The exhibits inside rely heavily on text and reproduced images; there are a few artifacts, but the museum doesn't yet seem to have an extensive collection.
The museum does add to the immediacy and engagement of the historical space with a collection of audio recordings of interviews with former slaves gathered during the Depression. At the entrance, visitors can hear the actual voice of Elijah Green, a former slave, describing his early life. A listening station further within the entry room gives visitors a selection of additional interviews on sets of headphones.
While the exhibits are of necessity a bit cramped, and the reproduced images are often repeated throughout, an interesting theme does emerge as the museum explores the ways in which slaves found means to establish agency within the very narrow space available for self-determination. The personal interviews provide one example of this. Another exhibit describes the tactics used to negotiate whatever terms possible to find the best possible "situation"--perhaps by the threat of spoiling a sale or a price, for example.
The second story of the museum featured an exhibit titled "Lest We Forget," and featured posters and information on daily life for enslaved people, including material on religion and family life.
Since there is only one public entrance/exit for the museum, visitors walk through the area dedicated to the book shop on the way in and again on the way out. Space was at a premium, so there was not an extensive area, but there was a selection of books and historical materials available.
From the National Park Service website:
The Old Slave Mart Museum is located at 6 Chalmers St. It is owned by the City of Charleston and is open Monday-Saturday, 9:00am to 5:00pm. Call 843-958-6467 for information. Admission fees are charged.
