S.C. Confederate Relic Room and Military Museum Commission Discusses Plans to Display Battle Flag

Hope to Secure Plan by Fall

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WOLO)- After an ambitious and expensive exhibit did not work out, commissioners believe their newest proposal has a better chance for survival.

When the flag came down from the statehouse, lawmakers gave the Confederate Relic Room and Military Museum the task of housing the flag. Relic Room commissioners originally requested $3.65 million dollars to expand the museum along with an additional $550,000 just for the display of the flag.

The proposal was not accepted. Now the group is ready to go forward with a new plan they believe will cost around $200,000-$300,000.

“We’ve already got an architect to look at the space which is converting two offices that exist at the museum, raising the ceilings, changing out the doorways, and bringing in track lighting to do an exhibit,” said Relic Room executive director Allen Roberson.

The agency said the exhibit will have security measures including a guard if needed. Some lawmakers said they are not sure if the legislature would approve of the latest plan.

“To single out one particular issue, and to spend $300,000 dollars of taxpayer dollars doesn’t show me good judgement or good leadership for this state,” said Senator John Scott.

Commissioners said if this new proposal does not work out, they will have to display the flag on a smaller level.

“If this plan is not accepted, we would put it out. Probably not on a wall, we don’t really have the wall space. It doesn’t really fit into the military history of the gallery which is what our concern is. This would have to be a separate, stand alone display. So we would create some sort of cabinet display probably without any interpretation,” said Roberson.

Commissioners said the plan will be ready sometime this fall. As soon as it is approved, they plan to work quickly to get it put up.