New exhibit at Upcountry History Museum

The educational, interactive exhibit for children will be on display at the museum through Sept. 22.

GREENVILLE, S.C.—“Smokey Bear and Woodsy Owl: Home Sweet Home,” an educational, interactive exhibit that inspires children to discover and care for the world’s natural resources, is currently on display at the Upcountry History Museum-Furman through Sept. 22.

Cost is $5 for adults, $4 for seniors 65-and-over, and $3 for children.  There is half-price admission on Sundays. Smokey Bear and Woodsy Owl make appearances at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. daily.  There are also three Family Fun Days scheduled in conjunction with the exhibit (June 29, July 27 and Aug. 17).

The museum, which offers free parking, is located at 540 Buncombe Street on Heritage Green in downtown Greenville.  The facility is open 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, and from 1-5 p.m. Sunday.  The museum is closed on Monday.

The “Smokey Bear and Woodsy Owl” exhibit was created in collaboration with the U.S. Forest Service and premiered at Milwaukee’s Betty Brinn Children’s Museum in the summer of 2009.  Smokey Bear is one of the most recognized symbols for his wildfire prevention message, while Woodsy Owl’s message covers multiple areas of conservation.

The hands-on exhibit features a leafy forest canopy with a ranger’s station and lookout tower, a pretend two-way radio, interactive map, fire safety activity, computer workstation and sighting tube.  A nature trail takes children over a tipsy bridge, through a hollow log, and across a rock climbing wall as they discover the sights, sounds and creatures that live in the forest.

A cityscape mural also provides the backdrop for a pretend house with a small yard and garden shed that encourages visitors to explore the concept of urban ecology.  In the yard, children can plant a tree sapling, turn the compost tumbler, and assemble a birdhouse made of recycled materials.

The Upcountry History Museum is a non-profit, independent entity operated by Furman University.  The museum opened to the public in 2007.

For more information, visit the Upcountry History Museum-Furman website or call 864-467-3100.