The South Carolina State Fair is shining a light on history this year with the SC250 exhibit, a celebration of the state’s crucial role in the American Revolution.

The interactive showcase was developed as part of the state’s larger SC250 commemoration, a plan to mark the 250th anniversary of the start of the Revolutionary War.

Fairgoers can step back in time through interactive displays, re-enactments and multimedia storytelling that bring the state’s Revolutionary history to life.

Cori Alalong and Eli Waters said they were surprised by the display’s level of interactivity.

“It’s not just history on a wall,” Alalong said. “You can touch, see, and really feel what it must have been like.”

The exhibit highlights “the state’s unique battles, diverse participants and enduring impact on both state and national history,” said SC250 CEO Molly Fortune. She said the response has been overwhelmingly positive.

“Many have shared personal connections or new discoveries about their community’s Revolutionary history,” she said. “We hope visitors leave with a deeper appreciation for the sacrifices and stories of South Carolinians during the Revolution — and a sense of pride in the state’s role in shaping the nation’s history.”

The exhibit’s placement at the fair was intentional. The idea is to connect history to everyday South Carolinians, Fortune said.

“It helps us engage the public in the 250 commemoration by making history tangible and accessible,” she said. “… The State Fair is an ideal venue because it draws a cross-section of visitors from across the state — families, students, and community members — allowing us to reach audiences who might not otherwise visit traditional museums or historic sites.”

Among those helping bring history to life is CJ Schaurer, an intern with SC250 and member of Phi Alpha Theta, the history honor society at the University of South Carolina.

“History majors usually don’t have too many internship options, so I was really excited to get involved and work with the public,” Schaurer said. “Normally, history is all about papers and only interacting with other academics. Plus, there is only one chance to celebrate 250 years.”

The exhibit features immersive sets, a “history walk” and talks from historians and re-enactors. One of its biggest hits, Schaurer said, is a photo booth celebrating the Overmountain Men — frontier fighters who played a decisive role in the Battle of Kings Mountain.

Schaurer said she has her own personal favorite, a display showing the inside of a cabin and everyday household tools.

“Even if people don’t want a photo, they love examining everything and asking questions” of the interns, she said.

Visitors said the hands-on nature of the exhibit has made South Carolina’s Revolutionary history feel more real. 

“It’s one thing to know that some soldiers a long time ago walked a long way,” Schaurer said. “Feeling what they carried, the weight, knowing that they were walking 300 miles, unsure of what would be left when they got there — it brings a whole new understanding and pride.”