Lawmen and crimes are featured in new exhibit at Belton depot

Join us for a celebration of BAMA’s newest exhibit SC’s Most Wanted, Sunday, May 1, from 3 – 5 pm at the historic Belton Train Depot. 

 

At the opening celebration, enjoy sitting in a gangster automobile from the 1910’s to the 1940’s, listen to police detectives and forensic specialists talk about their jobs, see a police drone fly overhead, and taste a little moonshine (if of appropriate age).   

 

Children can learn about gun safety from SafeKids Anderson County, and fingerprinting for parent identification purposes will be offered by local police detectives.   

 

In the exhibit, visitors will see artifacts of the criminals, controversial cultural topics, and law enforcement officers of all branches that made headlines from the 1780s to 1980s.  

 

Featured artifacts investigate prohibition era politics and the teetotalers who forced dry counties on the population, the SC Dispensary system, and social issues such as bootlegging and capital punishment.  

 

Also on display is a collection of police uniforms and forensic equipment that have been used over the years to solve crimes. 

 

The exhibit runs May 1 – June 18.  Museum hours are Wednesday – Friday, 9 am – 2 pm, Saturday, 10 am to Noon, and by appointment for groups by calling 864-338-7400. 

 

On May 5, a tie in activity will accompany the exhibit.  Beginning at 7 pm at the depot, Kathryn Smith, renowned author of her newest book Baptists & Bootleggers: A Prohibition Expedition Through the South…with Cocktail Recipes, will present an engaging talk followed by a book signing.  This program is sponsored by South Carolina Humanities, a not-for-profit organization; inspiring, engaging and enriching South Carolinians with programs on literature, history, culture and heritage.  This event will culminate in a moonshine tasting, complements of Palmetto Distillery.  Every attendee will also receive a coupon for a complementary tasting and tour at the Anderson facility.   

 

Thanks to the Humanities Council-SC,  SafeKids-Anderson County, Anderson County ATAX, City of Belton HTAX, and Palmetto Distillery for supporting this exhibit and its activities.  Admission is free. 

 

Come enjoy learning about SC’s Most Wanted!