I recently visited The South Carolina Confederate Relic Room and Military Museum, or as I call it, SCCRRAMM. It’s housed within the South Carolina State Museum building located on Gervais Street in Columbia. I was instantly awestruck by the attention to detail among the many to the amazing exhibits and the extensive knowledge and passion presented by Mr. Joe Long, the curator of education, Please visit their website at http://crr.sc.gov/about to learn more about this wonderful educational experience.

SCCRRAMM is one of my greatest discoveries since moving to South Carolina in 2004. I am still amazed at how many life-long residents have never visited this exquisite collection of battlefield memorabilia or even know it exists. This is what has led me to feature SCCRRAMM on The Adams File.

Founded in 1896, SCCRRAMM is the third oldest museum in the state and focuses on South Carolina’s Military History from the Revolutionary War to present conflicts. Most astounding to me was the surprising role that South Carolina played in World War I and the Spanish-American War. With excellent award-winning exhibits and an outstanding curator like Joe Long I can easily understand why this is such a favorite attraction by homeschoolers and historians alike.

A favorite highlight of mine was the financial papers of Confederate purchasing agent Colin J. McRae.

A new addition to the museum is the “Write from the Front” program which collects photos, emails, and other related items from the brave men &

women serving in the ongoing War on Terror.

SCCRRAMM has now introduced a membership plan which offers many benefits like discounts for events, guest passes, family plans, free guided tours, plus their Annual Report Subscription. Visit http://crr.sc.gov/membership for further details on available membership packages and benefits.

Mr. Long guided me through the World War I exhibits which included a field real trench and some impressive relics; this made for a magnificent presentation. The structure in which this portion is housed is fascinating in its own right, it was formerly a cistern located within the old Columbia Mills Building.

You don’t have to be a military enthusiast to appreciate the contributions made my South Carolina in preserving the American way of life. One visit will bring out the true patriot in anyone or reinforce existing pride in our wonderful country and this proud state.

Craig V Adams