Mission Statement 

The Museum utilizes the humanities and arts to interpret and enhance knowledge of humankind and its place within its cultural and natural environment. Its purpose is integral to that of the University of South Carolina; to serve as a general museum and to engage in education, research and collections development, as well as campus and public service. These activities focus on the University itself; the cultural, political, and natural history of South Carolina and the southeastern United States; and contemporary artistic developments. In order to carry out this purpose, the Museum provides educational programs and cultural exhibitions for both the University community and the general public, offers documentation to serve research activities; acquires and cares for selected materials and objects; administers the folk arts program; manages and coordinates services to the profession through academic programs and selected workshops; and takes projects directly to such diverse groups as university academic departments, school groups and state arts organizations, as well as the general public.