The Joanne T. Rainsford
Region II Heritage Discovery Center

The Region 2 Discovery Center of the South Carolina National Heritage Corridor represents Abbeville, Edgefield, Greenwood, and McCormick Counties. Located in the heart of Edgefield’s historic district, the 6,000 square foot museum is filled with the stories and history of the landscape and people of the region.

The Center has exhibits that take you from the natural landscape and settlement in the region to the politics that have shaped the history of the four counties. Cotton was “King” in the area and the museum has a large cotton exhibit beginning with the introduction of cotton to South Carolina, its development into a powerful crop that slaves were imported to the state in vast numbers in the late 1700’s – 1840’s, to the decline of the industry and the effect on the local culture.

The exhibits helps you explore Revolutionary War battles fought the region including the first American Revolutionary War Battle ever fought, to the South’s Secession, Civil War skirmishes and the fall of the Confederacy with the location of the last War Cabinet meeting only one county away. In addition, many artifacts have been donated to the museum by generous local family members, including weaponry from the Civil War and Old Edgefield pottery pieces.

                                                                                 (Below) Calhoun the raccoon drops in to explore the Center and visit with staff.

At the Region 2 Discovery Center there is something for everyone to enjoy, even shopping in the unique gift shop. The staff is friendly, knowledgeable about the local history and ready to help you discover the present in Region II from lodging and eating to recreation and family fun spots. The Discovery Center is kid friendly and we offer educational programs for school groups and home schooled children. Everyone is welcome and we hope to see you soon.
 

The Joanne T. Rainsford Heritage Discovery Center is a restored farmhouse from the 1840’s and was originally the home of Captain James Miller in Trenton, SC. The house was  donated by the Miller family to the Edgefield County Historical Society who then donated it for use as the Region 2 Discovery Center. It is named after Joanne T. Rainsford because she was instrumental in the formation of the center.

The Discovery Center is located at 405 Main Street, Edgefield, SC 29824. Hours of Operation are: Tuesday- Saturday 10:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m. For more information, please call (803) 637-0877 or email the Edgefield Discovery Center. 

We have another Discovery Center just opened in Spring 2006! Check it out!