Augusta Museum Launches Exhibit Series for America’s 250th Anniversary

The Augusta Museum of History has unveiled a new display for America's 250th birthday. It showcases ties between this area and three major periods: the Revolutionary War, the Civil War, and today. Artifacts from decades past fill the space — some haven't been seen in years, while others appear for the first time.

The display moves through local history in order. It begins with Native Americans and the Stallings Island community. From there, it shifts to the Revolutionary period, then moves to the Civil War and antebellum years, finishing with modern times.

"When people think of the Revolutionary War, a lot of times they think of up north, you know, New England and Paul Revere, but there's just as much history down here," said Krystal Lyons, head of education, according to WRDW.

Every object tells a story. These stories link to people today, showing how life 250 years back mirrors our own in surprising ways.

"These stories that each of these artifacts has, it has a little story that we can connect to people today, so it might feel like a long time ago, 250 years ago, but there's a lot of things that we do that are just the same today as they were 250 years ago," Lyons said.

The display will rotate every three months. Museum staff plans to spotlight one object per week on social media. These posts will provide deeper looks at each piece during 2026.

This opening arrives as the nation gears up to mark 250 years since the Declaration of Independence was signed. Georgia contributed much to the Revolutionary War, particularly during the southern campaign.