Belton Museum to Feature Transportation Exhibit

Observer Reports

All stops lead to the Belton Area Museum beginning Sept. 10 from 3-5 p.m. for the latest exhibit: “On the Road: The History of Transportation.” Admission is free, and the public is invited.

The exhibit will feature a display of antique autos and machinery, including a restored Model-T Ford and a salvaged Model-T Truck, a vintage race car, Belton’s restored 1979 Mack fire truck, and other tractors and service vehicles.  Newer electric modes of transportation will be on display. 

Mule-drawn wagon rides will also be available, thanks to Fisher Mule Drawn Wagon Rides.  

At 4 p.m., an air show including at least two antique WWII-era planes, restored by enthusiasts located at Ashley Field, home of the Honea Path Flying Club.  Coordinated by Jim Jones of Honea Path, these vintage planes along with some more modern aircraft, will conduct a formation flight over the city of Belton, weather permitting. 

There will also be miniature models of planes, autos, and ships, antique wagon and cart wheels, an airplane training cockpit, vintage bikes and motorcycles, train artifacts, and photos and memorabilia of travelers using different modes of transportation. 

Several additional ancillary activities are scheduled throughout the exhibit run.  On Sept. 14, a homeschool day is scheduled for area students, ages 712.  Using the transportation theme, students will investigate various modes of transportation, apply physics principles to see how transport operates, and create their own envisioned future transportation design.  The cost is $3 per student and advanced reservations are required by calling 864-338-7400 by Sept. 13.

On Nov. 9, at 6:30 p.m., author Kathryn Smith will present the program “George Washington’s Tour of the South,”  dressed in costume as the persona of Martha Washington, sharing tales of traveling the South during the late 1700s.  

The “On the Road” exhibit will be on display through Dec. 16, Wednesday–Friday 9 a.m.–2 p.m., and Saturday, 10 a.m.–noon.

For group tours, please contact Abigail Burden, executive director, at 864-338-7400 or beltonmuseum@bellsouth.net.