About the legendary president of Morehouse College from 1940-1967 who mentored Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and served as a trusted advisor to three US presidents; one of the most distinguished Americans of the 20th century.
The Benjamin E. Mays Historic Preservation Site contains Dr. Mays' birth home which was rescued from its original location in Epworth in southeast Greenwood County and furnished with period furniture circa 1900. In addition, there is a barn-like structure that serves as as modern museum and theater. The museum chronologically displays Dr. Mays' long life in photographs and wall narrative and contains a large collection of his books, writings, films, speeches, and personal items. The theater holds about 50 people and can be used as a conference room as well as a theater to play two documentary films about the life of Dr. Mays and many of his CD audio speeches. The third building on site is the original Burns Springs one room African-American school that was originally located in Epworth. The yard surrounding the home site is reminiscent of a 1900 era sharecropper homestead that includes a cedar post clothes line, wash pot with rinsing tubs, chopping block, tree swing, old well, an original outhouse, and a family garden. The homestead is accented with a cotton field. There are picnic tables under a large oak tree nearby and ample parking is available, as well as sidewalks to all of the buildings. The house and musuem are accessible by the handicapped. Tours can be booked by appointment by calling 864-229-8801.
