Downtown Gaffney, SC
Let’s create a discovery center of national significance
The National Park Service recognizes that the City of Gaffney, with its unique history and central location between Cowpens National Battlefield and Kings Mountain State Park, serves a vital role in telling the story of the Southern Campaign of the American Revolution.
The Revolutionary War Discovery Center will be a nationally significant, heritage tourism destination. It will serve as a major catalyst for economic development in Cherokee County and will further promote Main Street revitalization in downtown Gaffney.
The Historic Carnegie Library building in Downtown Gaffney, SC, will be preserved and repurposed to house the first ever Revolutionary War Discovery Center.
MAIN ENTRANCE / RECEPTION AREA
MUSTER GROUNDS
RENDEVOUS TO LEARN
The Discovery Center’s entrance way and reception area requires one of the most significant structural changes proposed to the building. Nearly half of the front top floor will be removed providing for a gangway with views of the “Battle Room” floor below. The open floor concept will peak visitor interest and serve as a warm welcome.
The gangway and “muster grounds” reception area will provide needed space to organize and orient school groups. The floor will also provide access to an ADA accessible elevator and stair system.
IMMERSIVE STORYTELLING
EXPERIENCE ROOM
IMMERSE. INTERACT. LEARN.
The Immersive Experience Storytelling room is anchored by a 40’ x 10’ LED wall. Other hardware features include iPad kiosks, motion activated controllers, surround sound, and remote audio switching.
Here, users will interact with the characters and environment of the Southern Campaign through state-ofthe- art 3D video technology. The Revolutionary War Discovery Center will produce custom short films (3-5 minutes) about key characters and places that tell the story of our nation’s freedom. Motion activated controllers will allow participants to control the 3D view area within the video environment.
This multi-purpose space will accommodate both small and large groups. The large screen can remain viewable in its entirety or be divided and provide for a custom experience for different users.
Each year the Discovery Center will produce new films to not only increase the Center’s storytelling library, but also increase return visitation rates. A special curriculum will be developed for middle school students, emphasizing key concepts communicated through each film.
ARTIFACTS GALLERY
BATTLE ROOM
THE SOUTHERN CAMPAIGN ON DISPLAY
The Battle Room Gallery is located in the front half of the lower level; it’s the exposed room situated below the entrance gangway. The room is accessed via stairs or elevator.
This quaint gallery will display exceptional artifacts of the Southern Campaign. Contents within the glass enclosures will help tell stories of America’s earliest patriots. Other features include life-sized historic artifacts and artistic wall murals that portray the essence of specific Southern Campaign battles.
The open floor space provides an opportunity to host small receptions and gatherings.
BOBBY G. MOSS
LIVING HISTORY ROOM
THE COLLECTION LIVES ON
Located in the rear section of the lower lever, the Living History room is dedicated to the late Bobby G. Moss, a renowned local historian whose work has unveiled much concerning the men and families of the patriot militia, loyalists, and British forces.
The Living History room will feature elements of the Bobby G. Moss collection, which includes artifacts and letters associated with Revolutionary War soldiers. The room is anchored by state-of-the-art, table-high touch screens that provide an interactive guide to the Southern Campaign. A small stage and seating area will provide an opportunity for student gatherings or reception entertainment.
A sliding partition between the Living History room and Battle Room will provide flexibility. Close the partition to isolate groups or programs. With the partition opened, the two rooms create a larger gallery appropriate for receptions.
ADDITIONAL VIEWS
TELLING THE STORY
KEEPING THE STORY ALIVE
A brand platform and visual brand will inform marketing materials, building architecture, interior design, and display development. Messaging must support the Discovery Center’s unique value proposition and the broader City of Gaffney brand.
This phase will also include the creation of digital content to support the Immersive Storytelling Experience and the Living History room’s interactive touch-screen tables. The scope of work associated with these elements is significant, including historical research, storytelling, video production, and software and hardware development. In addition, the physical displays will need to be developed for the Battle Room and other locations throughout the Revolutionary War Discovery Center.
