Planes, trains, and automobiles will be on display as part of the Belton Area Museum Association’s newest exhibit.
On the Road: The History of Transportation opens Sunday, Sept. 10, at the historic Belton train depot with a celebration from 3 – 5 pm. Everyone is invited to attend.
“We have all types of fun activities planned for this free opening celebration,” announced BAMA executive director Abigail Burden.
Plans include a display of antique autos and machinery such as a restored Model T Ford and a salvaged Model T Truck, a vintage race car, Belton’s restored 1979 Mack fire truck, and tractors and service vehicles. In addition to older vehicles, newer electric modes of transportation will be on display. Owners will be available to ask questions and share their restoration stories.
At 4 PM, there will be an air show consisting of at least two antique WWII era planes, restored lovingly by enthusiasts located at Ashley Field, home of the Honea Path Flying Club. Coordinated by Jim Jones of Honea Path, these vintage planes along with some more modern versions, will conduct a formation flight over the city of Belton, weather permitting.
Throughout the event from 3 – 5 pm, mule drawn wagon rides will be available free of charge to all visitors, thanks to Fisher Mule Drawn Wagon Rides. A four-mule team will pull a buckboard on a short route. “Mule Food” donations are encouraged.
The food truck Shaved Ice Shack owned by Katelynn Sawyer will be onsite as well. This food truck features shaved ice treats including their specialty the Hawaiian Tiger, and ice cream and cake treats will be available to purchase.
In addition to these opening activities, the exhibit will be on display. It includes antique and vintage modes of transportation and artifacts connected to these craft. There are miniature models of planes, autos, and ships, antique wagon and cart wheels, an airplane training cockpit, vintage bikes and motorcycles, train artifacts, and photos and memorabilia of travelers using different modes of transportation.
Several additional ancillary activities are scheduled throughout the exhibit run. On Thursday, Sept. 14, a home school day will be held for area students, aged 7 – 12. With a transportation theme, students will investigate various modes of transportation, apply physics principals to see how transport operates, and then create their own envisioned future transportation design. The cost is $3 per student and advanced reservations are required by calling 864-338-7400 by Sept. 13.
On Thursday, Nov. 9, at 6:30 PM, renowned author Kathryn Smith will present the program George Washington’s Tour of the South. Using the costumed persona of Martha Washington, Smith will enchant her audience with tales of traveling the South during the late 1700’s.
The On the Road exhibit will be on display until December 16, during normal business hours Wednesday – Friday 9 am – 2 pm, and Saturday, 10 am – noon.
For group tours, please contact Abigail Burden, executive director, at 864-338-7400 or [email protected].
Sponsored by Pickens Railway Company, S and M Auto Parts, WebbCraft Family Foundation, Anderson County and the City of Belton, the opening event and the exhibit are free to the public.
From the wheeled cart to today’s aerospace industry, human beings have created ways to transport goods and people in faster and more innovative ways. Come check out the array of artifacts on display in the exhibit and join in the fun on Sunday, Sept. 10, from 3 – 5 pm.
Please check the Belton Area Museum Association Facebook page for updated information.
The Belton Area Museum Association is a place where people of all ages, backgrounds, and ethnicities can learn about and experience our area’s history and culture. Museum admission is free.