If you love a good āyouāve got to see thisā moment, this is it. At the Camden Archives & Museum, a brand-new exhibit is cracking open one of Camdenās most fascinating treasure troves. Out of the Attic: Items from the Beard Collection pulls back the curtain on rarely seen pieces from a collection thatās equal parts historic, unexpected, and just a little bit odd (in the best way).
Meet the Collector Who Couldnāt Stop Collecting
Ross E. Beard didnāt just collect: he hunted.
Gun shows, antique stores, flea markets, auctions, roadside stops. You name it, he was there, always searching for that one piece with a story to tell. What started as a world-class firearms collection quickly grew into something much bigger. Weāre talking thousands of objects: military memorabilia, toys, models, maps, posters, and slices of everyday Americana. For years, much of it stayed tucked away.
Until now.
Not Your Average Museum Exhibit
Yes, there are historic firearms spanning centuries, and theyāre impressive!. But Out of the Attic really shines in the surprises; the objects you didnāt expect to find.
Think:
A 19th-century foot warmer
A handmade Cold War warship model packed with intricate details
A 1920s-era toy Meat Market that feels straight out of small-town America
A lap organ that brought music into living rooms long before Spotify did
Cold War warship model19th Century Foot WarmerToy Meat Market
And for the history buffs, thereās a Civil War thread woven in too, with naval artifacts tied to the dramatic capture of the USS Harriet Lane including a spyglass and portable sea desk belonging to Lt. Jonathan Mayhew Wainwright, II, a US Navy officer. Wainwright was killed in 1863 while commanding the USS Harriet Lane at the Battle of Galveston during the Civil War.
Lap DeskSpy Glass
Plot Twist: Spies, Secrets & Hidden Gadgets
Just when you think youāve got the collection figured outā¦not so fast!
Enter Peter Masonāa British intelligence officer with serious real-life James Bond vibes. Many of his items are on display in the full Beard Collection cases hold not-so-everyday secrets, but special to the Out of the Attic exhibit are a pair of black leather Oxford shoes hiding a blade in the heel. Yes, really. Itās the kind of detail that makes you lean in a little closer and say, āwaitā¦ what?ā
Peter Mason Shoes
Add This to Your Camden List
Whether youāre a history lover, a collector at heart, or just looking for something totally different to do this weekend, Out of the Attic: Items from the Beard Collection is worth a stop.
šø Spring is finally here, and if youāre looking for a getaway that blends outdoor adventure, unbridled history, and small-town charm, Camden is your perfect Spring destination. As South Carolinaās oldest inland city, weāve curated a bucket list that will keep the kids entertained, the history buffs happy, and the nature lovers inspired.
How many can you check off?
Revolutionary War Visitor CenterMarket Day
Shop Local at the Revolutionary War Visitor Centerās Market Day
šļø Kick off your spring shopping on Saturday, March 14 at the 6th annual Market Day at the Revolutionary War Visitor Center. This event brings together the best local vendors, artisans, and food trucks right in the heart of our historic district. Itās the perfect place to grab a souvenir and support local makers.
Carolina Cup 2025 š·: David Jensen
Experience The Carolina Cup
š Nothing says spring in Camden like the thunder of hooves! The Carolina Cup is a South Carolina tradition unlike any other. Whether youāre there for the world-class steeplechase racing, the elaborate tailgate spreads, or the iconic spring fashion (hats encouraged!), itās the crown jewel of our spring season.
š¶ Pro Tip: Don’t miss CupFest! Get the party started early at our inaugural downtown kickoff celebration featuring live music on two stages, a classic car cruise-in, food and drink specials from our downtown retailers, a Kids Zone and puppy petting party, and plenty of community spirit to get everyone hyped for race day.
Goodale State Park š·: Olde English District
Paddle Through Goodale State Park
š¶ Trade the traditional lake day for a fairytale experience at Goodale State Park. Rent a kayak or canoe and follow the 3-mile water trail through a Civil War-era mill pond. Youāll drift under towering cypress trees draped in Spanish moss on what is widely considered one of the most scenic canoe routes in the Southeast.
š·: Old McCaskill’s Farm
Sheep Shearing Day at Old McCaskillās Farm
š For a true farm-to-fashion experience, head over to Old McCaskillās FarmforSheep Shearing Day. Watch professional shearers at work, see border collie demonstrations, and let the kids enjoy hayrides and bluegrass music. Itās a hands-on look at Camdenās agricultural roots that the whole family will love.
Celebrate the Season at the Farmers Market Spring Fling
š» Fresh produce, plants and flowers, and locally made goods of all kinds await at the Kershaw County Farmers Market Spring Fling. This event officially kicks off the market season with a face-painting booth, a photo booth for your four-legged friend (for a donation), and Sarah Dippity and her big festival bubbles!. Grab your goodies and enjoy Spring Fling vibes as you browse the booths under the warm Carolina sun.
Stand Where History Was Made
āļø Visit the Revolutionary War Visitor Center before heading across the parking lot to the Historic Camden Foundationās Colonial Village. Explore the Kershaw-Cornwallis House, the redoubt and envision the pivotal battles that turned the tide of the war right here in our backyard. At the Camden Burials site across Broad Street, pay your respects to the as-yet-unidentified Revolutionary War soldiers who were laid to rest in 2023 after being discovered at the Battle of Camden site in 2022. Canāt get enough? Head down to the Battle of Camden site, just 8 miles outside of Camden, and check out the revamped interpretive signage.
Take a Tour of Goat Daddyās Farm
š¢ Calling all animal lovers! Get up close and personal with a wide variety of animals, including goats, kangaroos, tortoises, potbelly pigs, snakes, alpacas, emus, a porcupine, camel, and so much more at Goat Daddyās Farm in Elgin. Group tours are (most) Saturdays and Sundays and require tickets, which can be found here.
š¦“ Did you know the Boykin Spaniel is the South Carolina State Dog and was first bred right here in the greater Camden area? Challenge yourself, your friends or the kids to a scavenger hunt through the Camden Cultural District to find all 12 bronze Boykin Spaniel statues hidden around town.
Sweet Treat: Stop by Books on Broad for a coffee and a pastry while you browse the shelves. Or, pop in to off the beaten path Mad Batter Bakery to peruse their delicious selection of cupcakes and mini loaves.
As you check items off your Camden Spring Bucket List, share your photos with us using #ExperienceCamdenSC or tag us @ExperienceCamdenSC for a chance to be featured on our page!
If youāre planning a weekend getaway filled with Celtic music, Irish culture, good food, and Southern charm, then Irish Fest Camden in Camden, South Carolina is where you want to be on Saturday, March 7, 2026!
Every March, this vibrant festival transforms Camden, South Carolinaās oldest inland city, into a celebration of Irish and Celtic heritage. From bagpipes to whiskey tastings and spirited pub nights, hereās your guide to making the most of the weekend.
š¶ Main Festival: A Day of Irish Culture
On Saturday, March 7, head to the Kershaw County Airport for the 10th Annual Irish Fest Camden:
Live Celtic music on three stages featuring bands like SYR and special international guests.
Highland Games ā traditional Celtic athletic competitions.
Irish whiskey tastings, green beer, and classic festival fare.
Kids Zone with crafts and inflatables.
Irish storytelling, dancing, axe throwing, marketplace vendors, and more.
The festival is truly a family-friendly cultural celebration where Celtic heritage comes alive through food, music, sport, and shared fun.
Pub Crawl 2025
š» Pre-Festival Fun: Pub Nights in Camden
The weekend doesnāt wait until Saturday!
Irish Pub Night | Thursday, March 5 Kick things off at the Arts Center of Kershaw County, where the Black Box Theatre transforms into a cozy Irish pub atmosphereāwith dinner, drinks, live music, and a look into traditional Irish instruments and tunes. Tickets available here.
Pub in the Pasture | Friday, March 6 Then on Friday, March 6 at Greener Pastures Brewing Co., enjoy Pub in the Pasture, an evening of Celtic sounds under the stars, multiple musical acts, and great vibes at one of Camdenās favorite breweries. Tickets available here.
š Where to Stay in Camden
Camden has accommodations to suit many tastes and budgets, from trusted hotel chains to short-term rentals and a cozy B&B:
Located just south of downtown Camden, Old McCaskill Farmās 4-bedroom Bed & Breakfast is situated over the sprawling landscape of an actual working farm. Owned and operated by the McCaskill family, classic farm life meets the historic charm of rural Camden.
Cultural DistrictRevolutionary War Visitor CenterGoodale State Park
š Before & After: Explore Camdenās Charm
While youāre in town for the festival, Camden offers so much more to make your trip memorable:
š Dive Into History Camden is steeped in American history. Visit the Historic Camden Revolutionary War Site, an open-air museum and colonial village where you can walk the grounds of a critical Revolutionary War site and explore historic structures.
šæ Outdoor Adventures Just outside of town, Goodale State Park offers scenic paddling, picnicking, and nature watchingāperfect for a laid-back morning or afternoon outdoors.
āŖ Historic Landmarks & Downtown Stroll through Camdenās compact Cultural District with antique shops, art galleries, and historic architecture.
š½ Local Eats & Shops Camdenās downtown has plenty of cafes, classic American dining and upscale Southern cuisine, and boutique stores to enjoy before or after festival daysāperfect for souvenir hunting or sampling local flavor.
Highland Games
š Final Tips for Irish Fest Week
Dress in green! Itās the unofficial festival style.
Check out festival add-ons like the Lucky Leprechaun 5K.
Book accommodations early! Irish Fest Camden brings lots of visitors to this charming town.
Whether youāre here for the music, the culture, or just a fun Southern weekend, Irish Fest Camden promises a lively celebration and plenty of reasons to explore one of South Carolinaās most historic towns. SlĆ”inte! š
A self-guided, eat-what-you-want adventure through Camden & surrounding Kershaw County!
Whether you tackle this crawl in one ambitious day or spread it across a weekend, this lineup highlights the best local burgers in Kershaw County,from drive-in style classics to upscale (read: fancy cheese!) and Southern twists.
Vibe: Classic, no-frills, local legend What to order: Cheeseburger with fries Why start here: This is the ultimate ābaselineā burger: simple, juicy, and beloved by locals. Starting here sets the tone for the crawl and gives you a true taste of a classic burger.
Pro tip: Split one burger if youāre crawling with friends. Pace is key.
Vibe: Retro, drive-in / diner energy What to order: Classic burger Why it works: Another Camden staple, but with a slightly different personality. This stop is all about nostalgia and comfort.
Pro tip: Get the pimento cheese fries and thank us later!
Vibe: Casual, bold, modern What to order: The 1/2 lb. Black & Bleu Burger with fries and slaw Why it matters: This is where the crawl shifts from classic to creative. Big flavors, fun toppings, and a menu made for sharing.
Optional break: Walk it off with a stroll around downtown Camden.
Vibe: Laid-back, social, new local favorite What to order: Smashburger + local craft beer Why itās perfect mid-crawl: This stop isnāt about rushing ā itās about hanging out. Grab their take on a smashburger, sip something cold, and enjoy the relaxed Broad Street atmosphere.
Vibe: Upscale casual, date-night worthy What to order: The signature “SK” Burger (hello, Sam’s special sauce) with fries Why it belongs on the crawl: Sam Kendallās shows off the elevated side of Camdenās burger scene. Itās perfect for winding into the evening.
Vibe: Southern comfort meets bistro What to order: The Pimento Burger (pimento cheese fans, take note) with sweet potato fries Why itās a bonus: If youāre extending the crawl into a second day or exploring beyond Camden, this Elgin favorite adds a Southern twist that rounds out the experience beautifully.
Vibe: Classic Southern feel, where you’ll probably hear “Order up!” What to order: Bacon Cheeseburger basket, all the way, with fries and slaw Why itās a must-see: Haile Street Grill, part of the Camden culinary landscape since 1928, focuses on family, flavor and hometown hospitality in everything they do. You’ll feel right at home here, and your belly will thank you!
š How to Crawl Like a Pro
Share burgers whenever possible
Hydrate (seriously)
Take breaks: shopping, sightseeing, or a walk downtown helps
Turn it into a weekend instead of one long day – check out accommodations here.
š Final Bite
This burger crawl proves one thing: Kershaw County punches way above its weight when it comes to burgers. From classic roadside favorites to polished plates and Southern comfort, this is a crawl that locals and visitors alike can savor, one bite at a time.
Arts, Heritage & Stories That Shaped Our Community
Black history is American history, and in Camden, itās a story deeply rooted in faith, creativity, resilience, and culture. Each year, our community comes together to honor the contributions of African Americans through art, music, storytelling, and shared traditions. From late January through February, Camden offers meaningful opportunities to reflect, learn, and celebrate Black History Month.
Artists in the Sanctuary
Camden Second Presbyterian Church
January 25 | 3 ā 5 pm **POSTPONED TO FEBRUARY 22 DUE TO INCLEMENT WEATHER**
Artists in the Sanctuary
Black History Month begins early in Camden with Artists in the Sanctuary, a powerful celebration of African American artists and performers. Through visual art, music, poetry, liturgical dancing and other performances, Artists in the Sanctuary sets a reflective and inspiring tone for the month ahead while honoring the role churches have long played in nurturing Black artistry.
*This event has been postponed due to the impending Winter Storm Fern – the new date will be Sunday, February 22*
āA Walk Through History ā Milestones in Economics + Education: 1867 ā 1927ā Exhibit Opening
African American Cultural Center
January 30, 1 ā 5 pm + January 31, 11am ā 3:30 pm
A Walk Through History ā Milestones in Economics + Education: 1867 ā 1927
Discover a visual representation of historical milestones of African American citizens in Camden between 1867 and 1927 at this new and exciting exhibit housed at the African American Cultural Center. Artifacts, photos and narratives tell the story of progress in business and education in South Carolina.
Gospel Fest & Heritage Tea Tribute
Arts Center of Kershaw County
February 7 | 6 ā 8 pm
The Arts Center of Kershaw County and the Multi-Cultural committee are proud to bring back Gospel Fest! Come celebrate gospel music and unity in the Arts Centerās Wood Auditorium. Gospel Fest will showcase performances by local choirs and artists and features diverse gospel styles and encourages audience participation, fostering a spirit of togetherness through music. Expect powerful vocals, joyful praise, and moments of reflection that unite audiences across generations. Tickets can be purchased here.
Black Heroes of the Revolutionary War Lectures
Historic Camden Foundation
February 14, 21 & 28 | 11:30 am – 12:00 pm & 1:30 – 2:00 pm
This Historic Camden Foundation lecture explores the African American experience during the American Revolutionary War (1775ā1783), examining the critical roles enslaved and free Black individuals played when they aligned with the French, British, or Patriot causes. From soldiers and sailors to laborers, guides, and spies, the lecture highlights the complex choices African Americans made in pursuit of freedom and survival. Through the stories of figures such as Crispus Attucks, Prince Whipple, Thomas Carney, Boston King, and Bonds Conway, the lectures offer a deeper, more inclusive understanding of the Revolutionary era and the often-overlooked contributions of Black Americans to the nationās founding.
āBlue, Red & Blackā Lunch & Learn: African Americans and the Revolutionary War
Revolutionary War Visitor Center
February 17 | 12 ā 2 pm
Revolutionary War Visitor Center
Black history is an essential part of Camdenās Revolutionary War narrative. The Revolutionary War Visitor CenterāsāBlue, Red & Blackā event explores the experiences and perspectives of African Americans during the Revolutionary eraāboth enslaved and free. Through interpretation and dialogue, this program highlights stories often left untold, offering visitors a more complete and nuanced understanding of the fight for independence and black soldiersā place in it. Reserve your spot here.
Experience Black History Month in Camden
From sacred art and gospel music to lectures, tea traditions, and Revolutionary War storytelling, Camdenās Black History Month events invite residents and visitors alike to listen, learn, and celebrate together. We hope you’ll make plans now to attend oneāor allāof these programs and experience the stories that continue to shape our community.
In Camden, history lives onāand Black History Month offers a powerful reminder of the voices and stories that helped shape it.
