SOUTH CAROLINA'S SERENGETI: CONNECTING PALMETTO STATE RESIDENTS TO THEIR PLEISTOCENE PAST

There has not been a physical connection between Africa and South Carolina for over 250 million years. However, an ecological connection existed less than 20,000 years ago. The megafauna of the South Carolina Pleistocene was remarkably similar to that of present-day Africa. This concept is being considered for a large-scale exhibition at the Museum of York County, where a extraordinary collection of mounted African animals will be juxtaposed to fully-mounted repesentatives of the Palmetto State's Pleistocene fauna. A dual award-winning preview exhibit suggested that museum visitors were eager for a deeper exploration into our prehistoric past and global connections. At this time, we are seeking input on the proposed exhibit from those familiar with South Carolina's geologic history, such as members of the amateur and professional paleontological community.