Exciting Weekend Ahead in Columbia as Museum Honors Veterans

Exciting Weekend Ahead in Columbia as Museum Honors Veterans

Hey there, Columbia! As we say goodbye to the warm weather, get ready for a rain-filled Saturday and Sunday that’s combined with an amazing opportunity to honor our veterans. Grab your umbrella because we’re expecting areas of patchy fog early, followed by some rainfall that should clear up later in the day.

When you wake up on November 9th, prepare yourself for a temperature peak of around 77°F with a gentle breeze blowing in from the southeast at 5 to 10 mph. There’s about a 60% chance it will rain, and we might see around a quarter of an inch—so keep those raincoats handy! After dinner, as the evening unfolds, things will get a little clearer, transitioning from partly cloudy to overcast skies overnight. So if you’re an early riser on Sunday, be aware there’s a slight chance of a rain shower in the morning as temperatures dip low to about 64°F.

A Special Salute to Our Heroes

But wait – before you think about settling in for a cozy Saturday at home, here’s something exciting happening right in the heart of our city! The South Carolina State Museum is rolling out the red carpet for all veterans and active-duty military members on the weekend of November 9th and 10th. That’s right—free general admission to honor those who have served in the military, just in time for Veterans Day.

The museum, which is a treasure trove of history with four floors of fascinating exhibitions, is showcasing the powerful new exhibit, “Shared Sacrifice: SC in World War II.” This year, this special installation dives deep into the stories of South Carolinians who answered the call during the turbulent times of the Second World War.

What Can You Expect at the Exhibit?

Get ready to be inspired! You’ll find displays brimming with intriguing artifacts, archival newsreels, and historical photographs that will take you back in time. The exhibit goes beyond just the battles fought. It features the inspiring pursuit of “Double Victory”—a struggle against fascism abroad and segregation at home by Black South Carolinians during that era.

Among the highlights, you won’t want to miss:

• The original uniform worn by Ernest Henderson, Sr., a trailblazer who trained the legendary Tuskegee airmen.
• A flight helmet from Horace “Sally” Crouch, a brave navigator-bomber for the Doolittle Raiders.
• The Red Cross Motor Corps uniform donned by Kate Montgomery Ward of Spartanburg.
• A poignant holiday card sent by Jack Williams from Pearl Harbor on December 6, 1941—that’s the very day before the infamous attack.
• A Naval Jack Flag that flew above U-505 immediately after its capture, collected by Thomas Blair Boozer, Jr..

These artifacts tell tales of extraordinary bravery and sacrifice, and you’ll leave with a deeper understanding of the remarkable contributions of local heroes from South Carolina’s past.

Mark Your Calendars!

So, if you’re looking for a meaningful way to spend the weekend, head over to the South Carolina State Museum and soak up the rich history while paying tribute to our heroes. Just a quick reminder—the museum will be closed on Monday, November 11th, in observance of Veterans Day, so don’t miss out on this chance to experience it live while admission is free!

Whether you’re enjoying the rain from your window or visiting the museum, make sure to honor our veterans this weekend. Stay safe, Columbia, and happy Veterans Day!