Charleston Museum

The Charleston Museum was the first museum built in America; it was founded in 1773 and opened to the public in 1824. It is located in the Downtown Historic District of Charleston, South Carolina.

The main museum's exhibits include natural history and local history displays and decorative arts, including silver. One display features objects from the museum's origins in the late 18th century.

The museum also owns and operates two historic house museums:

• Heyward-Washington House - late 18th century period home of Thomas Heyward, Jr., Revolutionary patriot and signer of the Declaration of Independence

• Joseph Manigault House - Federal-style home decorated with American, English and French furnishing of the early 19th century

In addition to the two houses, the museum also maintains a piece of property called The Dill Sanctuary. From the site:

...located on James Island contains assorted habitats for wildlife and numerous cultural features including three earthen Confederate batteries and prehistoric, colonial, antebellum, and postbellum archaeological sites. The Dill Sanctuary has been protected for purposes of preservation, wildlife enhancement, research and education, and is used only for Museum-sponsored programs. Habitat has been enhanced by creation of a six-acre wildlife pond, with three nesting islands, which provides a reliable source of fresh water for animals and nesting sites for both migratory and resident birds. 2001 saw the construction of the Dill Education Center and bathroom facilities which hosts Museum education programs.