Mission Statement
"The Summerville-Dorchester Museum is an educational organization dedicated to preserving the historical significance of Summerville and Dorchester County. Its mission is to collect, preserve and exhibit artifacts and to develop educational programs relating to the cultural and natural history of the Summerville and Dorchester County area."
HISTORICAL SKETCH OF 100 EAST DOTY AVE
AND
THE SUMMERVILLE-DORCHESTER MUSEUM
The earliest available record of the land at 100 East Doty is a 1913 Map of the
Town of Summerville. At that time Doty Avenue was named Railroad Avenue and the
land where the Museum now sits was used for the Eagle Creek Lumber Company. A
1923 map shows the lumber company as still being there.
At some time between 1923 and 1928, the land became the town's Water
Department. By 1928 a large, covered concrete reservoir had been built, the present
building had been erected as well as a large water tower. This building was then used as
the Commissioners of Public Works office. The reservoir is still in existence but all that
can be seen of the water tower are the large concrete blocks used as bases for the tower.
The building was enlarged during the years and in 1976 it became the
Summerville Police Department. The Police Department moved here from offices in
Town Hall. A holding cell, offices and courtroom for the Town Judge were on the
second floor. Downstairs were the cells, day room for officers and a radio room and
office. Fingerprinting was done in one of the small rooms on the first floor. This
building served as the Police Department until June 1990 when the department was
moved to its present location on West Second North Street.
On May 2, 1991 a group of concerned citizens, organized by Robert Pratt, met for
the first time to consider the formation of a history museum for the Summerville area.
This group continued to grow and meet, and in April 1992 they signed a lease with the
Town for the old Police Department building. Work began on the building almost
immediately to renovate it for use as a museum and in December 1992 the Museum
opened its doors to the public with limited exhibits available. Work continued on
exhibits and the building and in March 1993 the Summerville-Dorchester Museum held
its grand opening.
The Museum continued to grow. As new items were donated to the Museum,
new exhibits and interpretations were added. Presently there is a Prehistoric Room, Early Settlement Room, Plantation and Agriculture Room, Natural History Room, Golden Age of Inns Exhibit, Law Enforcement Exhibit and others.
Temporary exhibits, programs and special events are held and available to the public. Schools,
daycares and Scout groups take advantage of the Museum's facilities for field trips. The
museum truly is a "Window to the Past" and contributes to quality of life here in
Summerville and Dorchester County.
