The McKissick Museum is located within the Columbia campus of the University of South Carolina. It was established in 1976 by the Board of Trustees to bring all the collections in the different departments and colleges within the campus under one roof. The collection, dating back to 1801, is able to provide its visitors an illustration on the long history of the University.

The building that houses the Musuem was erected in 1939. Orginally, it was the University?s library and it stood on the spot where the 1st President?s house was built.

The building?s 3 floors are used for the exhibitions that include the Baruch Silver Gallery, a permanent exhibit on the 1st floor, and the Natural Curiosity: The University of South Carolina and the Evolution of Scientific Inquiry in the Natural World.