Touching our past
“A people without knowledge of their history, origin and culture is like a tree without roots.”
– Marcus Garvey
The goal of the Fountain Inn Museum is to provide all visitors, especially young people, with a clear view of our town’s fascinating past, from its humble beginnings and dynamic growth that led to the futuristic prospects now within sight. A secure footing in our history will enable tomorrow’s leaders to take on the unique challenges of the 21st century.
The museum opened its doors in 2010, part of Fountain Inn’s Commerce Park project in downtown renewal. From the beginning, the aim was to accurately chronicle the town’s inception as a way station on the Charleston/North Carolina stagecoach route, and mark its progress from a mostly farming population to the high tech and manufacturing concerns that dot its landscape today.
An appreciation of Fountain Inn’s history includes exhibits reflecting the time when native Americans inhabited the upstate, grew corn and hunted the game that was plentiful in the Piedmont.
As European settlers began to arrive, roads and buildings soon followed, establishing communities that grew into towns such as Fountain Inn. Museum exhibits and hands-on displays take visitors on a chronological tour of our city’s growth, clearly illustrating the special Fountain Inn heritage.
The museum offers innovative programs and tours for student groups from elementary school through high school. Special events and varying presentations provide great interest even for repeat guests.
The Hooked on History series features programs such as Civil War stories that involved Fountain Inn citizen/soldiers; folk music of the textile belt with live performances; and An Evening with Robert Quillen, the internationally recognized author and publisher of The Fountain Inn Tribune.
Favorite son “Peg Leg” Bates crafted an incredible career as a one-legged dancer and, as his special exhibit confirms, performed for millions. You can even see the wooden leg that transported him from humble beginnings to the heights of show business.
Make the museum part of your itinerary as you experience the exceptional aura of downtown Fountain Inn. The welcome mat is out – stop by to learn more about Fountain View’s origin, local history and culture.
Want a preview? Go to FountainInnMuseum.org.