Visit Aiken

Banksia-Aiken County Museum

Set within one of Aiken's famed "Winter Colony" cottages, the Aiken County Historical Museum, also known as "Banksia" after the Banksia Rose, will enthrall visitors with Aiken's past, present and future. Unlike many museums, the ACHM is a living museum with exhibits changing frequently and often consisting of items residents bring in for that special exhibit. Items that are privately owned, but a part of our shared history.

Its 3.5-acre grounds are also home to an 1890s one-room schoolhouse and a log cabin built in 1808. The Aiken County Historical Museum collects, preserves, and exhibits historical material relating to Aiken County and its residents. The 17,500 sq. ft. museum has three floors of exhibits, event rental spaces, and a gift store.

Banksia was originally made up of two homes built in 1860. It was subsequently purchased in 1931 by Mr. Richard Howe, northern horseman and owner of the International Harvester Co. Mr. Howe was superstitious and rather than tear down the house in order to have a proper Aiken "cottage," the house was moved down the hill and a grander home was built and connected to the original home. Banksia now consists of 32 rooms, 15 bathrooms, and a full-size ballroom.