tips for a visit to the myrtle beach colored school & museum
We’re so lucky to have this piece of history preserved right in the center of Myrtle Beach. We recently visited and think it’s well worth your time too. Here are our tips for a visit to the Myrtle Beach Colored School & Museum.
ADDRESS: 900 Dunbar Street
HOURS: Open to the public on Monday’s, Wednesday’s and Friday’s from 10a–12p.
BEST FOR: Kids 6+ will do best but I did take my 3 year old and we managed fine.
COST: Free, donations appreciated.
SUMMARY: Replica of the original schoolhouse in operation from 1932–1953. Also contains meeting space and a large room of artifacts and exhibits highlighting black history.
good to know info
• IT MIGHT BE LOCKED WHEN YOU GET THERE | The site is only open for public access Monday’s, Wednesday’s and Friday’s from 10a–12p. I think it’s standard for the door to be locked even during these times so if you arrive and find that to be the case then ring the doorbell or wait for the attendant to open for you.
• TAKE THE TOUR AT YOUR OWN PACE | The person working/volunteering offers a tour/talk about the site during it’s operating years and the process of bringing it back to life for historical purposes. The tour is geared for adults so kids likely won’t have a lot of patience for this. But we did our best to not be disruptive and browsed through the info/artifacts at our own pace while keeping one ear tuned into what was being shared.
• IT IS VERY ENLIGHTENING & INSPIRING | The way the black community united to create this space of safety and opportunity for black children is so admirable and inspiring. You’ll see and hear a few famous names that have helped make Myrtle Beach what it is like Mary Canty and Joe White. The lady who conducted our tour is the daughter of Mary Canty so her take on things was even more powerful and personal.
• THE BACK ROOM EXHIBITS | There is so much to take in here. It’s full of info, photos, replicas and tributes of what African-American’s have contributed to society. And there is a key section with powerful photos that depict the true atrocities that were perpetrated through the worst of the south’s Jim Crow years. It’s a powerful contrast – the school represents the spirit of perseverance and hope but the photos show the realities of what the black community was facing in violence, intimidation and more.
go sign the wall
As you arrive you’ll probably notice this mural out front. The museum encourages people to sign it! Be sure to grab a Sharpie on your way out to do just that!
more info about mb colored school & museum
other things to do nearby
• Charlie’s Place | This is nearby but it’s only available for tour by appointment on Tuesdays. Here is more info about it and how to contact for a tour.
• GARDENS BY THE SEA | We love this park and it isn’t far away. If it’s between the months of Oct–May then you should pop over. If it’s the busy season then you will likely just end up frustrated b/c parking there ain’t easy.
• FUTRELL PARK | Brand new play equipment and a splash pad to enjoy in the summer!