The Cayce Historical Museum celebrated 25 years of operation Saturday, among friends, volunteers and longtime supporters, including US Rep. Joe Wilson.

At the casual dinner event, the Museum Commission and staff reflected on the individuals responsible for making the museum possible.

Respects were given to Mr. John Ellisor, the founder of the Cayce Historical Museum, and the man who worked tirelessly to turn a dream into a reality.

Photo: US Rep. Joe Wilson and Leo Redmond. 

Thanks were also given to the Museum Commissioners – A.G. Dantzler, Alice Brooks, Ann Diamond, Archie Moore, Cindy Peake, Dale Gaskins, Judy Corbitt, Marion Hutson, and Mary Sharpe – for helping carry out Mr. Ellisor’s legacy. The museum has been fortunate to have unceasing support from the community over the past 25 years, and the Museum Commission, director Leo Redmond, and his assistant Rachel Steen, recognized the many volunteers and supporters who have helped guarantee the museum’s success.

The Cayce Historical Museum also welcomed two new staff members, Jerry Kirkland and Kelly Kinard. Jerry Kirkland is a native to Olympia, and has been a custom picture framer, and owner of The Custom Framer for 26 years. Jerry has been a metal detector enthusiast and an avid collector for 45 years. Kelly received her MA in history from the joint program at the College of Charleston and The Citadel. She has joined the museum from Charleston where she worked in collections management at Patriots Point Naval and Maritime Museum.

Since their arrival in January, Jerry and Kelly have worked alongside Leo to update the museum’s collections policy and preservation standards, modernize exhibits, and increase the museum’s relevance within the community through new activity based educational programs. The museum is eager to see what the future holds as it undergoes this exciting period of change, and looks forward to continued support from the community and volunteers.