A new museum with historic exhibits is opening near Summerville: the Dorchester Heritage Center. The center had its groundbreaking on November 7, 2025, located on Highway 78 just outside Ridgeville, adjacent to Summerville. This approximately 20,000-square-foot facility will serve as a landmark destination that combines history, natural beauty, and community spirit in the inland lowcountry region.
The Dorchester Heritage Center will feature state-of-the-art environmentally protected archives, a genealogy library, and a 7,000-square-foot museum exhibit hall dedicated to telling the rich stories of Dorchester County and the surrounding area. It will also include event and gathering spaces, walking trails, green spaces, and dedicated areas to connect visitors with both history and nature.
In addition to this new opening, the existing Summerville Museum & Research Center in downtown Summerville continues to preserve and present the town’s history, offering exhibits from the late 1600s to present day and hosting events that highlight Summerville’s cultural heritage.
Together, these institutions illustrate Summerville’s commitment to celebrating its historical roots through accessible and engaging exhibits and community spaces.
SOURCES
[1](https://www.greatersummerville.org/dorchester-heritage-center-breaks-ground-november-7)
[2](https://www.tripadvisor.in/Attraction_Review-g54456-d5828739-Reviews-Summerville_Museum_and_Research_Center-Summerville_South_Carolina.html)
[3](https://www.yelp.com/biz/summerville-museum-and-research-center-summerville)
[4](https://www.instagram.com/summervillemuseum_/?hl=en)
[5](https://summervillemuseum.org/hours-location/)
