Charles Pinckney is responsible for helping to fortify the foundation of the United States government. He is also considered a key, yet unsung, contributor to the U.S. Constitution. The interactive historical site takes visitors through a portion of 715-acre Snee Farm, Pinckney's plantation, providing an introspective glance into his life and the climate of the country. The park also features a Gullah heritage celebration, and film series in February and March.
The Mercer Museum is a six-story castle constructed of concrete by Henry C. Mercer to house and exhibit his collection of everyday objects from the mid-19th Century. Many objects, such as a whaling boat, stagecoach and Conestoga wagon, are suspended from the ceiling of the castle's central atrium, having been delibertly hung per Mercer's direction, to force visitors to view these objects in a new and different way. Museum patrons can view themed display rooms as they walk around on each floor, showing items such as tools of a hatmaker, shoemaker, confectionary and healing arts. Mercer purchased most of his collection prior to his death in 1930. His mission was to preserve the tools of the past which were quickly becoming obsolete by the Industrial Revolution. Through donations, the museum is still collecting today. In fact, items which are now obsolete in the 21st Century, such as an 8-track cassette tape and a black rotary telephone, are on also display. Construction of a "New Century Expansion" is scheduled to be completed in 2011. Childrens activities such as scavenger hunts are available throughout the museum. They include searching for the concrete pawprints of Rollo the dog, and the "Animals on the Loose" exhibit on the fifth floor. The Mercer Museum is neither heated nor air conditioned. Although the concrete construction helps to moderate temperature extremes, visitors are advised to dress accordingly. Much of the museum is accessible via elevator, however, there are some rooms which can only be reached by using the stairs. The museum is administered by the Bucks County Historical Society, which also oversees the Fonthill Museum. Combination tickets for both the Mercer and Fonthill Museums are available. Private events are catered by Memorable Affairs of nearby Hartsville, PA.
Built in 1863, the old adobe Bancroft Ranch House stands as a one of only two local sites that has both National and State historical landmark status. The house was built by Judge Augustus S. Ensworth, who served as Justice of the Peace in San Diego in 1856. In 1865, he sold the house and the property to Rufus King Porter for $400. In 1885, Porter sold the property to Hubert H. Bancroft for $8,000. Bancroft was a famous writer and publisher of historical books, writing a total of 39 volumes about western North America. He lived at the ranch house, which bears his name, from 1885 until his death in 1918.
In March of 1963, the house became a museum and continues to be filled with artifacts, historical documents and photographs. The museum serves as the home for the Spring Valley Historical Society. Those interested in becoming members may contact Carol Serr at 619-469-1480. Membership levels include individual, family, corporate, student, and lifetime.
The caretaker of the museum is Jim Van Meter.
