VISION

Fort Mill History Museum to be recognized as the source in preserving, educating, and communicating Fort Mill’s history, and the champion for engaging members, visitors, and the community to continue building on the rich heritage of Fort Mill.

MISSION

To preserve Fort Mill’s heritage for the benefit of present and future generations.

To promote the collection, preservation, educational interpretation, and display of those artifacts, documents, and events most representative of Fort Mill history, its people and institutions, and its cultural and economic development.

GUIDING PRINCIPLES

The Fort Mill History Museum Guiding Principles define the values by which the organization operates, how decisions are made, and applies perimeters as to what the organization is and what it is not.

• Collect items and information of historical and meaningful significance to this community

• Preserve information and historic assets in an orderly, consistent, and factual manner to maintain integrity and public trust

• Research with enthusiasm, thoroughness, and truthfulness to ensure no compromise of what history reveals

• Share items and information in a credible and non-judgmental manner and provide Fort Mill residents with an enhanced sense of place and history

• Remain family-oriented and provide an affordable, educational, and enjoyable visitor experience to the public

• Maintain a volunteer component in the operations, planning, and decision-making process

• Being recognized for excellence in the museum community and a notable public attraction in the upcountry of South Carolina

• Being a visible and valued institution in the local area by being both inviting and accessible to visitors

• Being financially sound and recognized as an important historical and educational resource regarding Fort Mill history

MUSEUM HISTORY

The museum was officially given birth when recognized by the state as a non-profit corporation on October 26, 2010. The following were the first Board of Directors for the Fort Mill History Museum: Elizabeth Ford (Chair), Rufus Sanders (Vice Chair), Ken Dixon (Secretary), Brandi Knight (Treasurer), Billy Bradford, Ann Evans, Michael Hill, Brenda Honeycutt, Cathy Kerber, Tommy Merritt, Ralph Morrison, Mike Short, and Thomas Spratt IV.

As we looked back in time to events that helped make this community what it is today, we found it was not just historic events that brought us to the present day but a combination of events, people from all walks of life, special places, and childhood memories. The stories we hear that make up the fabric of  our community are so interesting. They must be collected, preserved, and shared with all who are here today and those who will come this way tomorrow.

The beautiful works of art you will see in the Samuel E. White Gallery are creations of very talented local artists. They give you a glimpse of what Fort Mill was like from the 1600s to today. As the museum grows, the timeline will grow. Important dates and events that occurred throughout the history of this community will be added. Oral histories will also become a part of the timeline and throughout the museum.

The past is definitely coming to life at the Fort Mill History Museum and we invite you to become a part of it.

Accomplishments

• Since the museum’s opening in 2010, a Christmas ornament has been produced each year that represents a cherished event or location with historical significance to Fort Mill.  These ornaments are for sale in the museum’s gift shop. 

• The Wilson House (location of FMHM) was entered into the National Register of Historic Places on June 11, 1992.  The certification was awarded on October 20, 2015 by South Carolina’s Governor Nikki R. Haley. 

• The museum actively pursues grants to fund the annual maintenance and upkeep of the historic Wilson House.

• In 2013 a group of retired school teachers and loyal volunteers began organizing the History Trunk program. This program debuted in the Fort Mill schools in 2015, and presented children a visual experience of history. 

• In December 2015, FMHM presented the first Historic Homes Christmas Tour.  This became an annual event allowing guests to visit historic homes in Fort Mill. 

• In April 2016, FMHM held an event in Walter Elisha Park called “School Days”.  This event gave hundreds of eighth graders a chance to see re-enactors bring local history alive. 

• The exhibit, “130 years of Springs” was opened in 2017 which paid homage to the fabric of Fort Mill-cotton manufacturing. 

• In October 2017, FMHM presented the first Lanterns and Legends Tours. This became an annual event which provides a walking tour of the surrounding downtown area of Fort Mill, conveying folklore of local people and places.   

• In 2018, a Collections Assessment for Preservation Report was performed at FMHM facilitated by The American Institute for Conservation. 

• In April 2018, the museum partnered with The Confederation of SC Local Historical Societies Association to host their annual convention. 

• The museum participated in the SC Humanities Festival held in March 2019.

• In 2014 the museum brought the Vietnam Memorial Traveling Wall to Fort Mill.  This emotional event hosted many to see the names of US Veterans that have died from our country.