Upcountry History Museum exhibit uncovers hidden treasures

GREENVILLE, S.C. – The Upcountry History Museum – Furman University is set to unveil a new exhibit that invites visitors to prowl the decks of shipwrecks, explore ancient tombs, investigate household attics, and dive beneath the placid waters of Upstate South Carolina lakes.

Treasure!, a special traveling exhibit, explores the history of treasures and treasure hunting, the technologies used, as well as the people and personalities that hunt for treasure.

Treasure!’s limited run opens Oct. 11 and ends Jan. 11.

“We invite museum adventurers to explore the history of treasures and treasure hunting through this nationally acclaimed traveling exhibit,” said Dana Thorpe, the museum's executive director.

“Visitors of all ages will investigate the history, science, technology and thrill of treasure hunting through hands on learning – from panning for gold to operating a modern underwater submersible. Guests will also be challenged to unlock the underwater secrets of the Upcountry.”

In conjunction with Treasure!, the museum will feature an in-house exhibit on treasures found right in our backyard. Hidden History: The Upcountry’s Underwater Treasures will explore the communities and historic sites – among them colonial outpost Fort Prince George and rustic summer resort Attakulla Lodge – that were submerged when Lake Keowee and Lake Jocassee were formed.

Get a closer look at these local treasures during a special event on Dec. 10 at 12 p.m. At Lunchbox Learning: What Lies Beneath, divers will offer a first-hand account of what it’s like to explore the depths of the lakes.

The museum’s broad programming schedule continues throughout the fall with specially designed events for the whole family.

On Oct. 15, Robert Young, owner of Borderlands Comics and Games, will discuss the ultimate childhood treasure, comic books, and how these modern treasures connect to and are becoming a part of American history.

Author and local native Debbie Fletcher will speak about the history of Jocassee and her books about the area at a Lunchbox Learning on Oct. 21.

On Nov. 2, Family Fun Day, going on from 1 to 4 p.m., will feature story time, crafts and a treasure map to help children explore the riches of the exhibit and the entire museum.

Museum members will get a special chance to explore Treasure! while enjoying food, music and a treasure hunt of their own on an exclusive member night, Oct. 24 from 6:30 to 9 p.m.

Treasure! kicks off the museum’s coming slate of exhibits, which will include the work of Vietnam combat artist John Steel, the war escape story of the creators of Curious George and the world premiere of a new Smithsonian exhibit in 2015.

Admission to the Upcountry History Museum is $5 for adults, $4 for seniors and college students with ID, and $3 for children ages 4-18. Children 3 and under are free.

The Upcountry History Museum – Furman University is located at 540 Buncombe St. in Greenville. Museum hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday. Closed Monday.

On the Web: www.upcountryhistory.org — Twitter — Facebook