Historic Sites Are Fun For Kids! Musgrove Mill State Historic Site

Musgrove Mill is surprisingly close to Columbia.  A few short miles on I 26 led us to Clinton, SC and Musgrove Mill.

Musgrove Mill cured me of my fear of introducing Ben to historic sites.  Our state parks are comprised of three essential elements:  story, place and people.  Musgrove Mill brings all three elements together beautifully.

We saw the stamp at the kiosk in front of the building.  Musgrove Mill gets creativity points as they have placed their stamp inside a historic looking saddlebag at the kiosk.  Having obtained the coveted stamp, we proceeded into the main building.  We crossed the welcoming front porch and I made a mental note of the several inviting rocking chairs that seemed to beckon weary visitors.  We were greeted by a great open room housing a large lighted table with buttons.  Ben was immediately drawn to the buttons.

My attention was given to Ranger Dawn who greeted all of us as we stepped across the foyer.  I fell in love with Ranger Dawn.  She gave special attention to each of our four children simultaneously.  I can't explain exactly how she did it...she is just that good.  Ben approached Ranger Dawn and promptly broke through the proper social space that people commonly observe.  "Come Out and Play," he stated.  He was repeating the slogan of the South Carolina State Park system.  Instinctively, I reached for Ben to pull him back but again Ranger Dawn smiled.  "He's not bothering me," she reassured me.  Then she turned attention to my tall, loud and boundryless son, "How are you?"

"I'm fine," he replied.

Ranger Dawn accepted us and welcomed us as a typical family of visitors.  Ranger Dawn, as a representative of the South Carolina Parks and of Musgrove Mill State Historic Site, welcomed us and introduced us to the history and significance of South Carolina's newest park.

Musgrove Mill had been home to Edward Musgrove and his family long ago during the days leading up to the American Revolutionary War.  The exhibits tell the story of Edward Musgrove, his family, his property and its involvement in the American Revolution.  The battle at Musgrove Mill was one in which the Patriots were badly outnumbered by the Tories but managed a "win" via superior strategy.

Ranger Dawn explained the exhibits relating to life in the backcountry of South Carolina during this historical period.  She showed us a map of the battle and told us of the interpretive trails which we could explore.  She spent an amazing amount of time with us.  She noticed Thoreau's interest in the musket that was twice as big as he was.  Ranger Dawn taught Thoreau how to hold and spark the musket.  My son has not forgotten that moment.  She allowed herself to be a conduit between a child and history via a musket.

Since that first visit, Ranger Dawn has helped to make Musgrove Mill one of the best South Carolina State Parks for children.  She has sewn period clothing for children of various ages and sizes to try on and experience history on a personal level.  Musgrove Mill has a unique understanding that children must be interested in history so that the story itself can survive.  With this in mind, the rangers have gone to great pains to make history fun for the children that visit.  Musgrove Mill now has an exhibit of hands on period children's games. Children are expected to play at Musgrove Mill.  The main room is more likely than not full of laughter as kids and parents are playing nine pins, shuttlecock or the game of graces.  Don't tell, but they are learning to love history at the same time!