Beyond Halloween Land: Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas

Beyond Halloween Land : Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before ChristmasOctober 18, 2025 – March 1, 2026 Just in time for the holidays, the Upcountry History Museum, a Smithsonian Affiliate, will present an exhibition dedicated to Filmmaker Tim Burton. Beyond Halloween Land ......More

Beyond Halloween Land : Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before ChristmasOctober 18, 2025 – March 1, 2026 Just in time for the holidays, the Upcountry History Museum, a Smithsonian Affiliate, will present an exhibition dedicated to Filmmaker Tim Burton. Beyond Halloween Land | Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas will offer visitors a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the enchanting world of the iconic 1993 stop-action animated film by showcasing a carefully curated collection of models and original artwork used to bring the beloved film to life. The Nightmare Before Christmas originated from a poem written by Burton in 1982 while he was working as an animator at Walt Disney Productions. Burton then began to consider developing the poem into a short film or a half-hour television special, to no avail. Over the years his thoughts regularly returned to the project and in 1990, he made a development deal with Walt Disney Studios. The project’s production started in July 1991. Made before the era of computer generated imagery, Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas used 109,490 photographs for the labor-intensive stop animation process. Released on October 29, 1993, the film was met with commercial and critical success, earning praise for its animation, particularly the innovation of stop-motion as an art form, as well as its characters, songs, and score. In the 30+ years since its release, the film’s creepy holiday magic remains contagious. Now deemed an “annual must-see Christmas classic”, the beloved film tells the story of Jack Skellington, the King of “Halloween Town”, who stumbles upon “Christmas Town” and schemes to take over the holiday, which includes kidnapping Santa Claus. Jack’s plans go awry causing him to state “I’m afraid I’ve made a terrible mess of your holiday” to Santa, and to undoing the chaos that has been created. In return Santa assures Jack that there are no hard feelings between them and brings a snowfall to “Halloween Town”, thereby bringing the Christmas spirit to the town. Organized by the Upcountry History Museum in partnership with private collectors, the exhibition will invite visitors to reconnect with the endearing yet quirky characters from Burton’s iconic The Nightmare Before Christmas, such as Oogie Boogie, Bone Crusher, Sally, Dr. Finkelstein, and the beloved hero Jack Skellington. The exhibit will weave together maquettes originally crafted for Burton’s iconic film, and an array of artworks, inviting visitors to embark on their own imaginative journeys into the realms of fantasy.   Support provided by      

Neighborhood Night

Access for All!UHM is open on the first Thursday evening of select months throughout 2026.  The Museum operates with the firm belief that its exhibits, events, and programming should be accessible to all, regardless of cultural, ethnic, geographic, or socioeconomic diff......More

Access for All!UHM is open on the first Thursday evening of select months throughout 2026.  The Museum operates with the firm belief that its exhibits, events, and programming should be accessible to all, regardless of cultural, ethnic, geographic, or socioeconomic differences. The Neighborhood Night initiative, introduced in 2015,  provides free access to educational programming for underserved children, families, and adults.    WHEN: Thursday, February 5th | 5:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. WHERE: Upcountry History Museum HOW: Drop in to explore the Museum and its changing exhibitions. No registration is required. WHY:   Neighborhood Nights demonstrate the Museum’s commitment to accessibility, regardless of economic constraints by providing full access to the Museum’s diverse exhibitions. COST: FREE! QUESTIONS: Call (864)467-3100 or email [email protected]

Connections Café - The History of the Piedmont Blues

Connections Café is a monthly program in partnership with the Alzheimer’s Association for individuals living with early-stage Alzheimer’s or dementia. Programs vary each month but usually include a short meeting with updates from the Alzheimer’s Association, a tour of a......More

Connections Café is a monthly program in partnership with the Alzheimer’s Association for individuals living with early-stage Alzheimer’s or dementia. Programs vary each month but usually include a short meeting with updates from the Alzheimer’s Association, a tour of a Museum exhibition, and a hands-on activity time in the classroom.Connections Café meets the second Thursday of each month at 2:00 p.m. Admission is free for all participants and caregivers.     February 12, 2026 | 2:00 p.m.Join us on February 12th to explore the history of the Piedmont Blues.    Connections Café is generously sponsored by:    

Sitting for Justice - The Montgomery Bus Boycott

Sitting for Justice – The Montgomery Bus Boycott: Drawings by Harvey Dinnerstein and Burton SilvermanFebruary 14, 2026 – June 7, 2026   In March of 1956, two young artists, Harvey Dinnerstein and Burt Silverman, embarked on a journey to record history in the making. Tog......More

Sitting for Justice – The Montgomery Bus Boycott: Drawings by Harvey Dinnerstein and Burton SilvermanFebruary 14, 2026 – June 7, 2026   In March of 1956, two young artists, Harvey Dinnerstein and Burt Silverman, embarked on a journey to record history in the making. Together, they traveled from New York City to Montgomery, Alabama, to document, through their drawings, ordinary people engaged in a mighty endeavor, a demonstration of civil disobedience which came to be known as theMontgomery Bus Boycott. What began as a local phenomenon received widespread national and international attention, serving as a catalyst for the Civil Rights Movement. The Boycott, according to the artists, was “a struggle that went beyond specific issues of segregation in buses, to address larger concerns of inequality across the nation.” During their time in Montgomery, Dinnerstein and Silverman created more than 90 drawings from courtroom scenes to church meetings to portraits of those who chose, according to the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., to “walk in dignity rather than ride in humiliation.” The Upcountry History Museum, in partnership with the Delaware Art Museum, will present a selection of 30 of these rarely exhibited or published sketches, in an exhibition commemorating the 70th Anniversary of the Montgomery Bus Boycott. The exhibition traces the artists observations of this event in American history that began with the arrest of Rosa Parks on charges of disorderly conduct on Dec. 1, 1955, when she refused to give up her seat on a public bus to a white man. As a result, the African American community was galvanized to action and the Montgomery Improvement Association was formed, with the 26-year-old Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., as president. The Association filed a suit in federal court on behalf of those discriminated against by the bus service. In 1956, the federal court ruled in favor of the Association and declared segregated bus service unconstitutional. After an appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court, the boycott finally ended on December 20, 1956, when the high court ordered Montgomery to integrate its bus system. Dinnerstein and Silverman drew Montgomery’s African American citizens walking and carpooling, listening to speeches by community leaders and civil rights activists, and participating in the trial that challenged the segregation of public transportation. The exhibition features their drawings, ranging from expressive portraits to impassioned courtroom drama, and captures the spectrum of actions and emotions that marked the boycott as a turning point in the struggle for civil rights.   Support provided by      

Battleground Carolina: The Snow Campaign of 1775

A 10-month lecture series meeting on the first Tuesday at 5:30 PM of the listed months below.*NOTE: The February 3rd program is rescheduled to February 17th   Join historian Durant Ashmore in an engaging lecture series that explores the American Revolutionary War throug......More

A 10-month lecture series meeting on the first Tuesday at 5:30 PM of the listed months below.*NOTE: The February 3rd program is rescheduled to February 17th   Join historian Durant Ashmore in an engaging lecture series that explores the American Revolutionary War through the lens of South Carolina’s Backcountry, a region whose people, terrain, and battles played a critical role in the struggle for independence. While often overshadowed by events in the northern colonies, the Backcountry was a contested and volatile landscape where Loyalists, Patriots, and British forces clashed in brutal and decisive engagements. Drawing on primary sources, battlefield archaeology, and recent scholarship, Durant Ashmore will examine key battles of the Backcountry, the leaders and dedicated militia who fought them, and the civilian populations often caught in the middle. The series will highlight how guerrilla warfare, local loyalties, and geographic factors shaped the course of the war in South Carolina, ultimately and directly influencing the outcome of the Revolution.   January 6  |  February 17  |  March 3  |  April 7  |  May 5  |  June 2  |  August 4  |  September 1  |  October 6  |  November 3   Lecture #2 – February 17 : The Snow Campaign of 1775  RESERVATIONS ARE REQUIRED.

Lunchbox Learning

The Super Highway in Upstate South Carolina Presented by William “Lynn” Duncan & Scott WinthrowCompleted in 1946, U.S. Highway 29 was a groundbreaking development for the Upstate region of South Carolina, linking Greenville and Spartanburg with what was then considered ......More

The Super Highway in Upstate South Carolina Presented by William “Lynn” Duncan & Scott WinthrowCompleted in 1946, U.S. Highway 29 was a groundbreaking development for the Upstate region of South Carolina, linking Greenville and Spartanburg with what was then considered a state-of-the-art roadway. The highway cuts a winding path through Piedmont, bringing with it not only improved transportation but also significant economic and social change. Over time, the corridor became home to thriving businesses, shaping a new landscape and helping define the modern identity of the region. Along this route, figures like J. Harley Bonds left lasting marks through his leadership in education and desegregation efforts. In this presentation, authors William “Lynn” Duncan and Scott Withrow delve into the rich history of this transformative highway, highlighting the people, places, and stories that have traveled its path over the decades. William “Lynn” Duncan grew up in Travelers Rest, South Carolina, and spent forty-one years as an educator with the Greenville County School District. A passionate historian, he is a member of the Circus Historical Society and teaches courses on circus history through the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at Furman University. He is the editor of ten oral history books, including South Carolina Remembers World War II (1995), and brings a deep love of regional history to his work. Scott Withrow, a native of Western North Carolina, is a retired educator and park ranger. He continues to pursue his interests in hiking, gardening, photography, drawing, writing, and travel. Active in local history, he volunteers with the Greer Heritage Museum and teaches history courses through OLLI at Furman University. With a shared passion for uncovering the stories of the Upstate, Withrow and Duncan bring history to life through engaging storytelling and meticulous research. Lunchbox Learning is generously sponsored by:

Upcountry History Museum, 540 Buncombe Street, Greenville, SC, 29601, United States

Homeschool Day - Sitting for Justice: The Montgomery Bus Boycott

Sitting for Justice – The Montgomery Bus Boycott: Drawings by Harvey Dinnerstein and Burton Silverman What began as a local phenomenon, the Montgomery Bus Boycott, received widespread national and international attention. The exhibition features their drawings, ranging ......More

Sitting for Justice – The Montgomery Bus Boycott: Drawings by Harvey Dinnerstein and Burton Silverman What began as a local phenomenon, the Montgomery Bus Boycott, received widespread national and international attention. The exhibition features their drawings, ranging from expressive portraits to impassioned courtroom drama, and captures the spectrum of actions and emotions that marked the boycott as a turning point in the struggle for civil rights. Children will learn about the history of the Civil Rights Movement and key figures during that time like Rosa Parks.   WHEN: Friday, February 27th | 2:00 p.m.   WHERE: Upcountry History Museum   HOW: February’s Homeschool Day is open to children in 1st-12th grade   COST: $11 per student & $14 per adult   UHM MEMBERS COST: $7 per student & Adults are FREE      

Battleground Carolina: The Cherokee War of 1776

A 10-month lecture series meeting on the first Tuesday at 5:30 PM of the listed months below.  Join historian Durant Ashmore in an engaging lecture series that explores the American Revolutionary War through the lens of South Carolina’s Backcountry, a region whose peopl......More

A 10-month lecture series meeting on the first Tuesday at 5:30 PM of the listed months below.  Join historian Durant Ashmore in an engaging lecture series that explores the American Revolutionary War through the lens of South Carolina’s Backcountry, a region whose people, terrain, and battles played a critical role in the struggle for independence. While often overshadowed by events in the northern colonies, the Backcountry was a contested and volatile landscape where Loyalists, Patriots, and British forces clashed in brutal and decisive engagements. Drawing on primary sources, battlefield archaeology, and recent scholarship, Durant Ashmore will examine key battles of the Backcountry, the leaders and dedicated militia who fought them, and the civilian populations often caught in the middle. The series will highlight how guerrilla warfare, local loyalties, and geographic factors shaped the course of the war in South Carolina, ultimately and directly influencing the outcome of the Revolution.   January 6  |  February 3  |  March 3  |  April 7  |  May 5  |  June 2  |  August 4  |  September 1  |  October 6  |  November 3   Lecture #3 – March 3 : The Cherokee War of 1776  RESERVATIONS ARE REQUIRED.

Connections Café - Sitting for Justice: The Montgomery Bus Boycott

Connections Café is a monthly program in partnership with the Alzheimer’s Association for individuals living with early-stage Alzheimer’s or dementia. Programs vary each month but usually include a short meeting with updates from the Alzheimer’s Association, a tour of a......More

Connections Café is a monthly program in partnership with the Alzheimer’s Association for individuals living with early-stage Alzheimer’s or dementia. Programs vary each month but usually include a short meeting with updates from the Alzheimer’s Association, a tour of a Museum exhibition, and a hands-on activity time in the classroom.Connections Café meets the second Thursday of each month at 2:00 p.m. Admission is free for all participants and caregivers.     March 12, 2026 | 2:00 p.m.Join us on March 12th to explore Sitting for Justice – The Montgomery Bus Boycott: Drawings by Harvey Dinnerstein and Burton Silverman.    Connections Café is generously sponsored by:    

Homeschool Day - The Art of Warner Bros. Cartoons

The Art of Warner Bros. CartoonsThe Art Of Warner Bros. Cartoons, an international traveling exhibition, includes 160 objects and film clips that invite visitors of all ages to explore the history of the legendary Warner Bros. animation studio. Children will explore the......More

The Art of Warner Bros. CartoonsThe Art Of Warner Bros. Cartoons, an international traveling exhibition, includes 160 objects and film clips that invite visitors of all ages to explore the history of the legendary Warner Bros. animation studio. Children will explore the process that went into the making of the classic Warner Bros. cartoons. The exhibition includes original production artwork, including drawings, paintings, and transparent celluloids used to create some of Warner Studios’ classic cartoon shorts from their 1930 debut through the early 1960s.   WHEN: Friday, March 27th | 2:00 p.m.   WHERE: Upcountry History Museum   HOW: March’s Homeschool Day is open to children in 1st-12th grade   COST: $11 per student & $14 per adult   UHM MEMBERS COST: $7 per student & Adults are FREE