“Though perhaps no longer the tremendously necessary tools they once were, weapons have remained quintessential components within the ongoing observations and studies of human history. Indeed the first founders of Carolina carried them as a means of pure survival, while much later Patriot and Confederate forces used them to defend their respective causes. Furthermore, Carolina gunsmiths were a vital part of the domestic economy as early as 1700. While some such as John Milner, William Glaze, and George Morse catered more to the needs of armed militias and other organizations, other locals like Francis Poyas, John Schirer, and Columbia’s Peter Kraft specialized in functional, yet highly decorative (and highly expensive) works of art. In the months surrounding South Carolina’s secession, in particular, an influx of firearm alterations, gadgets, gizmos, and other weaponized curiosa emerged rapidly in the 1850s and 60s, and nearly 250 weapons patents were issued in 1862 alone.”- Grahame Long, Chief Curator

Join chief curator, Grahame Long, for an exclusive, hands-on, examination of The Charleston Museum’s esteemed weaponry collection. This series is presented in three parts: Hunting and Personal Use, Edged Weapons, and Military Firearms. Mr Long will exhibit and discuss all manner of edged weapons from ancient to modern, as well as firearms (stopping short of actually firing them – these are museum pieces after all!).

This last installment, Military Firearms, held on August 4, 2015, will focus solely on the battlefield. Here, military weapons of foreign, domestic, and local manufacture from American Revolution all the way up to World War II will be studied and discussed.

Date/Time

08/04/2015, 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm

Location

The Charleston Museum
360 Meeting Street
Charleston, South Carolina 29403

Ticketing