52 Weeks of Fun

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Visit Aiken

Banksia-Aiken County Museum

Set within one of Aiken's famed "Winter Colony" cottages, the Aiken County Historical Museum, also known as "Banksia" after the Banksia Rose, will enthrall visitors with Aiken's past, present and future. Unlike many museums, the ACHM is a living museum with exhibits changing frequently and often consisting of items residents bring in for that special exhibit. Items that are privately owned, but a part of our shared history.

Its 3.5-acre grounds are also home to an 1890s one-room schoolhouse and a log cabin built in 1808. The Aiken County Historical Museum collects, preserves, and exhibits historical material relating to Aiken County and its residents. The 17,500 sq. ft. museum has three floors of exhibits, event rental spaces, and a gift store.

Banksia was originally made up of two homes built in 1860. It was subsequently purchased in 1931 by Mr. Richard Howe, northern horseman and owner of the International Harvester Co. Mr. Howe was superstitious and rather than tear down the house in order to have a proper Aiken "cottage," the house was moved down the hill and a grander home was built and connected to the original home. Banksia now consists of 32 rooms, 15 bathrooms, and a full-size ballroom.

Aiken County Historical Museum
Aiken County Historical Museum

A 52 Weeks of Fun Fascinating Fact about Banksia-Aiken County Museum

A respectable Aiken "cottage" of the Winter Colony days had at least 22 rooms.

Attraction Advice

Admission to the Aiken County Historical Museum is free, but donations are welcome. The museum is open Wednesdays through Saturdays from 10 AM to 5 PM and Sundays 2 PM to 5 PM.



Library of Congress

The Aiken County Historical Museum is also known as Banksia, the name of the cottage prior to Museum ownership.
Aiken County Historical Museum

Banksia consists of 32 rooms, 15 bathrooms, and a full-size ballroom within its 17,000 square feet.
Aiken County Historical Museum

Banksia sits on 3.5 acres of land that includes the original 1860s home.
Aiken County Historical Museum

An original horse-mounting block still sits in the garden at Banksia.

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