Preserving South Carolina’s Military Story

A core aspect of our mission is safeguarding the artifacts entrusted to us on behalf of the people of South Carolina. Preservation ensures that these objects, and the stories they carry, endure for future generations.

Since launching a formal conservation program in 1997, the museum has conserved more than 60 historic flags, along with uniform coats, knapsacks, ambrotypes, and numerous weapons.

In 2012, the museum and its partners received a joint Award of Achievement from the South Carolina Federation of Museums for the Bold Banners exhibit and a collaborative flag conservation effort that raised $100,000 in support of preservation work.

Today, conservation efforts continue, with special focus on uniforms and historic textiles in the collection.

You Can Help Preserve History

Conservation is essential — and it is costly.

By sponsoring the preservation of a specific flag, uniform, weapon, or other artifact, you directly contribute to the care and longevity of South Carolina’s military heritage.

Gifts of any amount are tax-deductible and make a meaningful impact.

How to Contribute

Checks may be made payable to:

Palmetto State Military History Foundation 
South Carolina Confederate Relic Room & Military Museum
301 Gervais Street, Suite 1
Columbia, SC 29201

For questions about the Conservation Program or to discuss sponsorship opportunities, please contact:
W. Allen Roberson
803-737-8096

See the artifacts currently seeking conservation sponsorship:

Uniform of Corporal Robert Hayne Bomar:

This uniform consists of a frock style coat and trousers. Both are made of jean cloth with buff or yellow fabric tape at the coat collar and on the outside seam of the trousers. The uniform is a product of the Porter Industrial School for Girls in Charleston, SC. Bomar enlisted as a Corporal in Company A of the infantry battalion of the Hampton Legion, also known as the Washington Light Infantry Volunteers, on June 12, 1861. He was wounded at First Manassas/ Bull Run by three musket balls, “one in the breast and two in the arms. He was promoted to sergeant, but he was discharged in October 1861 before he could exercise the rank.

Condition: Discoloration, staining, old surface grime, fading, cuts/tears, holes, loss of warp and weft, weak seams, old insect damage, and fraying are problems with this uniform.

Conservation estimate: $10,000-$12,000.

General James Chesnut's Frock Coat:

Chesnut’s double breasted frock coat is made of a wool/cotton blend fabric with off-white cuffs and collar. Chesnut was born in Camden, SC, in 1815. In 18140, he married Mary Boykin who later wrote the famous Diary from Dixie. He served numerous terms in the SC house and senate and was elected to the US Senate in 1858. He was an aide to General Beauregard at Fort Sumter, a member of the Provisional Confederate Congress, and eventually served on the staff of Confederate President Jefferson Davis. Appointed to brigadier general in 1864, his place in SC military history is well noted.

Condition: The coat is in extremely poor condition. It is entirely unstable, with holes, losses, and weak seams too numerous to count.

Conservation Estimate: $40,000

Elbert Bland’s Uniform

Lt. Colonel Ebert Bland was wearing this blue/gray wool frock coat and trousers when he was killed at the Battle of Chickamauga. He entered Confederate service as a surgeon in Maxcy Gregg’s 1st Regiment, but he desired to be closer to the action. He was then elected captain of Company H, 7th SC Infantry Regiment and later became a lieutenant colonel.

Condition: Stains, old surface grime, accretions, fading, stiffness, holes, losses, weak seams, and old insect damage have ravaged this textile over time.

Conservation Estimate: Frock: $9,995 Trousers: $7,025