Historic Port Royal Foundation Museum

Tucked away in a tiny corner of Port Royal is the Historic Port Royal Foundation and Museum. This quaint little place is full of history and wonder.

The museum structure has resided in its current location since 2017. It was once located in Yemassee, SC and operated as a feed store. Previous museum locations include the Scheper Store, Jernigan House, and Union Church.

The Port Royal Historic Foundation started out as the Port Royal Bicentennial Historical Committee (PRBHC) in 1976. The PRBHC was charged with planning and implementing the 1976 Bicentennial celebration of Port Royal. They also set about establishing how to preserve Port Royal’s historical data. Once the Bicentennial celebration was over, the PRBHC transformed into the Port Royal Historic Foundation in 1977.

As you step inside don’t be fooled by its size. There is a lot to learn and explore and you will find all things Port Royal.

Their exhibits range from the history of Port Royal to the natural ecology of the area. And, there are many new and exciting exhibits to come.

You will find history centered around seafood harvesting in the surrounding creeks and rivers.

On display are fossils and artifacts that were found in and around Port Royal. You’ll find Megalodon teeth, projectile points, and even fossilized whale ear drums!

The Port Royal Foundation and Museum has big plans for upcoming exhibits. In November 2022 they will have an Indigenous exhibit and a mini exhibit about the Marine Corp. In February 2023 they will have a lecture series with geologist Will Doar, from Charleston, who will discuss the Port Royal sinkholes and how they create the Cypress Wetlands.

The Port Royal Foundation and Museum has a very extensive photo and document collection and they are working hard to get it all digitized.  Also, here’s good news teachers!  They welcome field trips!

Come discover this NATURALLY AMAZING museum in Port Royal.