Welcome to the Marlboro County Historical Museum's website! We hope this will give you a glimpse into our past and encourage you to visit us! Please feel free to contact us if you are interested in becoming a Marlborough Historical Society member by scrolling to the bottom of the page for more information. For more information about the Marlboro Historical Museum, please contact Susan Cloer, Executive Director, at (843) 479-5624 or by visiting the museum at 123 S. Marlboro Street, Bennettsville, SC 29512.
Marlboro County Museum
Housed in a 1902 Victorian dwelling, this site was the former family homes of Dr. John Frank Kinney and his son, Dr. Prentiss M. Kinney. Donated to the Marlborough Historical Society in 1997, the museum features many exhibits including a Victorian parlor, Indian artifacts, farm implements and tools, military, textiles, and children's toy room. A hollowed-out gum log which was the bed of Mason Lee, Marlboro County's most eccentric citizen, can be seen daily. Open Monday-Friday between 10:00am and 4:00pm. Admission is free.
Jennings-Brown House
Built in 1826 by one of Bennettsville's earliest physicians, Dr. E.W.
Jones, this home was occupied by Dr. J. Beaty Jennings from the mid 1800's to the early 1900's. The J.J. Brown family lived in the dwelling from the 1930's to 1968. Thus, the name, Jennings-Brown House for the two families who resided the longest in the home. Sherman's troops used the home as headquarters on March 6th and 7th, 1865 under Union Army Major General Frank P. Blair Jr.'s command.
Furnished with period antiques, a rosewood box grand piano featuring
gold strings and a floral design is one of the century pieces
displayed. A painted ceiling, known as the 'Crown Jewel' in one of
the upstairs bedrooms, was discovered during the restoration of the
home in the 1970's. The painted ceiling is one of only two known to
exist in South Carolina. There is a charge of $4.00 for adults and
$2.00 for children.
Medical Museum
The 1902 Medical Museum, located in the former offices of Dr. John Frank Kinney and son, Dr. Prentiss M. Kinney, sits directly in front of the Marlboro County Historical Museum. The facility has an examination room dating back to the 1920's and another for the 1950's. An old apothecary desk, amputation kit, sterilization machine, as well as numerous medical instruments, and an x-ray machine from the 1940's, make this a "must see" on your visit. Photographs of earlier Marlboro County physicians adorn the walls.
Bennettsville Female Academy
Organized in 1830 by a group of leading citizens, this two-room school house was a private school from 1833-1881. Educational opportunities were provided for young ladies of all ages in the community. Nineteenth century school room furnishings complete this exhibit. The building sits directly behind the Marlboro County Historical Museum, adjacent to the Jennings-Brown House.
We suggest you visit the D. D. McColl House (1830), at 300 W. Main Street and the Bennettsville
Visitor’s Center (1884), at 304 W. Main Street for a chance to visit more historical sites in Bennettsville, South Carolina.
We are a part of the South Carolina Cotton Trail.
Also feel free to visit the website of the Historic Manse.
Marlborough Historical Society
 Pat Gehm admires the work of local artists. |
Annual memberships are as follows: Individual: $10 Couple: $15 Family: $20 Patron: $50-$199 Angel: $200 - $499 Lifetime: $500 or more. Businesses can also obtain memberships! Less than 20 employees: $50 More than 20 employees: $75 |
 Rose Holloway demonstrates spinning on a wheel. |
(click the thumbnails for a larger picture)
(click the thumbnails for a larger picture)
Pictures by Susan Cloer