MISSION

Monitors operation of Pickens County Museum of Art and History and the Hagood Mill historic site as public, nonprofit educational institutions whose purpose is to collect, preserve, exhibit and interpret the artifacts, antiquities and archival, cultural and natural history of the County and surrounding geographic region. The Cultural Commission also provides cultural enrichment, intellectual stimulation, learning opportunities and appreciation of the visual and performing arts for the enjoyment of the County's citizenry and visitors.

The Museum Shop

Offering the work of more than 70 local and regional fine, traditional and folk artisans that represent an artistic spectrum from classical to homespun – including handcrafted jewelry, pottery and ceramics, baskets, natural fiber yarns, scarves and handbags, woodcarvings, colorful prints, Native American art, stained glass, wind chimes, note cards, folk art, soaps, beeswax candles and other specialty items. The Museum Shop features a wide array of CDs and Cassettes of southern sounds, Upcountry musicians and fascinating storytellers. We also offer a variety of educational and historical toys, as well as an assortment of books for all ages.

While adults will certainly find items appealing to a wide array of pursuits, our children’s section is stocked with items that will certainly amuse their special curiosity.

We look forward to entertaining your unique gift-giving challenges and shopping needs!

Pickens County Museum Shop
307 Johnson Street
Pickens, SC 29671
(864) 898-5963

Open Tuesday through Saturday from 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m.
Thursdays until 7:30 p.m.

Native American Rock Art at
the Hagood Mill Historic Site and Folklife Center

One of the “gems” of the South Carolina Upstate can be found three miles north of Pickens. Located just off Highway 178, on Hagood Mill Road, this 1845 gristmill served many generations of rural farm families until its’ closing in the mid-1960’s. In 1972 Hagood Mill was placed on the National Register of Historic Places and in 1973 the mill and surrounding property were donated to the Pickens County Museum Commission by the J. Hagood Bruce family. Thus began a long off-again, on-again process of restoration culminating with the mill being “back in business” on a monthly basis around Thanksgiving 1997 with the help of present miller, Alan Warner.

Since that time the mill has operated, rain or shine, the third Saturday of every month. Within a year of this new beginning, and to extend the programming of the Pickens County Museum of Art & History, these third Saturday events become mini-festivals of traditional arts, folklife and music. Presently there are more than twenty regular demonstrators who share their skills in milling, blacksmithing, moonshining, spinning, weaving, quilting, woodcarving, flintknapping and more. Additionally, most months have an acoustic musical entertainment theme ranging from bluegrass to blues to gospel. Numerous SC Folk Heritage Award winners have been featured and recorded for the museum’s archives. Autumn offerings at Hagood Mill have become a “tradition” with the September Fiddlin’ Convention, October Storytelling Festival and November Native American Festival drawing a large crowd each year.

The mill site has grown physically too. When first re-opened in 1997, there was just the mill building with its 20 foot overshot waterwheel and a small barn. Since that time, the barn was remodeled into a family farm exhibit, a visitor building with gift shop was constructed, a three-quarter mile nature trail was developed, two historic Pickens County log cabins were relocated to the site, a blacksmith shop was built, a moonshine display was added and a large outdoor stage as well. Recently, a complete cotton ginning operation was donated and brought to the site for restoration and the county’s last steel bridge, the 64 ft. Prater’s Creek Bridge, was relocated to the back of the property for restoration and eventual placement over the creek to allow for expansion and development of the several acres on that side currently inaccessible by vehicle.

In 2003, perhaps the most exiting development at the site occurred when Native American petroglyphs (rock carvings) were discovered on a large, thirty foot long rock near the mill. Difficult to see and easy to miss in the bright sunshine, these ancient artworks “stand up” when lit from the side at night. They were found by a team member of the archaeologist Tommy Charles, while conducting a ten-year “SC Rock Art Survey” of the state for the SC Institute of Archaeology and Anthropology.

In his survey, Mr. Charles has documented over 300 petroglyph sites in the state, with the majority being found in the upstate counties of Oconee, Pickens and Greenville. Photos of some of the rock art can be found in the Native American exhibit at the Pickens County Museum and in the Pickens County room of the Table Rock State Park Visitor’s Center. Dating of this rock art is impossible. As the Cherokee came to this area around 900 years ago, some of it could have been made by them…or it could be much older and made by predecessors of the Cherokee. Interpretation is also futile. While some images and locations could imply “trail markers,” they are messages meant for someone else at another time. Many could also be “doodles” and “graffiti.” Subjects range from a small number of animals to circles, squares and triangles to strange shapes and to a very few number of human “stick-men.” This is where the Hagood Mill Petroglyph Site weighs in. It is, according to Mr. Charles, “one of the most impressive petroglyph sites (38PN129) discovered in South Carolina. There are seventeen human figures plus a number of abstract motifs carved on the host rock. The human figures represent all but two that have been recorded in South Carolina.”

At present, the Hagood Mill petroglyphs are covered with plastic and dirt to protect them until a 30 ft. by 40 ft. building can by constructed over them for their permanent protection and display. Again, according to Mr. Charles, “It (Hagood Mill) is the only petroglyph site recorded in the state that is located on publicly owned property and accessible to all citizens. By virtue of its ownership and location on a National Register Property, it is at present our state’s only petroglyph site that meets the criteria for long-term preservation and that might simultaneously serve the public as an educational center for Native American rock art.”

While housing and preserving the mill site rock art, this center would also be a gallery for the display of photos of the other petroglyphs in the SC Rock Art Survey, many of which are a long walk up the side of a mountain. It is hoped to start construction on the rock art center in 2007.

In addition to the “3rd Saturday” events, the Hagood Mill Historic Site & Folklife Center is now open Wed. through Sat. from 10:00 to 4:00 to tour the grounds and to pick up those “mill products.” For more information contact Hagood Mill at 864-898-2936 or the Pickens County Museum at 864-898-5963.

Frequently Asked Questions

After one and a half years of construction and preparation, the museum reopended in 2006 with a 10,000 square foot expansion, a remodeling of the original facilities and a complete redesign of our Heritage Collections displays. The now tripled in size Pickens County Museum allows us to continue telling the stories of Pickens County and the Carolina Upcountry and ensures that those stories are preserved intact for generations to come. This new space also increases the educational & cultural opportunities for our families and friends, allowing us to provide on-going entertaining and educational programming for the community and our visitors.

1. What is there to see at the Pickens County Museum?

Visitors often comment that our original facilities resemble a brick castle. Located on the corner of Hwy 178 and Johnson Street, in downtown Pickens, SC. and built in 1902, this wonderful example of Turn of the Century Gothic architecture features crenellated turrets, a copper-colored tin roof, and is constructed of hand-rolled bricks which gives each brick a beautiful swirl pattern. But, there are clues to the original purpose of the building when one notices many of the windows have bars. Yes, this lovely building was the old Pickens County "Gaol" and it served as a jail until 1975.

In 1976, the 5,400 sq. ft. building became home to the Pickens County Museum of Art and History, and in 2006, a 10,000 sq. ft. architecturally compatible wing was added. Come inside and enjoy the Hagood Gallery and the Michelin North America Educational Galleries housing the Pickens County Heritage Collection. Represented by thirty-nine permanent displays, the collection interprets the history of Pickens County and the Carolina Upcountry through art, antiquities and artifacts. Here you can learn, among other things, that Pickens County was once home to the lower towns of the Cherokee and that the name "Pickens" comes from General Andrew Pickens, a Revolutionary War hero. This, and other historical information, artifacts, and antiquities soon starts any visitor to thinking about the rich tapestry of cultures, historical events and people who have contributed to, and continue to shape, Pickens County.

On the second floor of the “old Gaol” is our G1 and SealevelGalleries, which coupled with a third Focus gallery in the new wing enables the museum to host changing and traveling exhibitions reflecting a variety of tastes in art. The local community is also involved in annual events such as "Youth Arts Month" each March and the entire state of South Carolina in the Juried Art Competition every spring. Exhibitions of regional artisans are interspersed with varied competitions, thematic exhibits, historical perspectives shows, and up-coming artists’ debut.

Our 990-square foot LavonneNalleyPiperAuditorium is the site of numerous lectures, community gatherings and unique performance opportunities.

Our entire landscape is a Natural History display comprised of the Joe & Maggie Rampey Native Plant Gardens and Interpretive Trail allowing visitors to learn about the plants and habitats that are indigenous to Pickens County.

Additional educational opportunities are available through the Liz Smith Cox Educational Studio where youngsters and young at heart might enjoy classes in a variety of artist’s media.

2. Where does your collection come from?

The majority of the Pickens County Museum’s Heritage Collection comes from the kind donations made by families in our community. It is often that a treasured heirloom or even a supposed piece of junk will find its way to the museum’s display cases. Pieces in the Fine Art Collection are acquired through our Annual Juried Art Competition’s purchase awards as well as through donations and purchases.

3. How Could I make a Donation?

The Pickens County Museum of Art and History accepts donations of archival or historical or cultural artifacts, antiquities, photographs and related materials, as well as items of fine, folk or traditional arts. Items should fit our mission focus in order to be accepted. Additionally, the museum accepts financial and in-kind service gifts; event sponsorships and varied levels of museum membership.

The Pickens County Cultural Commission & Pickens County Museum is recognized as a not for profit charitable organization as required by the Public Charities Division of the South Carolina Secretary of State. As such, all donations to the Pickens County Museum are fully tax deductible.

4. Does the Pickens County Museum run the historic Hagood Mill?

Yes . The Hagood Mill Site & Folklife Center is located about three miles north of downtown Pickens off Hwy 178 on Hagood Mill Road. Originally built circa 1825 and as it stands today circa 1845. It is one of the oldest known surviving gristmills still producing grain products (flour, cornmeal and grits) in South Carolina. Mark your calendars for the third Saturday of each month as, rain or shine, the Mill will be open and operating. During this third Saturday, our visitors will enjoy a very special treat as groups of dedicated traditional artisans volunteer their time demonstrating quilting, spinning, carving, blacksmithing, flint-knapping and many other traditional arts and living histories. Combine these activities with a host of local musicians and a good time is to be had by all!

***Please remember, The Hagood mill site is a Heritage & Nature Preserve. When enjoying the site, please leave it as you found it. No specimen collecting is permitted.

5. Do you charge an admission?

No . The Pickens County Museum of Art and History as well as the Hagood Mill is free and open to the public. You may want to take the opportunity of your visit to complete your Museum Membership card. And, of course, if you would like to make a cash donation, it does enable us to continue the program offerings you may have grown to enjoy.

6. Where are you Located?

DIRECTIONS TO THE PICKENS COUNTY MUSEUM

From Greenville via I-85 : Take exit # 40, Hwy 153 towards Easley. When this road ends at Hwy 123, go towards Easley. Take 123 into Easley. Pass 3 red lights. At fork of 123 (Left towards Clemson) and 93 (right towards Easley), take Hwy 93 (right). Go through downtown Easley. At fork of 93 (left towards Liberty) and Hwy 8 (right/straight) towards Pickens, take Hwy 8. Go approximately 7 miles into Pickens. When you see a Hardees and Subway Sandwich Shop on the left, take the next left onto Johnson Street. The Museum is at bottom of hill on the left (before the traffic light), across from the Police & fire Departments.

From Anderson, Clemson and points South West : Take Hwy. 123 to Hwy 178 (Liberty Exit). Follow Hwy 178 north through Liberty and towards Pickens. At the second red light in Pickens, take a right onto Johnson Street. Museum is immediately on the right, across from the Police & fire Departments.

From Highway 11: Exit Hwy 11 at the intersection of Hwy 178. Take Hwy 178 South all the way into Pickens. Cross Hwy 183, (a dogleg over Main Street) and continue South on 178. Turn left at 2 nd red light onto Johnson Street. Museum is immediately on the right, across from the Police & fire Departments.

From Greenville via I-85 : Take exit # 40, Hwy 153 towards Easley. When this road ends at Hwy 123, go towards Easley. Take 123 into Easley. Pass 3 red lights. At fork of 123 (Left towards Clemson) and 93 (right towards Easley), take Hwy 93 (right). Go through downtown Easley. At fork of 93 (left towards Liberty) and Hwy 8 (right/straight) towards Pickens, take Hwy 8. Go approximately 7 miles into Pickens. In Pickens, take Hwy 183 West for 2 blocks and turn right onto Hwy 178 North. Go 3 miles then turn left onto Hagood Mill Road (look for brown Hagood Mill sign). The Mill is immediately on the right.

From Anderson, Clemson and points South West : Take Hwy. 123 to Hwy 178 (Liberty Exit). Follow Hwy 178 north through Liberty and towards Pickens. In downtown Pickens, cross Hwy 183 (dog leg across Main Street) and continue North on Hwy 178. Go 3 miles then turn left onto Hagood Mill Road (look for brown Hagood Mill sign). The Mill is immediately on the right.

From Highway 11 : Exit Hwy 11 at the intersection of Hwy 178. Take Hwy 178 South for 5.8 miles. Turn right onto Hagood Mill Road (look for brown Hagood Mill sign). The Mill is immediately on the right.

7. What are your hours of operation?

The Museum’s hours are:

• Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday – 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m.
• Thursday – 9:00 a.m. until 7:30 p.m.
• Saturday – 9:00 a.m. until 4:30 p.m.
• Closed Sunday and Monday

The Hagood Mill Historic Site & Foldlife Center is open for operations and tours Wednesday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m.. The mill offers expanded programming on the 1st and 3rd Saturday of every Month (See our current & upcoming events area). The Mill Grounds are accessible for hikes, picnics and sightseeing during daylight hours.

8. Do you have a gift shop?

Yes . On any visit to the museum, you should, before you leave, stop in at the Museum Gift Shop, located just off the lobby area. Here you will find items from over seventy regional artisans; everything from high-end art to homespun. There are books of local interest, rocks and minerals, post cards and note cards and a nice selection of regional music. If you are looking for something educational, a travel keepsake, or a unique gift, here is a special place to shop.

9. Suppose I want to bring a group… Do you book tours?

Yes . The Pickens County Museum provides tours to groups of eight or more. (Smaller groups are welcome to browse on their own and ask as many questions as they like) Whether your group is from the 3 rd grade, high school, college, adult or senior, we can accommodate any tour of the museum to your level of expectations. We do request that you contact us in advance so that we might schedule available time slots. School groups are invited to inquire as to our available “History Mystery” hand outs for distribution to your students. This will help them to “find” items in the collection, and hopefully better understand what it is they are seeing. “History Mystery is available in versions for Elementary grade K-2 or 3-5, and a Secondary grade 6+ level. When you request in advance, we will provide a master copy so that you may duplicate for your students or you may download those documents by clicking HERE for Pickens County's downloadable documents page. Tours are presently made available at no-charge, but we do encourage donations to help defray operating costs.

Likewise, tours of the Hagood Mill historic site are also available by calling the Mill Site Manager at 864-898-2936.

Due to our limited staffing, tours are available only by appointment. A suggested donation of $1.00 per person is appreciated.

10. How can I contact the Museum?

To book a tour, make inquiries or contact the Pickens county Museum or Hagood Mill for any reason you may call us at the museum (864) 898-5963 or at the Hagood Mill (864) 898-2936.

Or e-mail us at:

picmus@co.pickens.sc.us

Thank You for visiting our web page and we look very forward to seeing you during your visit to the Pickens County Museum of Art & History or the Hagood Mill Historic Site & Foldlife Center.