Need a pirate statue?

By Colin Riddle  

MARCH 7, 2011 8:37 a.m. (0)

Clear the props and sweep the stage for new exhibits at the South Carolina State Museum.

The state museum has filled up its storage closets and will be opening them up to the public – for sale.

On March 12, the state museum will host a garage sale for the first time since 2009.

To be sold are such items as replica ships, life-size statues of pirates along with a Napoleon puppet, treasure chests, banners, and the pillory.

“You can have your own Captain Jack Sparrow,” said Celeste Wszola, the museum’s public programs manager since 2007.

The garage sale (click here for a list of what's for sale) serves as a time for the museum to clean house and it’s a fun opportunity to purchase unique items that have been part of various museum exhibits.

More than 200 items will be for sale. Also, the gift shop, the Cotton Mill Exchange, will offer some items up to 50 percent off and a “fix it yourself” table, where damaged goods can be purchased and restored.

The sale serves as a way for the museum to generate a small amount of revenue and clear up space in storage. More importantly, the sale allows the public to enjoy an unusual event, organizers said.

“Everybody wins,” said Tut Underwood, the museum’s director of public information.

The museum will offer items from its dinosaur, pirate, and Napoleon exhibits as well as ship models and reproduction weapons.

Underwood said there is “something for everybody from children to grandparents.” The list is still being compiled.

“You never know what you can come out with. Even if you decide not to purchase anything, you can still enjoy the things you get to see,” said Underwood.

The South Carolina State Museum is the largest state museum in the southeast and is what some call the Smithsonian of the South. The museum hosts numerous events throughout the year, which are listed on the museum website, www.southcarolinastatemuseum.org.

The sale will be held in the Congaree Room of the museum on March 12 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. A special sneak peak and early shopping for members of the museum begins at 8 a.m.

“This is the time to focus on the museum and see what it has to offer.” Underwood said. “This is one of the most fun, educational, cultural, and recreational activities we have.”