Local museum reopens

Published 5:30 pm Tuesday, March 23, 2021

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PANTEGO – The Pantego Academy Historical Museum is reopening to the public on a weekly basis following a pandemic related closure. 

The museum, located 46 Academy St. in Pantego, features artifacts from the late 1800s and allows visitors a look into the past with fragments of what life was like for Beaufort County during the 17th century. 

Originally established in 1874, Pantego Academy was the first male and female conscription school in the area. In 1907, the academy became Pantego High School and remained so until a new high school was built in 1925. Since then, the school has served students of all ages and continues to educate those who visit the exhibits in the historic building. 

“The museum is on the historical registry. We have a lot of the history from the late 1800s on display,” said Martha Baynor with the museum. “We’re trying to preserve history for the area during that time period.” 

The museum previously limited hours to Saturday and Sunday from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. but decided to close to the public due to concerns about the pandemic. The museum will now be open every week on Saturday and Sunday from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Guests are encouraged to practice social distancing and follow precautions to limit the spread of COVID-19. 

In addition to reopening, the museum is also holding a fish fry fundraiser on April 3, 2021 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Plates will include fried flounder as the main dish and slaw, sweet potatoes, and hush puppies for sides. The suggested donation for a plate is $10 and all proceeds will go directly to the museum. 

For updates on the Pantego Academy Historical Museum and future events including the planned fundraiser, visit the organization’s Facebook page.