As a public service activity of Clemson University, the Strom Thurmond Institute is a recognized leader in providing information and assistance to citizen groups, business and special interest groups, and governmental organizations at the local and regional level. In 1981, U.S. Senator Strom Thurmond, an alumnus of Clemson University, donated his papers to the College. From his belongings came the idea to create a policy center which became a reality at its 1988 opening. At the Institute, you can observe Thurmond's life, including nearly one million manuscripts and thousands of artifacts from his political career. On display are Thurmond's military uniforms from World War II, his judge's robe, and items from the 1948 Dixiecrat campaign. The Institute is located on Perimeter Road, Clemson SC, (864) 656-4700. www.strom.clemson.edu

Collins Old Towne, Central

This is a great example of a re-created 1930s village. Step back in time and visit a depression-era country store featuring a collection of memorabilia found in most country stores of the 1920s and 1930s. The general store is well stocked with memorabilia about early life in a small community as well as items from the town of Central. The old time barbershop next door is a re-creation of long ago where one could get a haircut, shave, shoeshine, and even a bath. The depression-era barbershop features a reconstructed motorized barber pole, coat rack, and several other items. Visit a small corn mill and a small sawmill that families used to saw their building materials to construct their homes. A red schoolhouse includes desks from Central High School, a stage, and school memorabilia. The schoolhouse features a bell tower. Just tug the rope and you get the feeling that school is in session. Located at 228 Lawton Road east of Central. Call (864) 639-2618 for appointment and information. croypatcollins@aol.com.

Pickens County Museum, Pickens

Art and local history exhibits are housed in this 1902 Victorian gaol (jail), which resembles a castle. Also on display are Native American antiquities and interpretive materials. From the earliest paleohunters to the Cherokee of historic times, the museum offers the visitor an opportunity to view many authentic native artifacts, and provides an overview of the county's history. The building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Rotating exhibits are featured, and a museum shop has work by regional artists and craftsmen. The Museum is an official stop along the South Carolina National Heritage Corridor. Located at 307 Johnson Street. Open Tues 8:30 AM to 8:30 PM; Wednesday-Friday 8:30 AM to 5 PM; Saturday 12 noon to 4 PM; closed Sunday and Monday. Free admission. (864) 898-5963 or 898-5964.

Central History Museum, Central

This museum is located in the 1893 Jeptha Norton Morgan House, 416 Church Street in Central, headquarters of the Central Heritage Society. Five rooms are furnished as a house museum, with other exhibits featuring artifacts and history of the town of Central and its surrounding area. The Bertha Evans Morgan Rose Garden is on the property. The museum is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and is a site on the South Carolina National Heritage Corridor. Open each Sunday from 2-4 PM and by appointment. Closed on major holidays. Admission. Phone (864) 639-2156 and (864) 639-2794. E-mail heritage@innova.net. Website www.centralheritage.org

Fort Hill, Clemson

Located in the heart of the Clemson University campus, Fort Hill was the plantation home of John C. Calhoun and later the home of his son-in-law, Thomas Green Clemson. Now a National Historic Landmark, the house contains items that once belonged to Calhoun and Clemson. It was this plantation that was deeded to the state by Mr. Clemson to start the college. Phone (864) 656-2475. For group tours, call (864) 656-4789. Open Monday - Saturday 10AM - 12 Noon and 1PM - 4:30 PM, Sundays 2PM - 4:30PM.

Hagood-Mauldin House, Pickens

Built circa 1856 by James Hagood, a prominent attorney, in the old town of Pickens near the Keowee River, the house was dismantled and moved to its present location in 1868. James Hagood's daughter, Frances ("Miss Queen") Hagood Mauldin, made later additions to the house. Changes included the classic Greek porch columns. An office building for her husband, Judge T.J. Mauldin, was built next to the house; it was also designed with the Greek porch columns. Judge Mauldin used the office during his career as an attorney, judge, South Carolina legislator and senator. This classical Greek revival house features 17th and 18th century art and furnishings. Mrs. Irma Hendricks Morris, a descendant of prominent Upstate South Carolina Revolutionary War heroes, Moses Hendricks and Captain John Anderson, bought the house (then called "Homestead Hall") in 1955. Mrs. Morris, a noted authority in 17th and 18th century antiques, traveled extensively collecting art works and period pieces for her business. She generously bequeathed the home and all of its contents to the Pickens County Historical Society in 1987. The house features portraits, furniture, silver, and porcelain from the 17th and 18th centuries as part of the Irma Morris Museum of Fine Arts. The Hagood-Mauldin House is an offical site along the South Carolina National Heritage Corridor. Open April 1 - December 12, third Saturday of each month, 11 AM -4 PM. Admission $2.00 adults and $1.00 students. Group tours offered by appointment. 104 N. Lewis St., Pickens, SC 29671 (864) 878-3258.

Smilodon with curators Chris and Dave Cicimurri. Geology Museum, Clemson

The museum contains a mineral collection of over 5000 specimens, spectacular fossils from all over the world, polished sections of several famous meteorites, and the most complete display of fluorescent minerals in the Southeast. Several displays allow "hands on" interaction. They have recently acquired the Southeast's only mounted skelton of Smilodon, the ferocious saber-toothed cat and an ancient relative of Clemson's Tiger. "Smiley" roamed the area around a million years ago. The museum is located in the South Carolina Botanical Garden on Perimeter Road. Hours of operation are Thursday, Friday, and Saturday 10 AM - 5 PM; Sunday 1-5 PM; or by appointment. (864) 656-4600, or for group tours, call the University Visitors Center (864) 656-4789.