The Old Mart Museum -- History, Not "His-Story" When we toured the Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon, we were offered the chance to double down on history -- prepay access to the Old Slave Mart Museum just a few blocks away. We took it. But first? Food. Because nothing says "processing 18th-century imprisonment" like realizing your blood sugar is tanking. After regrouping and refueling, we made our way to the Old Mart Museum. The lesson takes place upstairs -- smaller space, more intimate setting. No theatrics. No dramatics. Just truth. Our guide -- well-groomed, composed, clear-spoken -- absolutely killed it. No sensationalism. No softening. Just facts delivered with gravity. What he described was horrific. Human beings cataloged. Sold. Families separated. Lives reduced to transactions. It was hard to hear. But it was history -- not HIS-story. There's a difference. This wasn't about personal interpretation or modern spin. It was documented record. It was accountability. It was context. Charleston is beautiful. Charming. Architectural eye candy. But layered beneath that beauty is commerce that once depended on human suffering. And standing in that upstairs room, listening quietly, you feel that weight. We walked out quieter than we walked in. Some stops on this trip were fun. Some were adventurous. This one was necessary. read more

Old Slave Mart Museum - Outside the museum - Art Museums Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

The Old Slave Mart is located at 6 Chalmers Street and is a must-have on your itinerary, even if you visit Charleston for a short time. In the heart of the French Quarter, near the French Huguenot Church, One of the first African-American slave museums in the country, Old Slave Mart, is set inside the building where enslaved people were auctioned before the Civil War and is a somber, but important part of a Charleston trip focusing on history. The tour is self-guided, with signage explaining the history. There are also personal accounts from enslaved individuals, artifacts, and audio and visual exhibits. It is a small but deeply affecting museum that gives a sobering view of history. Here, you can listen to the recording of an interview with a former slave. Old Slave Mart was a real slave auction site in the 18th and 19th centuries. Slave auctions were held here till 1863. read more

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I had seen the Old Slave Mart Museum on my first trip to Charleston but didn't have time to visit it. As a history buff, I knew I wanted to stop by on my second trip as I'm a big believer in the importance of learning about all parts of history, especially the terrible parts, as a way to avoid repeating the mistakes of the past. I learned that what you learn in schools about the slave trade is a PG version of the atrocities that took place and this museum doesn't shy away from the horrifying realities of this dark part of American history. read more

This is a very small museum, it's in the actual building where they sold slaves in the 1800s. They haven't remodeled it a lot so you're walking on the actual floor and you can see the actual walls as they were back in the day. It is only seven dollars a person. The displays are very good. There's a lot to read, and there are some artifacts. A very tiny bookstore at the beginning with well curated selection. read more

Information was well represented very reasonably priced. Walking distance to other historical places in Charleston. read more

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Wonderful time shopping and talking to vendors and other shoppers. We got some excellent loose-leaf tea!

Small but packed with displays. Everything in here is real. You can feel the history when looking and reading about what it is. A definite see when you are there. read more

Prior to arriving in Charleston I added this to my itinerary. I wasn't sure if I was going to visit or not. My mind was made up after our walking tour included a stop in front of it and background covered by our local tour guide. Although the museum is small it speaks volume. It provides a history lesson of slavery and the role Charleston played in it. It's the actual spot of the auction house where hundreds of thousands of American born slaves were sold off. The museum is open every day except Sunday. Hubby & I parked a block down in a parking lot. Allow one hour at the museum. We finished in about 45 minutes. No photos allowed. read more

Old Slave Mart Museum - Art Museums Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

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A historic building that was a mainstay for the evil slave trade until the end of the Civil War. The exterior seemed to be well preserved and echoed dark history. The interior however is completely modernized with some displays of artifacts and lots of placards to read about the Charleston's dark slave trade history. I was kind of hoping to see what the original interior looked like. Some of the writings seemed a little "white washed" as well: "Some owners bought and sold with a clear conscience. Others were more thoughtful toward the people they enslaved." Oh really? I doubt it. $20 Combo Ticket with entry to the Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon. read more

Very somber attraction with a lot of information and it gives a better insight into what they went through. read more

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Possibly the only known building used as a slave auction site in SC still in existence. This is Charleston's oldest museum of African American history and the first museum on the history of slavery in the United States. Lots of information about Charleston's role in slave trade, plus slavery in the Americas. I highly recommend visiting this museum if you're in Charleston. read more

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This is a powerful museum where you can see a lot of history and actual items (like shackles) from the slave era. The low price to get in is worth it. The staff is very knowledgable and happy to discuss the facts of the past. For anyone visiting Charleston and is interested in learning about the slave trade, this is an absolute must-visit museum. When I was there, they had an exhibit of an actual newspaper that advertised slaves. read more

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Stopped by the slave mart museum while in the market area of Charlestown. This is an important place for everyone visiting to go to understand the slave trade in Charlestown and the rest of US. It is well done and takes about an hour to go through. The staff are great and can answer all your questions and more. Is a for sure stop in Charleston. read more

Old Slave Mart Museum - Historical sign in front of slave mart - Art Museums Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

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A small museum that packs a somber punch. Lots of reading and a few artefacts on show. Worth the visit for history buffs. read more

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As the first African American Slave museum, in a building that once housed an antebellum slave auction gallery, I was very excited to visit the Old Slave Mart Museum. After you buy your ticket a guide welcomes you to the museum and gives you a brief history of the building. It turns out the museum is only a small part of what was once a bigger building. The rest of the building is now a parking lot. This means that the museum is smaller than I anticipated. There is a lot of information to read, but because of the crowds in a small area during covid, I felt rushed to read through everything. I had a much better time on the 2nd floor. Not as many people go up there and there is more space. They also have artifacts up there like a small branding iron that was used to brand slaves. I had to snap a picture, despite the museum's no photos policy. The lack of space limits the exhibits they can have at the Old Slave Mart Museum. With more artifacts and some type of interactive exhibit this could be a 5 star destination. But as it is now it's still a place I'm glad to have visited. I went on the Saturday before the Martin Luther King Jr holiday. This museum was a good place to learn and reflect on the history of African Americans in this country and the legacy of Dr. King. read more

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Arguably one of, if not the most depraved museums in South Carolina. Educational on slaves being sold and traded before the 13th amendment and the reunification of our country were to take place. read more

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Being in the place where humans were sold as property cloaks you in foreboding that you don't easily shed once you leave. If it doesn't effect you in some way then I'm not sure you have a heart and soul. We arrived at a time when a local historian and expert was speaking on slavery in SC, and that made this tour! Without listening to her, the experience would not have been the same. Schedule your tour when she'll be there! She shared many primary sources and seeing people's names, ages, and a price placed beside them was just an unreal experience. The actual museum is self-guided and I didn't find it as impactful as listening to the historian. It is photos with placards and it doesn't have the same impact. They do have a chart that depicts age and how much you would be worth at that time. That was powerful. They have a great book selection that is well curated making it easier to select what is meaningful to you. It's worth a visit and especially if you're able to listen to the historian. read more

Full of historical information about the African American slave experience. Whether you agree with the information or find it fake. It is a place the shares the experience of a species of humans being treated less than equal. Stop and read everything. You not going to learn all the details of history in the classroom or at home. I highly recommend this as a must see! All are welcome and encouraged to visit. If you don't know or learn the lesson from history/herstory, you are doomed to repeat it. read more

Informative. Whips, cuffs, photos, lots of text on very large posters Unfortunately the front desk staff were White- really??? Plus, ill informed about what all the posters had to say. Why not hire some ancesters of slaves to work there? read more

I couldn't keep my emotions together! The cold brick walls, small rooms, low ceilings and historic accounts documented there was all too much for me. I sobbed as I read and consumed the information. The museum is on sacred ground and I thank my ancestors for their resilience. HEAVY is the word! It's worth the visit! read more

Old Slave Mart Museum - Art Museums Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

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For most visitors to Charleston looking to come here for boozy brunches and cute architecture, a gloomy, saddening experience such as this is probably not on the itinerary. Yet, the reminder of uncomfortable past is impossible to ignore walking through Charleston, but even more important is the preservation of artifacts and the memory of it, as difficult as it may be. The hope, is that as a human civilization, maintaining these memories will be a reminder that will keep us from repeating mistakes of the past. Ryan's mart is about as forward of an example in that as it gets. Although just being on the auction floor itself is a somber and one of a kind experience, the way that this museum is setup is not particularly great. There are a few artifacts and descriptions of them, such as shackles, whips and other items used within the establishment, but the majority of the museum consists of text that does not correspond to any tangible visual items and lots of reading. Some of the reading is informative and there are interesting tidbits, but a lot more of it is things that most people would have already known. Having more artifacts of that time, such as actual newspaper cutouts dealing with slavery, items, visuals and deeper stories of specific people who passed through here would have made this museum a lot better and the reminder a lot more real. Despite the somewhat disappointing setup of the museum, this is a place that must be visited in Charleston and provides a glimpse of tangible memory into something that will continue to be seen as more and more distant of a past by new generations. read more

With so much history in this space, I was expecting so much more rather than just reading placards and posters of history that you can already find online. Personally, I don't think this museum does not do the horrors of the slave trade any justice in terms of properly educating visitors with any sorts of re-enactments or setups of an actual slave auction or even setting up the slave mart as how it would be set up in the 1800s and before. This place should close up and completely renovate the interior. read more

Old Slave Mart Museum - Art Museums Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

We had a few hours left after our walking tour of charleston and before we had to head to airport. We heard this mentioned on our tour and wanted to come back to see it. I am glad that we had the opportunity. It is tough to fully know what to say, as this really is such a tough point of history. The museum itself used to be a portion of a indoor slave mart that was actively used for 7 years. It is a small piece of it as part of teh rest of the building was turned into a parking lot. The front desk was knowledgable and willing to answer any questions one might have. As you go in, the bottom level is a lot of reading. The upper level has some things that you can see (it helps to get a visual on what things actually looked like) and more reading. The only thing I wish is that they would limit the number of folks that they let in at a time. It is fairly small and as more people were allowed in it was hard to really enjoy the museum as it was tough to get around the people. If you are in the area i would say it is worth stopping to see. read more

FEBRUARY is traditionally honored as Black History Month and every day this month I've been posting a new review highlighting a black-owned business or Black History landmark. Thank you for coming on this journey with me as I explore the food, history, and significant offerings of a rich culture. NEXT UP is Old Slave Mart Museum in Charleston, SC Charleston is full of history and the luxuries afforded this city CANNOT be separated from the history of Black Americans. It's success in farming, gross product & wealth can be directly attributed to not only the labor of the enslaved, but the generational knowledge of farming techniques they brought that made crops here productive. Even the food & music have deep African American roots, and it all begins with the institution of slavery and places like this where those slaves were bought and sold like cattle. [ THE EXPERIENCE ] If I'm being honest, the name of this place really annoys me. I fully understand why it is named Old Slave Mart, but I still can't help but feel a little agitated inside at the sound of it. Nonetheless, I found the small space to be more informative than I expected. There were two types of Slave Trade. One was the initial Atlantic Slave Trade, which was outlawed in 1808 (but still secretly smuggled in on whale ships). Over time, the other trade was the sale of American born children of these first-generation slaves, which AUTOMATICALLY made them property of the slave owners. The museum focuses on the latter. I walked in with a slight reverence, knowing it was once an open-air market used for one of the most inhumane practices ever to last for GENERATIONS. We are not talking a few years or a decade of cruel family crushing servitude, but CENTURIES. I still struggle to understand how a nation with a constitutional guarantee of freedom, liberty & justice as great as ours allowed such vile cruelty to be so widely accepted for so long. The Old Slave Mart (once known as Ryan's Mart) experience begins with a paid admission of $8pp for adults. You can begin on the first floor & work your way up or vise-versa. As the website states: "There is a lot to learn. There is an interview with a former slave that is fascinating. Don't expect the inside to look like it did when slaves were sold there. In order to maximize your trip to this slave museum, plan on spending at least an hour reading the very informative posters and soaking in the history. Because of all the reading, this slave museum is usually not entertaining for children. If you are looking for artifacts and items from the slave trade, you will be disappointed. The Old Slave Mart Museum has some artifacts but not as many as some visitors have hoped for." It's not a very big space, but they smartly focus on HOW the operation worked, from "fattening slaves up" before auction by increasing food rations to coaching them (which was probably more of a threat) on what to say to a prospective buyer. There is chart explaining value with an example of a price menu based on age, skill and classifications such as: Extra, Number One and Second Rate. You will learn a little about the mindset of the buyer, the trader, and the slaves. [ SIDE NOTE ] We met a pepper haired gentleman named Walter who had a deep connection with Charleston via both slave and slave master ancestry. He took time to speak a little knowledge into our visit and this really made the positive difference in my rating. I'm not sure of his position or if he worked there at all, but he did occupy a desk on the second floor. Also, the young lady at the front desk took a moment to show me an interesting feature of the building. She pointed out a brick on the second floor with three indents thought to be from that of a child brickmaker... most likely a slave. [ FINAL THOUGHTS ] I really don't care to hear much more about the brutality of slavery. Stories of the desecration of human life only make me angry & while that anger has its place, I want to feel inspired by the stories of sheer endurance and flat out courage. The pockets of joy within the bitterness and what a determined people did to survive, and in some cases thrive when life was quite literally hell on earth. Places like Old Slave Mart are useful for those just beginning the uncomfortable journey into America's omitted past. The focus on the buying & selling mindset between the trader, buyer and slave was something I had not seen before. My heart felt their angst of wanting to know where they were going, what they would be doing and if they would stay with their family. The sheer humiliation of it makes me sick to think about. 2022 / 52 #BlackHistorySeries2022 read more

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This was an informative self-guided tour about slavery in Charleston. The building was actually used as an auction floor. It's sad but also important to educate yourself on what took place here back in the day. We arrived on a Saturday at around 12:45. If you have a student ID, tickets are $5. Otherwise, it's $8. It took us about half an hour to get through both floors, but I think it was really because we were just trying to get out of there because it was so crowded. All the people + narrow walkways = very hard to move around. I'd recommend going when it opens if you want to try and avoid this. read more

Old Slave Mart Museum - Art Museums Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

We were expecting a little bit more. We drove two hours to visit this museum and it was nice but, I guess I was looking for an actual auction block or stand. Some of the information was a little off from several years of Black History and classes. There was never a Trans-Atlantic Slave Agreement or Treaty but, there was a Slave Trade. It seemed to read at one time that SC was really not in the slave business at all but, the slaves just were transported through. Not true. The South was greedy for blacks, Native Indians and others to do the hard work while whites reaped the benefits. At one period of time I (as the only black man in the building) was feeling that instead of telling the harsh truth. It was lightly telling of how harsh blacks were treated in the South and around auction time. Black women were treated just as harshly as black men. I was conversing with an older white man and in our conversation he began to cry. Nope not on my watch sir. Slavery took place but, if we continue tearing down statues and changing street names to satisfy certain whites ashamed about their family tree what will this do for my family tree when I tell my grandchildren about something they don't see. Slavery was real and now we must look it in the eye and deal with it! You aren't allowed to take pics inside of the museum. Nice setup within the place though and you will have to find a place to park. Mostly for residents. I would suggest that one read (not look at a movie or You Tube) and learn something about black history before going to any museum. Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl, William Lynch Letters (should it be real or not, it's true) Runaway Slaves, Free Indeed, Things created by Blacks especially the Potato Chip!!! read more

Old Slave Mart Museum - The sign & front entrance to the museum. - Art Museums Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

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Very humbling, powerful, and a good start to understanding the slave trade in Charleston and beyond. There is a wealth of info in such a small museum which has 2 floors. Your not allowed to take pics inside, only lobby and outside. The attendants give you a little history, then its self guided. Take the time to read and look at the artifacts, good info. They do have audio listening so you can hear the stories of former slaves, how they were sold and split apart. This is a must stop while you are visiting Charleston. read more

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This is a very powerful museum. It is small but is filled with a lot of information. I was able to listen to a speaker who researched slavery in the area. I learned many new facts and felt it was an excellent choice to visit here. They have books for sale and my son is learning so much from the one he chose. read more

This was a great, historic visit during one of our downtown Charleston excursions. While not awfully big, it does offer two floors where the space is taken up by the important and sad history with pictures to go along with the written description of the artifacts and photos on display depicting the slave trade and auction process. In addition, there was wonderful woman giving a live presentation describing the history and what went on at this Slave Mart when it was in actual operation. I found this to be very informative and well worth the hour or so we spent walking around looking at the artifacts, reading and listening to the stories of what these poor slaves had to endure. I definitely recommend a visit. read more

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The experience was excellent! We visited while there on vacation and found it to be very interesting. It was very, very interesting!

Rich African American history! Must see if you're ever in the area, stop by the Last standing Slave Mart! read more

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Great way to learn about Charleston's slavery history. This museum is mostly poster boards and reading, and there are less pieces of artifacts from the past, hence the 4 stars, but it was informative. I would estimate 1-1.5hr here to be sufficient. read more

Somber look into American History. Very informative museum and very affordable. Docents were full of great information and stories.

This building is not big enough for a "museum". We paid our $8 to enter..."Start upstairs" was the suggestion so we did and there is literally no room to move around. It doesn't take long to go through, but there is definitely no flow to the exhibits. If you're lucky enough to visit when there is not that much traffic, that's ideal, but definitely don't attempt on a busy day...might as well just go do something else. read more

Walking around Charleston I couldn't help but feel the weight of its past on my shoulders. The entire downtown is filled with historic buildings and homes donning plaques which bear the names of prominent families and provide a brief glimpse into the history of them. After reading a few, it's easy to find a common thread and one that's difficult to ignore. The Old Slave Mart Museum sits on the grounds of the largest slave mart in Charleston. Visitors are given the opportunity to walk through the slave trade stage by stage, and the museum presents historic records, audio anecdotes, artifacts and artistic renderings to bring history back to life. The space is mostly silent, as visitors walk and read a majority of the material presented. This gives the space a somber vibe that's all too appropriate, and allows you to focus, saving discussion for your exit. While it is mentioned, the information conveyed focuses on the process and practice of the slave trade, and avoids drawing too much attention to content related to the atrocities, poor living conditions, and horrendous treatment of slaves in America. Perhaps this is intended, but the images from documentaries and films on the topic are ingrained in my memory, and surely would leave an unforgettable impression on visitors who may discuss this experience with others. All in all, I felt that while this small museum adequately addressed the topic and certainly explained this terrible time in our history, but it did not have the impact I was expecting. I wanted to walk in feeling like I knew relatively nothing about this period of history and leave floored by just how terrible it truly was so I could share anecdotes with others that might help them understand. Instead, I saw things that supported what I already knew, in some cases adding a little bit of clarity or detail, but overall I did not walk away feeling as if I'd learned anything new. If you're interested in understanding the slave trade and how it is rooted in our country's history, this will give you a good foundation. read more

You can't come to Charleston and not stop here. The staff were very helpful and friendly, they were willing to have discussions about hard topics and willing to educate. Go, see, reflect and be educated. read more

Old Slave Mart Museum - Art Museums Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

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Boring . 5th grade social studies fair presentation .... I could've googled Nothing exciting and there was a bug inside read more

This small museum is very informative, it tells you a lot about Charleston old history, including wars. They have a lot of books when you arrive for adults and for children. This museum has artifacts behind glass and videos as well. It was $8.00 for adults and I really enjoyed going! read more

I will give it five stars because I feel it's a important museum. It is a very small museum and mostly reading the walls . I'm hoping someday they will redo it , so people can get a real idea what this place was all about . Perhaps restore it to more of the way it was when humans were sold and what they went through . A few more artifacts as well . Such an important part of our history. I found listening to the women at the front desk really interesting. She needs to give tours , she is great . read more

My family and I decided to visit the Slave Mart Museum while exploring the downtown Charleston area. We arrived on foot so I can't speak on the parking situation but it looked as though street parking was the only option. Once we got to the location we waited about 10 minutes before we could enter. The facility is pretty small and was already packed with people and not much room to move around. In the meantime we were greeted by one of the hospitable employees who gave a brief history lesson on the building. Once we entered I had to step back outside for about 15 minutes because it actually felt claustrophobic and hot. The museum is 2 levels with a small elevator in the back for wheelchair and stroller access. Unfortunately photography isn't allowed while inside. This isn't your typical history museum with lots of pictures, audio, artifacts, videos, and hands on learning. Most of the history is conveyed through various reading materials. I found that a lot of the information shared were facts that I already knew. However it's always a humbling and eye opening experience to see the history of slavery, some of it taking place in the very spot where the museum is located. If you're taking the time to read all of the material and explore each artifact and picture thoroughly you could tour the entire space within an hour and I would recommend a visit to anyone young or old who is unfamiliar with this side of Charleston SC history. read more

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