AIKEN ---How should Savannah River Site's past be remembered?
That's the question some Aiken city officials have been asking amid discussions of a museum being established at SRS and possibly a location in downtown Aiken to spotlight the plant's history.
The Aiken County Historical Museum already has displays touting SRS' history, recently expanding such offerings from one room to 21/2.
The exhibit explains why the plant was built, what effect it's had on the area and details current operations, said Mary White, an assistant director of the historical museum.
Aiken City Council members discussed during their most recent board meeting the idea of SRS constructing a museum at the site. Some members also want another, smaller location dedicated to SRS history along the city's tourism corridor downtown, between the planned African American Cultural Center and the under-construction Aiken Railroad Depot.
But Mayor Fred Cavanaugh told council members that a potential downtown site is only in the preliminary discussion stage. He said there's uncertainty about the demand for a site separate from the county's museum.
Most, though, seem to agree that a museum at SRS is needed.
"There certainly should be a museum on site," councilman Dick Dewar said.
Added Councilwoman Jane Vaughters, "It (SRS) is crucial to the history of this town."
The idea of a downtown Aiken location featuring SRS history was also brought up recently at the Aiken Corporation's executive committee. J.W. Joseph, the executive director of the SRS Heritage Foundation, which is involved in the potential museum, said it would be premature for him to comment on any plans.
Carla Cloud, the executive director of the Aiken Downtown Development Association, said she's aware of discussions and "we are excited about the possibilities."
Mrs. White said she's heard about a "heritage museum" being planned at SRS.
"They've been given the building to do it, and it's just a matter of getting all those ducks in a row and getting the money to do it," she said.
Some council members have asked whether a downtown presence could be achieved with expansion of the historical museum's offerings, but Mrs. White said there isn't any more room.
She said the latest expansion includes items such as photographs, letters, old signs and helmets. She said the museum's previous SRS display was very technical, adding that the revised version "kind of simplified it but expanded it as far as the information."
Reach Preston Sparks at (803) 648-1395, ext. 110, or preston.sparks@augustachronicle.com.
The Augusta Chronicle ©2012. All Rights Reserved.
