South Carolina Tobacco Museum — Attraction in Mullins

Took my family to my grandfather's hometown. There is a rich history of tobacco farming. Enjoyed the stages of growing tobacco the barn relics and staff knowledge. They were excited to share, engaging and walked us through the museum. I liked how interactive it was.

I would love to see more images and historical references of the Black residents who reside in Mullins, their culture, experience and voice also be prominent in this museum. Black residents make up 75% of the Mullins population but their image, voice and experience in the tobacco museum is no where to be found. I think it does a huge disservice to the history and culture of Mullins to not be intentional about making sure the fabric of the town is included. It is not as inclusive as I thought it would be given the population make up. My family is still there as well as others who are descendent of tobacco farming, who are stewards of the land and are still alive to tell their own stories. If that was included that would be a 5+ for me.

To know the history and not see it displayed is disappointing. I am hopeful that there will be more intention to include...

Situated inside the old train depot, the South Carolina Tobacco Museum is one of the best museums you'll find in South Carolina. Reggie McDaniel is the museum curator and is also the native born descendant of the man who started the town of Mullins, Steven Smith. Reggie walked me through the museum and explained in detail the entire process and history of the tobacco industry, which at one time was the backbone of the American economy. The museum is a time capsule of a lifestyle and industry that has fallen from grace. If you're in the area, it really is a wonderful place to visit with the scent of the drying tobacco leaves still...

I'm tempted to write something snarky about the museum, like why would anyone want to commemorate the carcinogenic leaf, or that putting the institution in out-of-the-way Mullins, SC, must have been intended to keep it hidden from the world. (Mullins was once the largest distributor of tobacco in the nation.) But history is history and you have to admire the pluck of a place that wants to keep tobacco's story alive. Humans have consumed the substance for...