A New Home for Old Folly Stories

Folly Beach has always carried a rich tapestry of stories, from its surf culture to its coastal community, and now those stories have a permanent home. The Folly Beach History Museum, located inside the Community Center at 55 Center Street, opened on August 9th, offering visitors a place to explore the island’s unique past.

The museum was created to celebrate the rich and often quirky history that makes Folly Beach unique. Visitors can explore artifacts, photographs, and personal memories that highlight everything from early island life to local traditions and community milestones. A digital kiosk adds another layer, offering recorded interviews and recollections that help bring Folly’s past to life in a personal, engaging way.

The main attraction will feature rotating exhibits throughout the year. Its first display, “Surfing on the Edge,” offers just one piece of Folly’s broader story. It provides a glimpse into the early surf culture that helped shape the community, but it’s only the beginning. The Folly Beach Historical Society is already planning future exhibits, with potential themes like Folly during wartime, early 20th-century island life, erosion and renourishment, and the evolution of local businesses.

The new museum is more than a place to look back; it’s a celebration of Folly’s spirit. The museum preserves and shares the stories that make Folly Beach truly special. The Folly Beach Historical Society is grateful to all of its generous donors, sponsors, and the City of Folly Beach.

The museum is located at 55 Center St., Folly Beach, inside the Community Center. For more information and/or to become a sponsor or donor, please contact Regina Anderson at (914) 400-6435.