Darlington African American Museum breaks ground
Museum leadership, local officials, business owners and a large group of citizens gathered for the groundbreaking of the Darlington African American Museum last week. PHOTO BY STEPHAN DREW
By Stephan Drew, Editor
Community leaders and elected officials gathered at 131 Pearl Street on June 25, 2026, for the groundbreaking of the Darlington African American Museum (DAAM), marking the start of construction after years of fundraising and planning. A community lunch followed at The Market on Pearl, just down the street.
The site was chosen deliberately: this stretch of Pearl Street was once part of “the Backlot,” a historic hub of Black-owned businesses and community life in Darlington. Demolition contractor Scott Pruitt cleared the original structure to make way for the new building.
An $800,000 earmark from the South Carolina General Assembly, secured through state Rep. Robert Williams, helped move the project from concept to construction. Executive Director Jannie Harriott opened the ceremony, and Williams urged unity, saying forgetting history means losing direction for the future.
SCHP Colonel Christopher N. Williamson, who chairs the DAAM board, called the museum a “living sanctuary for truth” that will ensure Black South Carolinians’ stories become central chapters of state history rather than footnotes. The museum’s mission describes it as a beacon for the Pee Dee region, dedicated to honest storytelling about the African American experience.
Other speakers included Bishop-Elect Lee Bell Ross, Mayor Curtis Boyd, Coroner J. Todd Hardee, architect Wes Lyles, and Eric Byrd of Paragon Builders, the construction team.
Planned exhibits will cover Gullah Geechee heritage, local Civil Rights pioneers, and the contributions of Black farmers, educators, and artisans in South Carolina.
Though construction has begun, organizers still need roughly $2.5 million to complete the museum. The board continues gathering oral histories and artifacts while pursuing fundraising and partnerships. Those interested in donating or contributing artifacts can visit darlingtonaamuseum.org or contact Harriott at 843-639-2455.