives a good background and is a good starting point before going there.

The exhibits were carefully gathered. The building in which they are housed and the location leave much to be desired. I learned quite a bit and am glad we went but do not feel a need to go back. We spent about an hour at the museum. These exhibits really do need to be put in a place worthy of their value. Sad!

This is a must see stop when you are in Florence, SC. I have been going to the WBTS Museum since 1998. You will find artifacts on display that you will find in no other museum. The research library is top notch. The museum director will help you in your research. If you think you had an ancestor that served in the War between the States the resources are available to find that soldier. Be sure to look at the hundreds of soldier photographs throughout the facility. The gift shop has items for sale for people of all ages. Children will enjoy what the museum has to offer. The admission cost is low as compared to other museums. When you visit, plan on staying awhile. You'll be glad you did.

Very good in its collection of weapons, naval information(CSS pee dee) table model of the Florence stockade. This is where you get information of stockade. Displays of cannon projectiles. Uniforms, etc. have books which can give information on units located in area during civil war. Not a cheesy museum. Has items for sale from model cannons to flags.

A must see for those that haven't been. Artifacts from the Great Pee Dee and the Mars Bluff Naval Yard, Artifacts recovered from the Florence Stockade, period drawings and a scale model of Weapons, camp items, and relics recovered from several battlefields personal belongings of many veterans. If in the area it's a must see.