Sumter military museum continues to gather treasures awaiting new building groundbreaking

One can't help but notice the sheer amount of artifacts of all shapes and sizes inside the Sumter Military Museum upon walking in the door.

From flags flown overseas during various wars and above the U.S. Capitol building to countless medals, uniforms, pictures and much more, they all tell the story of the American armed forces through the years. It's an impressive amount of items displayed in a relatively small room.

However, museum curator Sammy Way says what's on display is only part of what he's gathered. New additions come in frequently with donors wanting to honor the lives and legacies of family members and friends. Many have connections to Sumter, Shaw Air Force Base or South Carolina, and some do not. Way accepts it all regardless. He also emphasizes people can have their belongings back at any time if they so desire.

"This is a place of honor," he said. "People want places to put their loved ones' memories. "It is to show [them] the nation respects and loves and appreciates your service."

Recently, numerous items belonging to Col. Bobby Bagley were given to the museum. Col. Bagley, a Vietnam War pilot, was a prisoner of war for five-and-a-half years in Hanoi before being liberated. Among many of his belongings, more than 10 of Bagley's military medals were donated, most notably two Silver Stars and two Purple Hearts - awards given for valor in combat as well as to those who have been wounded or killed in combat, respectively.

"This is some of the rarest stuff you'll find," Way said of Bagley's prison-worn clothes, among other items, as he expressed his honor to house Bagley's Purple Hearts and other belongings.

The Purple Heart is the nation's oldest military medal, created by Gen. George Washington in 1782 as a way to show appreciation for his soldiers' sacrifices. Originating as the "Badge of Military Merit," it evolved into its modern form by Gen. Douglas MacArthur in 1932.

As Way sifts through Bagley's collection pieces and begins to catalog them, more information will become available.

In addition, the Sumter Military Museum also recently acquired Maj. Gen. George Lafayette Mabry Jr.'s Medal of Honor that will be on display permanently in the museum's new building set to break ground soon.

The new $23 million building, totaling 3.75 acres at 122 N. Washington St. and 201 W. Hampton Ave., will be roughly 30,000 feet and have dedicated exhibit spaces as well as a research center.

The larger space is more than 20 years in the making, according to Way, who began his passion project of running the museum decades ago and educating the public on military history.

"This is a house of treasures. All the uniforms, memorabilia, all this stuff belongs to history. It doesn't belong to me," he said. "I do this because it's my passion. I think as a human being and as an American, it's my responsibility."

He added on running the museum, "This to me is an honor. I have been chosen, whether it's by the Lord or whether it's the city."

The museum at 129 S. Harvin St. is usually open on Tuesday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Wednesday and Thursday noon to 4 p.m., Friday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday from 1 to 4 p.m., or by special request.

Way can be contacted at (803) 983-8946 regarding donations or museum visits.