Smithsonian 'Hometown Teams' exhibit open at Slater Hall

SLATER, S.C. – The traveling Smithsonian Museum exhibit "Hometown Teams: How Sports Shape America" is now open at historic Slater Hall.

Sponsored by the Slater Hall Citizen's Committee and the Travelers Rest Historical Society, Slater was one of six communities chosen in South Carolina to host the exhibit. Running through October 25, it seeks to capture the history and pride of communities through something that has become an indelible part of our culture.

In addition to the Smithsonian's part of the exhibit, an expansive collection of local sports memorabilia is on display as well.

Community events scheduled to be held in conjunction with the exhibit include:

• Sept. 10 - Storytelling at the Travelers Rest Library

• Sept. 12 - Great Smithsonian Road Rally to Slater Hall

• Sept. 15 - Travelers Rest Historical Society Meeting at Slater Hall

• Sept. 19 - Annual Slater-Marietta High School Reunion

• Sept. 26 - Cycling event along the GHS Swamp Rabbit Trail

• Oct. 10 - Sports-themed outdoor movie night at Slater Hall

• Oct. 24 - Vintage Baseball Game in Greenville ("Shoeless" Joe Jackson team vs. Ty Cobb team)

"We are excited about the opportunity to bring this great museum exhibit to our area," said Slater Hall Citizens' Committee member Karen Cleveland. “It allows us the opportunity to explore this fascinating aspect of our own region’s sports history, and we hope that it will inspire many to become even more involved in the cultural life of our community.”

The free exhibit runs through Oct 25. Hours are Tuesdays, 10 AM – 4 PM; Thursdays, 12 Noon – 8 PM; Saturdays, 10 AM – 4 PM; and Sundays, 1 PM – 5 PM.

Slater Hall is located at 5 Whitney Street in Slater.