ABOUT US
Recognized by the SC Federation of Museums as the 2007, 2012, and 2015 Achievement Award Winner and in 2008 designated with the Heritage Tourism Award from the SC Archives and History Department, Belton Area Museum Association (BAMA) strives to make history come alive with presentations of interactive exhibits and engaging historical topics.
Several yearly events are sponsored by BAMA: The Community-Wide Craft and Rummage Sale, the annual Halloween Ghost Walk, Heritage Days at the Depot, a traditional Turkey Shoot, and community Christmas festivities. Our staff and board members are also instrumental in the planning and implementation of the Belton Standpipe Heritage and Arts Festival, the SC State Chili Cook-Off Championships, and the Palmetto Junior Tennis Tournament. We are also a stop on the SC National Heritage Corridor.
Openings of exhibits with ancillary activities, trunk show presentations in area classrooms, walking tours of Belton, summer camps for children, and participation in community events—all help our staff and volunteers achieve our mission and highlight our facility.
The museums are open free of charge to the public on Wednesday – Friday, 9 AM – 2 PM, and Saturday, 10 AM – Noon. Contact Abigail Burden, BAMA Executive Director, during museum hours at 864-338-7400 or by email at beltonmuseum@bellsouth.net for more information. Come visit us!
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Our History
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The Belton Area Museum Association was founded in 1975 by concerned citizens of Belton. The organization’s purpose is to collect, exhibit, preserve, and interpret the artifacts, sites, antiquities, and genealogical, archival, cultural, and natural history of Belton, SC, Anderson County, SC and The State of South Carolina. BAMA also provides cultural enrichment, intellectual stimulation, learning opportunities, and activities to increase the appreciation of the traditional, visual, and performing arts.
In order to achieve this mission, BAMA manages several museums and a community space and offers activities and events, most free to the public. The Belton Area Museum Association operates the Ruth Drake Museum, the SC Tennis Hall of Fame, the North End Gallery, a gift shop and a performance venue all housed in the historic Belton Train Depot.
Grants in 2007 and 2014 enabled us to renovate our 1908 building and bring its amenities up to 21st Century standards for accessibility and accommodation.
The Belton Area Museum Association is the community’s most valuable resource for the history of our area. Come find out more about our shared heritage by visiting today.