USC Exhibit Marks America's 250th Anniversary

New display explores 250 years of revolution and rare South Carolina artifacts.

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

As the United States celebrates its 250th anniversary, the University of South Carolina Libraries is hosting a yearlong exhibit called 'Echoes of Independence: 250 Years of Revolution and Memorialization' at the Hollings Library. The exhibit features handwritten Revolutionary War documents, colonial maps and letters, and some of the nation's earliest published histories, as well as Centennial-era literature and Bicentennial pop culture that showcase how Americans have remembered 1776 over time.

Why it matters

The exhibit provides a timely opportunity to explore South Carolina's pivotal role in America's founding, with rare artifacts and documents that offer a window into the state's history during the Revolutionary War era.

The details

The exhibit includes Brig. Gen. Francis Marion's handwritten muster roll, colonial maps and letters, and some of the nation's earliest published histories, alongside Centennial-era literature and Bicentennial pop culture. K-12 students from around the state will be visiting on field trips, and the exhibit is free and open to the public Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

  • The exhibit runs through January 2027.
  • It opened in February 2026 to coincide with the United States' 250th anniversary.

The players

USC Libraries

The University of South Carolina Libraries are hosting the 'Echoes of Independence' exhibit at the Hollings Library.

Brig. Gen. Francis Marion

A Revolutionary War officer whose handwritten muster roll is on display in the exhibit.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

The takeaway

The USC exhibit provides a unique opportunity for South Carolinians and visitors to explore the state's pivotal role in the American Revolution through rare historical artifacts and documents, offering a deeper understanding of the nation's founding and how it has been remembered over the past 250 years.