McKissick Museum

The University of South Carolina's McKissick Museum fosters awareness and appreciation of the diversity of the region's culture, history, and natural environment.

McKissick Museum furthers its mission through original research about southern life, material culture, natural science, decorative and fine arts by holding exhibitions, issuing publications, and presenting public programs. It collaborates with the university community and outside constituents in documenting, collecting, and interpreting the region's culture, history, and natural environment. The museum also helps fulfill the university's mission by engaging in campus educational and enrichment activities, acting as a repository for relevant collections, and through its graduate museum certification program.

Testimonials

"Last summer I had a tremendous opportunity with the McKissick Museum at the University of South Carolina for a paid internship. I worked with several of the staff there to learn behind the scenes and all the ins and outs of how a museum operates. I was taught how to use PastPerfect, a particular software that is highly marketable as a job skill because many museums use it. I was given very detailed instructions on records, accessions, and how to handle and store collection objects. These are practical, hands-on skills that all museum management graduates need to land a job. And, in fact, my paid internship directly led to me getting another part time job that is helping me pay for continuing my education program."
- Barbara Rohrer, Graduate Student Liaison to the McKissick Museum Advisory Council

"As a Gullah-Geechee descendant, I have long cherished sweetgrass baskets; as a history major, I valued the basket tradition's rich history. Last summer, I had the opportunity to understand the tradition in a new way: curating an exhibit. This was a rewarding and fulfilling experience-spotlighting artists, sharing history, and developing an even greater appreciation for museums. Greater funding would encourage more students to gain curatorial experience and share diverse historical and cultural perspectives."
- Kennedy Bennett, Guest Curator of "Sewn through Time: Sweetgrass Basketmakers Reimagine a Tradition"

"Many students can't justify unpaid, long-term work. When internships are unpaid, we have to pass up relevant and interesting opportunities, which is frustrating at best, and at worst car bar young professionals from participating in their fields. Internships allow students to pursue their passions, explore career paths, and build experiences crucial to their success post-graduation. Being paid also made my experience more professional and encouraged me to bring my best every day. That's why I hope we can count on your support to fund a year-long, fully paid curatorial internship for the McKissick Museum. This opportunity will have an incredible impact on a student who will gain vital experience and skills in their field. In their career, they will bring a new perspective to the field, creating a more diverse future for museum storytelling, which is crucial to developing successful public education and representations of the past that are both accurate and nuanced."
- Isabel Sans, Undergraduate Liaison to the McKissick Museum Advisory Council