Belton Museum Gets Back to Nature with New Exhibit

Greg Wilson/Anderson Observer

The Belton Area Museum Association gets back to nature in their new exhibit, “Natural Connections,” which opens Sunday with a kickoff event Sunday from 3-5 p.m. at the Belton Train Depot Museum.

The new exhibit explores the connection with nature through various areas of gardening, including vegetables and ornamental, and features antique and vintage gardening tools, artwork and photographs of famous and local gardens, wildlife taxidermy, outdoor structures, collections of bugs and butterflies, and other interesting items with connections to nature in backyards.

On Sunday, visitors can play backyard games, plant something to take home, learn about apiculture and the science of beekeeping) and participate in a canning demonstration sponsored by Clemson Extension.

The exhibit and opening celebration are free to the public and will run through May 25.

Other events included as part of the new exhibit include:

A home school event March 27, for ages 7 – 12, aimed at enabling children to experience science in their own backyards. There is a $3 class fee for this event. Students will extrapolate DNA from fruits, test soil samples, and watch plants ``breathe.” The two-hour session will alos provide hands-on opportunities for STEM interactive activities. Reservations are required by March 26 by calling 338-7400.

During the April 20 South Carolina State Chili Cook-off Championship the exhibit and the other galleries of the museum will host a plant sale in conjunction with the Belton and Honea Path Middle School FFA organizations from 10 a.m.–2 p.m..

On May 2, from 6:30–7:30 p.m., Emily Keys of Backyard Bouquets will host a seminar on arranging plants and flowers gathered from the wilderness or their own backyards. The class is limited to 25 people and each participant will go home with an arrangement. The fee is $25 per person and reservations must be made by calling 338-7400 by April 26.

On May 18 from 10 a.m.-3 p.m., BAMA is partnering with the 2nd Annual Erskine Flower and Garden Show, in Due West, SC. BAMA members who show their current membership card will gain free admission to the seminars and vendor booths scheduled for the event. More information about this event can be found at https://www.erskine.edu/flower-garden/