A new museum is opening in Sumter focused on historic exhibits, notably the Sumter Military Museum, which is currently under construction with completion expected in 2026. This state-of-the-art 36,000 square-foot facility will showcase a vast collection of military artifacts donated by Dr. Sammy and Rita Way. The exhibits will include uniforms dating back to the American Civil War, Spanish-American War, World Wars, and modern conflicts, along with medals, photographs, and memorabilia from local veterans.
Unique features of the new museum will include a 10-by-10 wall of rotating military photos, interactive experiences such as a dog tag machine allowing visitors to wear personalized dog tags, and a reconstructed Bristol F.2B WWI biplane. The museum aims to be an educational hub where visitors not only view exhibits but also engage deeply with the military history of Sumter and beyond.
Additionally, the Sumter County Museum at 122 N. Washington Street continues to host significant exhibits such as “Forest to Furniture,” exploring the history of South Carolina’s wood products, and the Temple Sinai Jewish History Center highlighting Jewish heritage and Holocaust history in Sumter.
The new Sumter Military Museum embodies the community’s motto of “Uncommon Patriotism,” celebrating its deep ties to military service and heritage, with strong support from the city and local historians. For current exhibits and programs, the existing museums offer educational opportunities and are open to the public with scheduled hours and special events.
SOURCES
[1](https://carolinanewsandreporter.cic.sc.edu/historians-hard-work-paves-way-for-new-sumter-museum/)
[2](https://schumanities.org/forest-to-furniture-exhibit-at-the-sumter-county-museum/)
[3](https://www.sumtersc.gov/news/sumter-county-museum-opens-jewish-history-center)
[4](https://www.sumtermuseum.org/build-a-home/)
[5](https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g54457-d6931165-Reviews-Sumter_County_Museum-Sumter_South_Carolina.html)
