2026 Conference Sponsorship Opportunities
Partner with SCFM 2026
South Carolina was named the fastest-growing state in 2025, welcoming nearly 80,000 new residents in a single year. At a time of transformation and growth, the South Carolina Federation of Museums invites you to support the museum professionals shaping how history is preserved, interpreted, and shared. Your sponsorship strengthens professional development, community engagement, and the cultural vitality of South Carolina.
SCFM 2026 Theme
The 2026 South Carolina Federation of Museums Annual Conference will convene in Aiken, South Carolina, under the theme “Witness to History: Place, Story, and Collective Memory.”
Museums stand as witnesses to history, holding stories deeply rooted in place and community. They preserve historical memory, interpret lived experience, and create space for dialogue across generations. This year’s theme explores how storytelling and collective memory shape identity — not only reflecting who we have been but illuminating who we are becoming.
From curatorial practice and collections stewardship to education, outreach, governance, development, and strategic partnerships, the conference will highlight the people and institutions that steward history with intention and care. Together, we will examine how museums move beyond observation to active interpretation, sharing narratives that anchor communities and inspire possibilities.
Why Aiken?
Aiken provides a powerful setting for this conversation. Founded in the 19th century as a winter colony and railroad destination, Aiken’s story is one of reinvention, layered histories, and enduring cultural identity. From its equestrian heritage and historic downtown to its role in scientific innovation and regional growth, Aiken reflects the evolving story of South Carolina itself.
Gathering in Aiken allows us to situate our conversations about place and memory within a community that has continually redefined itself while honoring its past. It is a fitting backdrop for exploring how museums witness, preserve, and share the stories that define us.
Checks should be made payable to the South Carolina Federation of Museums.
South Carolina Federation of Museums
Attn: Timia D. Thompson, Sponsorship Chair
301 Gervais Street, Rear, Columbia, SC 29201
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