Folly Beach, August 13, 2025
News Summary
Folly Beach leaders celebrated the grand opening of the city’s first public museum, located at the community center, aimed at honoring local history and surf culture. The inaugural exhibit, “Surfing on the Edge,” showcases the evolution of surfing in Folly Beach since the 1960s, including artifacts like memorabilia and Nanci Polk-Weckhorst’s first surfboard. The museum emphasizes local history and aims to engage both residents and visitors with its rotating exhibits. Admission is free, reflecting a decade-long community effort to establish this cultural landmark.
Folly Beach leaders celebrated a significant milestone on August 9, 2025, with the grand opening of the city’s first public museum, located within the community center at 55 Center Street. This new establishment aims to honor the local history and the unique surf culture that defines Folly Beach.
The museum features a single-exhibit room designed to host rotating exhibits that showcase different facets of the city’s history, providing visitors an opportunity to engage with the rich narrative of the area. The inaugural exhibit, named “Surfing on the Edge,” highlights the development of surf culture on Folly Beach, tracing its roots from the early 1960s to the present day.
The exhibit offers a collection of artifacts, including memorabilia and photographs from local surf clubs, a digital kiosk that presents interviews, and Nanci Polk-Weckhorst’s first surfboard, a simple wooden ironing board. Polk-Weckhorst is notable for being recognized as South Carolina’s first professional surfer and is an inductee of the East Coast Surfing Hall of Fame.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony marked the museum’s opening, attended by the mayor and members of the Folly Beach Historical Society. Additionally, local surfing legends participated in a community panel discussion about the evolution of surfing culture in the area. The panel featured prominent figures such as Jack Tripp, Dewey Mauldin, Polk-Weckhorst, and Foster Folsum, who shared personal anecdotes about their early surfing experiences.
The community conversation revealed how attitudes toward surfing transformed over time, moving from skepticism regarding the local waves to the rise of a thriving surf culture that is now integral to Folly Beach’s identity. This development reflects the broader acceptance and celebration of surfing within the community.
Looking ahead, future museum exhibits are planned to explore topics including the American Revolution, Civil War, World War II, and Folly Beach’s connection to piracy and tourism. Regina Anderson, chair of the Folly Beach Historical Society, expressed optimism that both locals and tourists will find value in learning more about the area’s history through the museum’s offerings.
Admission to the museum is free. It operates with limited hours and is staffed primarily by volunteers. The museum represents a project that has been over a decade in the making, with construction costs amounting to approximately $200,000, funded through the city’s budget. The emphasis on surfing within the museum highlights its deep ties to Folly Beach’s character, a sentiment echoed by former mayor Richard Beck.
The historical society is committed to engaging visitors with fresh content and exhibits that change, ensuring that the museum remains a dynamic resource for exploring Folly Beach’s past.
FAQ
What is the location of the Folly Beach Museum?
The museum is located at 55 Center Street within the Folly Beach community center.
When did the museum open?
The museum officially opened on August 9, 2025.
What is the inaugural exhibit about?
The inaugural exhibit is titled “Surfing on the Edge” and focuses on the origins of surf culture in Folly Beach from the early 1960s to the present day.
What kind of artifacts can visitors expect to see?
Visitors will find memorabilia, photographs from local surf clubs, a digital kiosk for interviews, and Nanci Polk-Weckhorst’s first surfboard.
Is there an admission fee for the museum?
No, admission to the museum is free.
Who operates the museum?
The museum is run by volunteers and has limited operating hours.
What future exhibits are planned?
Future exhibits will cover themes such as the American Revolution, Civil War, World War II, and the history of piracy and tourism in Folly Beach.
Key Features of the Folly Beach Museum
| Key Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | 55 Center Street, Folly Beach |
| Opening Date | August 9, 2025 |
| Inaugural Exhibit | “Surfing on the Edge” |
| Artifacts Displayed | Surf memorabilia, photos, interviews, Nanci Polk-Weckhorst’s wooden surfboard |
| Admission Fee | Free |
| Management | Run by volunteers |
| Future Exhibits | American Revolution, Civil War, World War II, piracy, tourism |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Charleston Celebrates a Week of Diverse Events
Charleston Artists Overcoming Health Challenges Through Creativity
Charleston Unveils Unique Hidden Destinations
Upcoming Events to Explore in Charleston This February
Additional Resources
- Live 5 News
- Wikipedia: Folly Beach, South Carolina
- Charleston City Paper
- Google Search: Folly Beach museum
- Post and Courier
- Google Scholar: Folly Beach history
- ABC News 4
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Folly Beach
- Post and Courier News
- Google News: Folly Beach museum exhibit
Author: STAFF HERE CHARLESTON
The CHARLESTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREcharleston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Charleston, Charleston County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Spoleto Festival USA, Charleston Wine + Food Festival, and the MOJA Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce and the Charleston Museum, plus leading businesses in tourism and maritime industries that power the local economy such as South Carolina Ports Authority and the Charleston Visitor Center. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREaiken.com, HEREbeaufort.com, HEREchapin.com, HEREcharleston.com, HEREclinton.com, HEREcolumbia.com, HEREgeorgetown.com, HEREgreenwood.com, HEREgreenville.com, HEREhiltonhead.com, HEREirmo.com, HEREmyrtlebeach.com, HEREnewberry.com, HERErockhill.com, HEREspartanburg.com, HEREaustin.com, HEREcollegestation.com, HEREdallas.com, HEREhouston.com, and HEREsanantonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
