Cloudy Start Gives Way to Exciting New Exhibit in Greenwood
Greenwood, SC – The skies might have begun the day with clouds, but there’s a bright spot right here in town. This morning’s cloudy skies will become partly cloudy this afternoon, with just a slight chance of a rain shower. It’s shaping up to be a pleasant day with temperatures reaching a high around 80°F and a gentle southwest wind blowing at 5 to 10 mph. Later tonight, you can expect partly cloudy skies again with another slight chance of a rain shower, as temperatures dip down to a low of 63°F with light and variable winds.
But enough about the weather, let’s talk about an event set to bring the community together. If you’re looking for something special to do this fall, The Museum of Greenwood has a treat in store. The museum is unveiling a new exhibit on October 4th that promises to be both educational and heartwarming. The exhibit, titled “Connie Maxwell’s Calling and Story: Past, Present and Future,” invites everyone to step back in time and explore the incredible journey of Connie Maxwell Children’s Ministries.
Marion Smith, the exhibits coordinator at The Museum of Greenwood, explains, “We have some wonderful black and white photos from the past for this exhibit, detailing children at play and work on the farm or in the print shop. From farm implements to a football helmet and letter jacket, there is some wonderful memorabilia. Children are at the heart of the story because that is what the ministry is all about.”
A Legacy of Love and Service
Established in Greenwood in 1892 by Dr. J.C. Maxwell and his wife, Sarah, Connie Maxwell Children’s Ministries started with a poignant story. The couple wanted to honor the legacy of their daughter, Constance Pope or “Connie,” their only child to survive infancy. Tragically, Connie passed away at a young age from scarlet fever, but her spirit lives on through the work of this remarkable organization. The Maxwells deeded 470 acres west of Greenwood and willed almost all of their personal property to create what would become Connie Maxwell Orphanage.
Now known as Connie Maxwell Children’s Ministries, the organization has been a beacon of hope in the community, providing residential care, crisis care, foster care, and family care to children and families in difficult situations. The exhibit sets out to share personal stories of those who have lived at Connie Maxwell or served as cottage house parents, bringing a real human touch to the organization’s historical timeline.
Looking Ahead with “Decade of Dreams”
Smith shares that Connie Maxwell has big plans for the future under their strategic plan, named “Decade of Dreams.” This plan aims to build on the organization’s long-standing commitment to helping vulnerable children and families by expanding and enhancing their services. While the details of these plans are still unfolding, one thing is clear: Connie Maxwell is dedicated to making a lasting positive impact on the lives of many.
“Connie Maxwell serves this community and it’s essentially in our backyard,” says Smith. “The public may be familiar with the organization’s annual Christmas Lights or the corn maze in the fall, but they have positively affected the lives of many.”
If you’re interested in learning more about Connie Maxwell’s rich history and its ongoing mission, don’t miss the exhibit at The Museum of Greenwood. Admission to the opening event on October 4th is free, and doors will be open from 5 to 6:30 p.m. This exhibit will be on view through December, so there’s plenty of time to visit and immerse yourself in the story of Connie Maxwell Children’s Ministries.
So, as the clouds part and the sun begins to shine again over Greenwood this afternoon, take some time to reflect on the wonderful work happening right in our community. And why not make plans to be part of this inspiring story by visiting the museum next month?
